Roll20 Guide: How to Use the Virtual Tabletop for Online RPGs

Introduction: What is Roll20?

Roll20 is a browser-based virtual tabletop (VTT) app designed for playing tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and many more—completely online. With a robust set of tools for maps, dice rolls, character sheets, and audio/video chat, Roll20 enables players and game masters (GMs) to connect across the globe.

What You Need:

• A free Roll20 account (sign up at roll20.net)

• A desktop or laptop computer with an updated browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended)

• Optional: a mic and webcam for voice/video chat.

Why Choose Roll20?

•  No downloads – runs entirely in your browser

•  Built-in video & voice chat

•  Supports a wide range of RPG systems

•  Marketplace for pre-built adventures & assets

•  Easy character sheet integration

•  Dynamic Lighting (Pro Feature)

Text chat with roll support

Voice and video chat

• Dynamic Lighting (Pro users): Make vision and lighting more immersive
• API Scripts (Pro users): Automate gameplay like initiative trackers or custom spells
• Go to the Art Library
• Drag and drop image files (JPG, PNG)
• Add tokens for characters, enemies, or scenery
• Typing into chat: /roll 1d20+5
• Using your character sheet’s roll buttons
• Map/Canvas Area: This is where tokens and maps are placed
• Sidebar Tabs: Chat, Characters, Journal, Handouts, etc.
• Toolbar: For drawing, measuring, pinging, and moving tokens
• If you’re the GM, you can create or assign character sheets
• If you’re a player, click on your character’s name to open the sheet
• Fill in your stats, spells, equipment, etc.
• Click the invite link your Game Master sends you
• Accept the invitation
• Visit roll20.net
• Click Sign Up

Register using your email or Google account

Confirm your email address if promptedYou’ll be redirected to the virtual tabletopUse the “&{template:default}” or built-in buttons to roll dice directly from your sheetChat Box: Type messages or dice rolls like /roll 1d20+3Creating macros for common actions (in the Collections tab)Layer tools let you move objects to Map, Token, or GM layerMarketplace Add-Ons: Purchase pre-built modules and token packsOr you can use external tools like Discord

Step 1: Create a Roll20 Account

• Visit roll20.net

• Click Sign Up

• Register using your email or Google account

• Confirm your email address if prompted

Step 2: Start or Join a Game

Option A: Start Your Own Game (as GM)

1. Click “Create New Game”

2. Name your game

3. Choose a game system (e.g., D&D 5E, Pathfinder, etc.)

4. Select a character sheet template

5. Click Create Game

Option B: Join a Friend’s Game (as Player

Step 3: Set Up Character

• If you’re the GM, you can create or assign character sheets

• If you’re a player, click on your character’s name to open the sheet

• Fill in your stats, spells, equipment, etc.

• Use the “&{template:default}” or built-in buttons to roll dice directly from your sheet

Step 4: Explore the Virtual Tabletop

Once inside the game, you’ll see the VTT interface:

• Map/Canvas Area: This is where tokens and maps are placed

• Sidebar Tabs: Chat, Characters, Journal, Handouts, etc.

• Toolbar: For drawing, measuring, pinging, and moving tokens

• Chat Box: Type messages or dice rolls like /roll 1d20+3

Step 5: Use Dice Rolls

You can roll dice by:

• Typing into chat: /roll 1d20+5

• Using your character sheet’s roll buttons

• Creating macros for common actions (in the Collections tab)

Step 6: Upload Maps and Tokens (For GMs

• Go to the Art Library

• Drag and drop image files (JPG, PNG)

• Add tokens for characters, enemies, or scenery

• Layer tools let you move objects to Map, Token, or GM layer

Step 7: Customize Your Gam

• Dynamic Lighting (Pro users): Make vision and lighting more immersive

• API Scripts (Pro users): Automate gameplay like initiative trackers or custom spells

• Marketplace Add-Ons: Purchase pre-built modules and token packs

Step 8: Communicate

Roll20 includes:

• Text chat with roll support

• Voice and video chat

• Or you can use external tools like Discord

Bonus Tips for Beginners

• Save often! Use journal entries to store notes.

• Practice using the interface before game night.

• Ask your GM or the Roll20 forums if you get stuck.

• Use Zooming Tools and Layers for better map control.

• Use the Help Center: help.roll20.net

What You Can

• Role	You Can
  Player	Create and manage characters, roll dice, explore maps, interact with NPCs
  GM	Build campaigns, upload maps, create NPCs, manage combat, use fog of war
  Both	Chat, roleplay, participate in game sessions anywhere

Key Features 

Dice Rolling Engine

Roll20 features a powerful dice roller that supports custom rolls, macros, and complex formulas. Perfect for handling critical hits, modifiers, and advantage/disadvantage.

Interactive Maps & Tokens

Upload your own maps or use ones from the Roll20 Marketplace. Place and move tokens to represent players and NPCs.

Character Sheets

Pre-built templates for popular systems like D&D 5e, Pathfinder, and more. Track HP, stats, spells, and inventory in real time.

Dynamic Lighting (Pro Feature)

Create immersive environments with realistic light and shadow effects. Tokens can only “see” what’s visible based on their light source and vision range.

Integrated Chat & Video

Communicate with your party using built-in text chat, voice, and video conferencing, or integrate with Discord or Zoom.

Marketplace

Access a massive library of official adventures, token packs, music, and add-ons from top publishers like Wizards of the Coast and Paizo.

How to Use: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a Free Account

Go to roll20.net and sign up with your email or Google account.

2. Start or Join a Game

Create your own game as a GM or join a friend’s campaign via invite. You can also find public games via the Join a Game tool.

3. Set Up the Game

Choose a system (e.g., D&D 5e), upload maps, add character sheets, and drag in NPCs or monsters.

4. Invite Players

Send invite links to your friends. You can manage player permissions easily through the game settings.

5. Play!

Use the VTT interface to move tokens, roll dice, manage initiative, and roleplay your campaign.

Roll20 for Game Masters (GMs)

• Build entire campaigns with linked handouts, journal entries, and player tokens.

• Prepare dynamic maps and fog of war features.

• Use APIs and custom scripts (with Pro subscription) to automate gameplay.

Roll20 for Players

• Manage your character sheets easily

• Use quick roll macros

• Interact with maps, NPCs, and other players

• Collaborate in real time with voice/video

Subscription Plans

What Is a Virtual Tabletop (VTT) for D&D?

A Virtual Tabletop is an online platform that simulates the experience of playing tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) with maps, dice, tokens, and chat—completely over the internet.

Popular VTT platforms include:

• Roll20

• Foundry VTT

• Fantasy Grounds

• Tabletop Simulator

• D&D Beyond (with Avrae bot for Discord)

These platforms let players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) run immersive campaigns online with friends around the world.

Key Features of a Virtual Tabletop

Best VTT Platforms for D&D 5e

1. Roll20

• Browser-based, no download required

• Free to use with optional premium upgrades

• Supports D&D 5e with prebuilt character sheets

• Dynamic lighting (Pro users)

2. Foundry VTT

• Requires a one-time license fee

• Installed on your own server or hosted via third-party services

• Extremely customizable, with tons of community modules

• Excellent support for automation, lighting, and maps

3. Fantasy Grounds

• Downloadable app with built-in rulesets and modules

• Rich automation for D&D 5e combat

• Less user-friendly, but very powerful for serious DMs

4. Tabletop Simulator

• More like a physics sandbox for board games

• Requires manual setup

• Ideal for visual or freeform play, but less automation

5. D&D Beyond + Avrae (Discord Bot)

• Character sheets and rules on D&D Beyond

• Avrae bot allows for dice rolls and character integration in Discord

How to Play D&D on a Virtual Tabletop (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose a VTT Platform

Pick a platform like Roll20 for simplicity or Foundry for power users.

2. Set Up Your Campaign

As the DM, create a new game session and:

• Upload maps

• Add NPCs/monsters

• Create or import character sheets

3. Invite Players

Send game invites or links to your players. They join through browser or app.

4. Use the Tools

Use tokens, initiative trackers, map layers, and macros to manage the session.

5. Roleplay & Roll Dice

Use text, voice, or video to narrate actions. Roll dice directly in the VTT chat or use buttons on your character sheet.

Resources to Enhance Your VTT D&D Experience

• D&D Beyond – for managing characters and digital books

• Owlbear Rodeo – a simple, quick map-sharing tool

• Donjon.bin.sh – for random dungeons, encounters, and loot

• 2-Minute Tabletop – free battle maps and tokens

• FoundryVTT modules – hundreds of community-created add-ons

FAQs:

Is Roll20 free to use?

Yes! Roll20 offers a robust free tier with many features. Subscriptions unlock advanced features.

Do I need to install anything?

No, Roll20 runs in your browser—no installations needed.

Can I use Roll20 for other games besides D&D?

Yes, it supports hundreds of systems including Pathfinder, Cyberpunk RED, and custom homebrew rules.

Is Roll20 mobile-friendly?

Roll20 works best on desktop, but a mobile-friendly companion app is available for viewing and rolling dice.

Conclusion: 

Whether you’re a dungeon master looking to run an epic campaign or a player joining from across the world, Roll20 makes remote tabletop roleplaying seamless and fun. With a strong community, powerful tools, and endless customization, it’s your go-to virtual tabletop.