Fantasy Grounds
Feature-rich desktop VTT with deep official rulebook integrations
Pricing
Standard $3.99/mo or Ultimate $9.99/mo (players can use free demo). Lifetime licenses also available. Official content sold separately.
Platforms
Windows, macOS
Systems
D&D 5e, Pathfinder 2e, Call of Cthulhu, System agnostic
Launched
2004
Screenshot
Feature-rich desktop VTT with deep official rulebook integrations
Overview
Fantasy Grounds is a long-standing desktop virtual tabletop with deep official content integrations from publishers including Wizards of the Coast, Paizo, and others. It automates rules lookups, spell casting, and combat tracking more thoroughly than most VTTs. The Unity version (Fantasy Grounds Unity) is the current actively developed release.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best rules automation of any mainstream VTT
- Extensive official content library from major publishers
- Works offline — no internet required to play
Cons
- Dated UI that has a steep learning curve
- Content purchases are platform-locked — can't use elsewhere
- Desktop-only; no browser play for players on Ultimate tier
Best for
GMs who run published adventures and want automated rules handling with minimal manual setup.
Key features
- Full rules automation
- Official licensed content store
- Desktop application
- Line-of-sight engine
- Campaign calendar and weather
Compare Fantasy Grounds
Looking for alternatives?
We've reviewed 4 alternatives to Fantasy Grounds.
Frequently asked questions
Do players need to buy Fantasy Grounds?
Players can download the free Fantasy Grounds Demo to join games hosted by a GM with an Ultimate licence. Standard licence GMs require players to also own a Standard or higher licence.
Can I use Fantasy Grounds offline?
Yes — Fantasy Grounds is a desktop application and supports fully offline local network play.
Alternatives to Fantasy Grounds
Foundry VTT
Self-hosted virtual tabletop with a one-time price and deep customisation
Roll20
The most widely used browser-based virtual tabletop, free to start
Owlbear Rodeo
Minimal, fast, browser-based VTT focused on maps and tokens
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Best VTT for Pathfinder 2e
Pathfinder 2e's complexity — three-action system, condition tracking, extensive feat trees — rewards VTTs that can automate rules. This guide identifies which platforms handle PF2e best so you can spend your session playing rather than looking things up.
Last verified: 2026-06-13