Foundry VTT
Self-hosted virtual tabletop with a one-time price and deep customisation
Pricing
GM buys once at $50; players connect free via browser. No ongoing fees.
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
Systems
D&D 5e, Pathfinder 2e, Call of Cthulhu, System agnostic
Launched
2020
Screenshot
Overview
Foundry Virtual Tabletop is a standalone application that the GM purchases once and hosts locally or on a server, with players connecting via browser. It features a best-in-class dynamic lighting engine, a massive library of community modules, and a robust API that developers use to build near-official quality system implementations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One-time purchase — no recurring subscription
- Most customisable VTT via modules
- Players join free in any browser
Cons
- Self-hosting requires some technical knowledge to set up
- Initial scene setup is time-intensive for new GMs
- No official mobile app for GM use
Best for
Technical GMs running long campaigns who want full control over their virtual tabletop experience.
Key features
- Dynamic lighting & vision
- Fog of war
- 10,000+ community modules
- Built-in audio/video
- Scene builder
Compare Foundry VTT
Looking for alternatives?
We've reviewed 5 alternatives to Foundry VTT.
Frequently asked questions
Is Foundry VTT a one-time purchase?
Yes — the GM pays a single $50 license fee and players connect free via browser. There are no mandatory subscriptions.
Does Foundry VTT require a server?
You can run it locally on your own PC (players connect over the internet via port forwarding) or rent a cheap cloud host. Several hosting services offer one-click Foundry deployment.
Alternatives to Foundry VTT
Roll20
The most widely used browser-based virtual tabletop, free to start
Fantasy Grounds
Feature-rich desktop VTT with deep official rulebook integrations
Owlbear Rodeo
Minimal, fast, browser-based VTT focused on maps and tokens
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Best VTT for D&D 5e
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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