Battlegrounds: RPG Edition vs Owlbear Rodeo

Battlegrounds: RPG Edition (BRPG) is downloadable virtual tabletop software for running pen-and-paper roleplaying games online or offline on macOS and Windows. It is designed to work with any RPG rules system or genre. Groups can use battle maps with optional square or hex grids, move digital miniatures and props, and reveal explored areas with Dynamic Fog of War that accounts for light and special vision. Its dice roller supports standard and polyhedral dice, while the configurable Turn Sequencer tracks turns and can keep character stats. Built-in text chat includes group and private conversations, in-character and out-of-character modes, aliases, macros, and exportable logs. Users can supply maps and artwork or use the maker’s free and commercial artpacks and digital game conversions. BRPG also supports LAN and online games, though users provide their own internet service. A free Demo has usage limits; one-time paid licenses start at 14.00 USD. The maker says the programs remain supported but are no longer being developed or updated.

Owlbear Rodeo is a browser-based virtual tabletop for running tabletop encounters. Its shared battle map workspace includes maps, tokens, images, drawing, text, and fog tools. Scenes use an infinite canvas with square, hexagonal, or isometric grids, and can hold multiple maps, images, and drawings. The app runs in a browser without requiring a software download and is responsive across mobile and desktop operating systems. Players can enter a room from a link without an account, request to join, and wait for the game master’s approval. Game masters can set layer permissions for creating, updating, or deleting items and limit character interaction to owners. Extensions add tools such as dice, initiative tracking, character sheets, and dynamic fog; listed integrations connect D&D Beyond and Pixels Dice. The free Nestling plan costs nothing and includes two rooms with random room names and backgrounds. Fledgling and Bestling offer custom room names and backgrounds, with 5GB and 10GB storage respectively; their prices are shown in checkout. Owlbear Rodeo offers campaign tools and API access, but no rules compendium or mobile apps.