Roll20 vs VASSAL Engine
Roll20
roll20.netVASSAL Engine
vassalengine.orgSide by side
| Figure | Roll20 | VASSAL Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Virtual Tabletop Software | 8.1 (#9) | 7.3 (#24) |
| Integrations | Dungeon Scrawl maps can sync to a Roll20 game page, and Roll20 Characters and Compendium content are connected features. | VASSAL can import modules created by Aide de Camp 2; its documentation says support for other formats is planned for the future. |
| Security | Roll20 says passwords are not stored unencrypted and payment card details are handled by Stripe rather than collected directly by Roll20. | The user guide says email game logs are encrypted using a combination of the player's username and password. |
| Support | Roll20 provides support through its community forums and offers a help and documentation site with guides and screencasts. | The project directs users to its documentation and forum for help, and offers live chat through Discord. |
Plans
In their own words
Roll20
Roll20 is a browser-based virtual tabletop for playing tabletop roleplaying games and board games online. It supports D&D, Pathfinder, and more than 1,200 game systems, with built-in character sheets for over 250 systems and the option to design your own. The tabletop combines voice and video, live chat, 3D dice, handouts, digital tokens, and effects. Game masters can use Dynamic Lighting and Fog of War, and create maps with Dungeon Scrawl. Macros automate rolls, spell effects, and character actions; extending the service through its API requires Pro. Dungeon Scrawl maps can sync to a Roll20 game page, alongside connected Roll20 Characters and Compendium features. The free tier is available indefinitely and includes base tools, 100MB of storage, and ads. Pro costs $8.33 a month, billed $99.99 pay once a year; Elite costs $12.50 a month, billed $149.99 pay once a year. Chrome and Firefox fully support the VTT.
VASSAL Engine
VASSAL Engine has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.