Is RPTools.net Really Free to Use?
Yes. RPTools.net describes itself as "100% free to use" and "100% community driven." Its two main applications, MapTool (version 1.18.6) and TokenTool (version 2.3.0), are presented on the site as free downloads. The site also states that MapTool is open source and "always free," and one quoted user notes it has served gaming groups for over 15 years. So if you are looking for a virtual tabletop (VTT) or a token-making tool without a price tag, RPTools is intended to fit that need.
What "free" and "community driven" mean here
The homepage makes two related claims:
- 100% free to use — the tools are offered at no cost according to the site.
- 100% community driven — development and support lean on a community of users and developers rather than a commercial vendor.
The site's own framing ties these together: it says the VTT is "completely free" and credits an "absolutely amazing community" for supporting the program. It also quotes a user describing MapTool as "open source, always free."
The two tools on the site
| Tool | Version listed | What the site says it does |
|---|---|---|
| MapTool | 1.18.6 | A virtual tabletop with "all the functionality" for running games |
| TokenTool | 2.3.0 | An application for "creating your own tokens" |
The homepage describes MapTool as a VTT and TokenTool as a token-creation app. A quoted designer calls MapTool "the most flexible, powerful, and accessible virtual tabletop in the world," citing features like dynamic lighting, animated weather effects, audio feedback, and interactive map features, plus a scripting language and community add-ons. Treat those as the site's own and its users' descriptions rather than an independent benchmark.
Where to get help and community support
Because the project is community driven, support comes from community channels rather than a formal support desk. The site points to:
- A forum — for asking questions, getting networking help, and talking with other users.
- A wiki — for technical details and tutorials compiled over the years.
- Video tutorials — for those who prefer learning by watching.
- A Discord server — described as a place to meet "helpful, friendly and supportive users and developers alike."
The homepage explicitly invites newcomers to join these spaces, so they are the intended first stop when you need answers.
What to check before you commit
- Confirm the current version and download on the site itself, since the versions above (MapTool 1.18.6, TokenTool 2.3.0) are what the homepage lists at the time of writing.
- Expect community-based support. Help comes from forums, wiki, Discord, and videos — useful, but not a guaranteed response-time service.
- Verify licensing details if open-source terms matter to your use case; the site states MapTool is open source, and the project's own documentation is the place to confirm specifics.
If your goal is simply to try a free VTT or make custom tokens, the site's stated model — free tools plus an active community — is the core of what RPTools.net offers.