What Is Roll20? A Browser-Based Virtual Tabletop for Tabletop RPGs

Roll20 is a virtual tabletop (VTT) platform for playing tabletop RPGs and board games online. You run it in a web browser—no downloads and no server setup—and it supports Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and more than 1,200 other game systems. It's used by over 15 million players worldwide, and you can start with a free account without a credit card.

What you can actually do on Roll20

Roll20 bundles the tools a table needs into one browser session:

• Dice rolling and character tracking — integrated dice, character sheets, and automation for common actions.
• Campaign organization — built-in pages, folders, and asset management to keep a game tidy.
• Dynamic lighting and fog of war — the map reveals itself as players explore, which the site frames as an immersion advantage.
• Dungeon Scrawl map maker — a free integrated tool for creating maps in minutes without drawing skill.
• Macros — one-click complex rolls, spell effects, and character actions, usable across any game system.
• Character sheets for many systems — preset sheets for 250+ game systems, including D&D and Pathfinder, plus custom sheets.

How a session works

1. Create a free account. Registration is free and doesn't require a credit card.
2. Choose your game. Pick from D&D, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, or 1,200+ other systems. Hundreds of free adventures are available.
3. Find your party. Invite friends by link, use the group-finding tool, or look on Discord. There are also options for playing solo.
4. Play. No downloads, no server hosting, no configuration—click and play. Beginners can follow the site's tutorial guides.

Who it's for

Roll20 suits both GMs and players. The free plan is described as permanently available to both roles. If you're new to tabletop RPGs entirely, the site offers starter reading on whether D&D is for you, how to find your first group, and a GM/player masterclass series.

When you'd want the advanced tier

Advanced users can extend Roll20 through a full API to add features and automate campaign workflows. The site states this requires a Pro subscription. If you only need dice, sheets, maps, and voice-of-the-table organization, the free tier covers the core experience.

The bottom line

If you want to play a tabletop RPG online without installing anything or hosting a server, Roll20 is a direct route: free signup, browser-based, broad system support, and a large player community to draw from. Start with a free account, pick a system, and use the group-finding tools if you don't already have a table.