D&D Beyond Maps

Overview

D&D Beyond Maps is a virtual tabletop for running shared maps and tactical D&D encounters in a browser. It is most compelling for groups already using D&D Beyond, since their library content and shared dice can carry into the game. Groups that need a dependable phone-first table or a finished product should be cautious: Maps remains in beta.

Key features

Maps combines encounter play with initiative tracking, plus fog of war, overlays, drawing, pings, stickers, and a ruler for measuring distance. Together, these tools cover the practical needs of tactical scenes, though the beta warning makes it harder to rely on the experience without caveats. Dice rolled in Maps or from a character sheet appear for everyone in the shared Game Log, keeping results visible across the table.

Players can draw on maps and monster tokens from their D&D Beyond library. Quickplay maps come with monster tokens, fog of war, and stickers already set up, a useful shortcut for groups that want to start with a prepared scene. Master Tier subscribers can upload and scale their own maps, including animated maps, with up to 10gb of storage; that makes the higher tier the relevant choice for groups with custom map assets.

The browser-based format works on any internet-connected device, but the maker warns that Maps is not initially optimized for phones and tablets and that some menus or interface areas may display incorrectly. It is therefore better suited to browser play than to a group planning to run the table on mobile. The maker also labels it beta and says bugs and performance issues are to be expected.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes up to 6 character slots, game hosting on Maps, invitations for friends, and access to purchased content. That is enough to try hosting without a subscription, but the character-slot cap can constrain groups managing more characters.

Hero Tier starts at $2.17 a month, billed annually at the displayed starting price; semi-annual and monthly billing are also offered. It provides unlimited character slots, 250+ Maps VTT components, weekly drop-in encounters, and community Homebrew. It suits groups that need room beyond the free character cap or want those additions, but it does not include the custom map uploads and content sharing assigned to Master Tier.

Master Tier starts at $4.58 a month, billed annually at the displayed starting price, with semi-annual and monthly billing also offered. It adds Homebrew monster tokens in Maps, custom map uploads, up to 10gb of map storage, and content sharing. Choose it when those specific tools matter; otherwise, the free or Hero plan avoids paying for capabilities a group may not use.

Hero and Master subscriptions include a 30-day free trial, but trials cannot be started through the mobile app. Books are not included with subscriptions; digital book features require purchasing the books through the D&D Beyond Marketplace.

Platforms

Maps runs in a browser, and D&D Beyond says it can be played on any device with an internet connection. Android and iOS are listed as platforms, but the phone and tablet interface caveat makes those a less suitable option for regular play. D&D Beyond also provides a Help Portal, Support Forum, and system status page. Wizards says it uses administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, while cautioning that internet transmission is not completely secure and security cannot be guaranteed.

Who it's for

Maps is a sensible fit for D&D groups already invested in D&D Beyond who want library maps and monster tokens, encounter tools, and shared dice in the same tabletop. The free tier makes it possible to host without a subscription. Groups with their own maps should consider Master Tier, while groups that prioritize a stable beta-free experience or mobile-first use should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Library maps and monster tokens can be used in Maps, reducing separation between D&D Beyond content and the tabletop.
• Pros: Built-in initiative tracking, combat encounters, and shared dice give the group practical tools for tactical play.
• Pros: The free plan supports hosting and invitations, with up to 6 character slots.
• Cons: Beta status comes with expected bugs and performance issues, a real drawback for groups seeking a polished table.
• Cons: Phone and tablet interfaces may display incorrectly, limiting the appeal for mobile-led play.
• Cons: Custom map uploads and content sharing sit behind Master Tier, and subscriptions do not include books.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse Virtual Tabletop Software. Consider Alchemy RPG if you want a free plan with unlimited games, characters, universes, and voice and video chat; its listed platforms include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Roll20 is another free option, with base game-running tools and 100MB storage on its free plan, or 10 GB upload storage on Pro at $8.33 a month billed $99.99 pay once a year.

Fantasy Grounds offers a free-to-play plan with full Game Master and player functionality, unlimited campaigns, cloud connectivity, and free rulesets across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Choose Let's Role if Android, iOS, or web access and a free plan with 125MB storage suit your group; its Basic plan includes ads on mobile. Owlbear Rodeo has a free Nestling plan limited to 2 rooms, with random room names and backgrounds.

Battlegrounds: RPG Edition is a macOS and Windows option with a free demo, but its free use has a 45-minute timeout unless connected to a GM Client with an available Floating License. Quest Portal has a free plan and supports Android, iOS, and web. Rolisteam is a free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted setups.

Verdict

Choose D&D Beyond Maps if your group already uses D&D Beyond and wants its library content, tactical tools, and shared dice together in a browser-based table. The free hosting plan is a clear starting point, while custom map uploads make Master Tier the relevant upgrade. Look elsewhere if beta reliability or a properly optimized phone and tablet interface is essential.