VASSAL Engine
VASSAL Engine is a free, open-source game engine for building and playing online adaptations of board games and card games.
What VASSAL Engine is
VASSAL Engine is a free, open-source game engine for building and playing online adaptations of board games and card games. Players can play in real time over the Internet, exchange moves by email, or use solitaire and hotseat modes. Its module library includes over 3,200 games, and the Module Editor lets users make new modules, revise existing ones, and add extensions. A module is required for each game, but it does not have to be hosted on the VASSAL website. Online play can use the VASSAL server or peer-to-peer connections; server rooms support chat and synchronization and can be locked, with room creators able to remove players. VASSAL provides a way for people to play together rather than enforcing game rules or supplying a computer opponent. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and is released under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 or later. VASSAL 3.5 and later require Java 11 or later; the macOS disk image and Windows installer include the Java version they use. The listed free plan is free.
Good
- Supports real-time Internet and email play.
- Module library includes over 3,200 games.
- Module Editor creates and modifies modules.
- Server rooms can be locked for privacy.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Watch out
- A module is required for each game.
- Generally does not enforce game rules.
- VASSAL 3.5 and later require Java 11 or later.
Who it suits
VASSAL suits board- and card-game players who want online, email, solitaire, or hotseat play, as well as users who want to build or modify game modules. It is not for players seeking a computer opponent to enforce the rules.
Verdict
VASSAL offers several ways to play and tools to create or adapt modules, with no listed price. Check that a module exists for the game you want and that its player-driven format suits you.
Plans and prices
From VASSAL Engine's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| VASSAL Engine | Free | Free, open-source software · Donations support development and hosting |
The facts
Each one read from VASSAL Engine's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Create modules
- The Module Editor can create new modules, modify existing ones, and add extensions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Game library
- The homepage says its module library includes over 3200 games.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- VASSAL can import modules created by Aide de Camp 2; its documentation says support for other formats is planned for the future.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- VASSAL is open-source software released under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 or later.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Module requirement
- To play a game, users need a module for that game, and modules need not be hosted on the VASSAL website to be playable.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Not a computer opponent
- VASSAL provides a medium for players to interact and generally does not enforce a game's rules.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Online play
- Players can connect to the VASSAL server, join game rooms, chat, and synchronize with another player.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Other play modes
- The user guide lists server or peer-to-peer online play, email games, solitaire, and hotseat as play modes.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy controls
- Server game rooms can be locked for privacy, and the player who started a room can eject players.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- VASSAL is a game engine for building and playing online adaptations of board games and card games.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The user guide says email game logs are encrypted using a combination of the player's username and password.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its documentation and forum for help, and offers live chat through Discord.checked 8 Oct 2026
- System requirement
- VASSAL 3.5 and later require Java 11 or later; its macOS disk image and Windows installer include the Java version VASSAL will use.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Ways to play
- Players can play in real time over the Internet or by email.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1999checked 28 Sep 2026
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