Fantasy Grounds vs Alchemy RPG

Fantasy Grounds8.0Visit Alchemy RPG7.2Visit

Higher score Fantasy Grounds #4 in Virtual Tabletop Software 8.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Try Fantasy Grounds

vs

Alchemy RPG #5 in Virtual Tabletop Software 7.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit Alchemy RPG

• Fantasy Grounds fits best

  Rules-heavy campaigns and automation

• Alchemy RPG fits best

  Immersive presentation-focused games

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Side by side

Feature	Fantasy Grounds 8.0/10 Visit ↗	Alchemy RPG 7.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.0	7.2
Ranking	#4 in Virtual Tabletop Software	#5 in Virtual Tabletop Software
Best for	Rules-heavy campaigns and automation	Immersive presentation-focused games
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop	Cloud, Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs	Email, Community, Docs, Live chat
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Fantasy Grounds 3/5 · Alchemy RPG 2/5
Video and audio	Not published	✓ (best)
Campaign tools	✓	✓
Rules compendium	✓ (best)	Not published
API access	✓ (best)	Not published
Mobile apps	Not published	—
Specs
Player limit	Not published	Not published
Our review
Pros	Rules-aware combat automation with advanced modifiers Maps include line of sight, lighting, vision, tokens, and 3D dice XML and Lua extensibility supports custom rulesets and modules	Scene-based presentation combines artwork, motion effects, and music Free plan includes unlimited games, characters, universes, and asset uploads Supports voice, video, tactical maps, custom systems, and desktop apps
Cons	Paid books, adventures, art, and community content can add cost Desktop software requires Windows, macOS, or Linux Advanced customization may require XML or Lua knowledge	Mobile experiences are not optimized The Alchemist plan mainly adds supporter perks rather than core gameplay Tactical play shares the platform with a presentation-led design
Our verdict	Fantasy Grounds is a desktop virtual tabletop for tabletop roleplaying games, whether sessions take place online or in person. It suits Game Masters and players who want structured campaign management, detailed records, maps, rules… Read the review →	Alchemy RPG is a browser-based and desktop virtual tabletop for gamemasters and players running tabletop roleplaying games. Its focus is immersive, narrative-led play: scenes can combine artwork, motion effects, and music, while built-in… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Fantasy Grounds — where it wins

  • Rules-aware combat automation with advanced modifiers
  • Maps include line of sight, lighting, vision, tokens, and 3D dice
  • XML and Lua extensibility supports custom rulesets and modules

  Where it doesn't

  • Paid books, adventures, art, and community content can add cost
  • Desktop software requires Windows, macOS, or Linux
  • Advanced customization may require XML or Lua knowledge

• Alchemy RPG — where it wins

  • Scene-based presentation combines artwork, motion effects, and music
  • Free plan includes unlimited games, characters, universes, and asset uploads
  • Supports voice, video, tactical maps, custom systems, and desktop apps

  Where it doesn't

  • Mobile experiences are not optimized
  • The Alchemist plan mainly adds supporter perks rather than core gameplay
  • Tactical play shares the platform with a presentation-led design

• Fantasy Grounds8.0/10 · Free plan

  A mature, automation-focused virtual tabletop for complex roleplaying campaigns.

  Try Fantasy GroundsFull verdict →
• Alchemy RPG7.2/10 · Free plan

  A presentation-focused virtual tabletop with tactical tools and a generous free plan.

  Visit Alchemy RPGFull verdict →