What's the bare minimum for a VTT?

[overgeeked]

For some all you need is maps. Some want at least maps and minis. Some want maps, minis, and dice. Some want things up to and including full mechanics, rules, and system integration along with full automation so all you have to do is click a button and the computer will spit out the results.

Keep in mind the question: what is the bare minimum for a VTT?

Where do you fall on this spectrum?

 

[Cordwainer Fish]

MUST run on Apple Silicon. If browser based (boo), MUST run on Safari.

 

[Deset Gled]

For some all you need is maps.

I would say it needs some form of character management. Ideally character sheets and something for monsters, but there's room for flexibility. Only having maps would just be a map site.

Some sort of a dice roller would probably also be expected.

 

[schneeland]

If we're talking absolute minimum, then I need a map, tokens on it and a pointer on the map. So effectively Owlbear Rodeo.

However, if the question is what do I like to see as a baseline, then, in addition map and tokens, I'd like the ability to set background pictures, and to easily display pictures to players. I also want to see digital character sheets, and dice rolling with 3D dice from said character sheets. So the corresponding automation needs to be able to apply all rules that affect the dice roll, but I'm fine if it doesn't automate results (in fact, I'm not exactly a big fan of target locks in VTTs). I also prefer it if at least some rule book and adventure module content can be purchased, so I don't need to enter everything on my own.

 

[Umbran]

If we're talking absolute minimum, then I need a map, tokens on it and a pointer on the map. So effectively Owlbear Rodeo.

Same here.

My players can use paper sheets and real dice, if need be. But having a shared idea of who is where is necessary.

 

[timbannock]

If we're talking absolute minimum, then I need a map, tokens on it and a pointer on the map. So effectively Owlbear Rodeo.

I prefer Shmeppy for being even simpler. But yeah, samesies. That's all I need, for sure.

 

[Heilemann]

Maps, drawing, tokens, dice, sharable images and notes. Must be browser-based. User should never worry about versions. Must be simple to use, simple to join. Simple, simple, simple.

Most of us just want to get the game moving, not fudge around with "top ten extensions you MUST install!" or "are you on version 2.5.23.1-5.2b-elephant?"

 

[Cordwainer Fish]

User should never worry about versions.

The three trickiest things in software are versioning and off-by-one errors.

 

[Velderan]

When we played the first Draw Steel playtest packet we just used a VTT for maps, tokens, and dice rolling. I offered the option to roll physical dice and just say what you rolled if people wanted so I guess just the maps and tokens?

Now if we get into why do I use the VTT I do over the multitude of options available these days, that's a different question.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

Maps, tokens, shared dice rolls would be the minimum but I would like to be able to integrate character sheets. At least attach the computed die rolls to skills and abilities.
I also have a strong preference for being able to preload encounters and being able to manage initiative is really useful.