WotC D&D Beyond Update: 2024 Core Rulebooks, Maps, and Third Party Content.

Maps has a number of updates.

• Lots of feature improvements to maps--tokens, fog, and user interface.
• 'Spectator Mode' allows DMs to open a separate tab as a player view on a separate monitor, streaming, etc.
• 'Draw Tool' allows you to freehand draw on the map.
• 6 products from back catalogue plus third party content added to library.
• Pointer added.
• You can now rename a token.
• Enhancement and support will include the 2024 core rulebooks.

Maps is 'here to stay' and will continue to be supported.

Regarding third party products, apparently they are inviting 'many third parties to the party'.

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[Dire Bare]

I'm not sure I understand the drawing demos....do DMs draw big circles and arrows and stuff on their maps? Also, is there an erase? I mean, I figured draw was to actually draw rooms and stuff.......edit: Yup, there is an erase.

I imagine you can draw anything.

And yes, DMs do sometimes draw circles, arrows, and other visual "notes". I certainly do on my Chessex battlemat when playing at the table.

 

[pukunui]

Maps is a cool tool, and it has a lot of potential. I like that I can upload my own maps (since Dungeon of the Mad Mage hasn't been added officially yet). Currently I use Photoshop and share my screen - either on a spare monitor if we're at the table or via Teams if we're playing online.

One thing that Photoshop can still do that Maps can't do yet is layers. This is important so I can hide things like secret doors and traps and the like.

If/when Maps gets a layers option so you can hide secret stuff that's been printed on the map, then I think I will make the switch.

 

[Eyes of Nine]

I didn't even know DDB had a "maps" tool

Boy, when 5e24 comes out, the possibility exists that I might go all in on ddb (pending pricing)

 

[sevenbastard]

I didn't even know DDB had a "maps" tool

Boy, when 5e24 comes out, the possibility exists that I might go all in on ddb (pending pricing)

Me either I just thought it was where you take surveys and build charachters. No idea they were also a VT. Guess I should log in more than once a year.

 

[Eyes of Nine]

@sevenbastard Looks like it's an alpha for paid subscribers. Not me, yet... And it's probably not promoted in the DDB site because it's an alpha

 

[Mistwell]

So far this is all very crude compared to the more advanced Virtual Table Tops out there. Right now our groups are using Foundry. You cast fireball through your character sheet, which deducts the spell slot from your character sheet and then gives the player a template to place on the map. Once placed, the fireball then automatically is applied to all creatures in the area of effect, rolls their saves automatically, adjusts any applicable resistances, and applies damage on DM clicking approved. It then shows a fireball, with a sound effect, and you see people being harmed by it.

Here is a brief example:

 

[el-remmen]

Can't wait for a feature that that figures out exactly how much space is filled by a 33000 cubic foot fireball and figures out how lightning bolts bounce in enclosed spaces so you know how many people to ask to make saving throws.

 

[Reynard]

I love it when a big company gets accolades for implementing decade old technology and calling it new.

Looks like Silicon Valley invented the bus again!

 

[darjr]

I don’t want all that automation. I kinda don’t want to need to have it either.

 

[Dire Bare]

Me either I just thought it was where you take surveys and build charachters. No idea they were also a VT. Guess I should log in more than once a year.

The Maps tool in D&D Beyond is pretty new. They've been adding features and more maps at a decent clip, but it debuted . . . what, less than 6 months ago I think.