Top 5 Reasons to Play Shadowdark on Realm VTT
1.
Dynamic Lighting Makes Darkness Dangerous
Shadowdark's core design revolves around light as a resource. Realm VTT's free dynamic lighting and fog of war enforce line-of-sight in real time — when a torch burns out, the map goes dark. No other free VTT delivers this level of immersion for Shadowdark.
2.
Built-In Character Sheets
Fully integrated Shadowdark character sheets with automated dice rolling, ability checks, saving throws, and inventory tracking. Pre-loaded content modules are not available yet — you will need to enter monsters and items manually — but we are actively exploring ways to bring Shadowdark content to the platform.
3.
Real-Time Torch Tracking
Track torch duration in real time directly in the VTT. Light sources integrate with the dynamic lighting system, so the map updates automatically as torches burn down. This is the way Shadowdark was meant to be played.
4.
Animated Battle Maps & UVTT Import
Native animated map support with weather effects, fire, and environmental hazards. Import Universal VTT files from Dungeondraft with walls and lighting pre-configured — perfect for old-school dungeon crawls.
5.
Generous Free Tier & No Player Limits
Dynamic lighting, animated maps, fog of war, and built-in Shadowdark support are all included in the free tier. No player count restrictions, no subscription required to access core features.
Realm VTT vs Roll20: The Best VTT for Shadowdark
Dynamic Lighting
Realm VTT: Free for every campaign. Real-time line-of-sight with darkvision and light source tracking — essential for Shadowdark's darkness mechanics.
Roll20: Requires Plus or Pro subscription ($5.99+/month). Free-tier Shadowdark games have no dynamic lighting.
Character Sheets
Realm VTT: Built-in Shadowdark character sheets with automated rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. No pre-loaded content modules yet — monsters and items are entered manually.
Roll20: Community-created character sheet. Functional but not officially maintained or deeply integrated.
Battle Maps
Realm VTT: Animated maps with weather, fire, and environmental effects. Native UVTT import from Dungeondraft with walls and lighting pre-configured.
Roll20: Limited animated map support. No native UVTT import — maps lose wall and lighting data.
Torch Tracking
Realm VTT: Real-time torch and light source tracking integrated with the dynamic lighting system. Torches burn down and the map updates automatically.
Roll20: No built-in real-time torch tracking. Requires manual tracking or third-party API scripts (Pro only).
3D Dice
Realm VTT: Built-in 3D dice roller with physics in chat and on character sheets. Roll physical-feeling dice every session.
Roll20: 3D dice available but less integrated. No physics-based rolling on the map.
Pricing
Realm VTT: Generous free tier with dynamic lighting, animated maps, and Shadowdark support included. No player limits.
Roll20: Free tier with limited features. Plus ($5.99/mo) and Pro ($9.99/mo) for full access.
Feature | Realm VTT | Roll20 |
|---|---|---|
Dynamic Lighting | Free for every campaign. Real-time line-of-sight with darkvision and light source tracking — essential for Shadowdark's darkness mechanics. | Requires Plus or Pro subscription ($5.99+/month). Free-tier Shadowdark games have no dynamic lighting. |
Character Sheets | Built-in Shadowdark character sheets with automated rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. No pre-loaded content modules yet — monsters and items are entered manually. | Community-created character sheet. Functional but not officially maintained or deeply integrated. |
Battle Maps | Animated maps with weather, fire, and environmental effects. Native UVTT import from Dungeondraft with walls and lighting pre-configured. | Limited animated map support. No native UVTT import — maps lose wall and lighting data. |
Torch Tracking | Real-time torch and light source tracking integrated with the dynamic lighting system. Torches burn down and the map updates automatically. | No built-in real-time torch tracking. Requires manual tracking or third-party API scripts (Pro only). |
3D Dice | Built-in 3D dice roller with physics in chat and on character sheets. Roll physical-feeling dice every session. | 3D dice available but less integrated. No physics-based rolling on the map. |
Pricing | Generous free tier with dynamic lighting, animated maps, and Shadowdark support included. No player limits. | Free tier with limited features. Plus ($5.99/mo) and Pro ($9.99/mo) for full access. |