MapTool
MapTool is a fully featured, flexible virtual tabletop. Not only does MapTool come with powerful tools for creating detailed maps but also a chat function, an initiative tracker, and a detailed token management system to create characters, monsters, objects, and anything you can imagine. MapTool's user interface is highly configurable, and features not being used can be hidden out of sight.
Adapts to any game! These features enable your computer screen to truly function as a virtual table top, filling the role of battlemats and dry-erase markers and providing for infinitely scrollable maps and the ability to use a large-screen TV or video projector. It is "game system agnostic", meaning that while MapTool has special support for some game systems (like hexes for GURPS or square templates for D&D) there is no requirement for you to use these features. For intrepid GMs who don't mind a bit of scripting, MapTool's advanced macro scripting language can automate dice rolls and bookkeeping for speedy play in any system.
Play Together! The best part is all this isn't limited to a single PC. You can utilize the integrated server to safely connect to players wherever there's an Internet connection. Miss your buddy in Singapore? Not a problem. Roll up that character, and then your sleeves. As a bonus, since MapTool is cross-platform and self-hosted, you don't need to rely on a website or third party service being up to host your game. If you have trouble with networking, MapTool's incredible Discord community can help you out.
And we don't stop there! Not content with just emulating the tabletop, we seek to improve upon the tabletop experience. This, truly, is where MapTool shines. A set of topology, vision blocking, and light and sight features enable the GM to limit the movement and view of their players, revealing the map as they explore it. Walls and other objects can block movement while preventing players from seeing what lies behind them. Darkness can be made to fall, blinding players who lack a light. Lights can be set on objects or on tokens that illuminate however much of the map you wish. If the GM wishes, they can limit the view of players to what their specific token sees, adding a whole new level to the experience of splitting up the party. Woe be to the character who can't see around the corner of a wall but steps out into the view of the enemy!
Download MapTool
The latest version of MapTool can be found on GitHub.
MapTool attempts to use Semantic Versioning to help groups know whether a change may break their game or not so they can decide when to upgrade.
Exciting new features can be tested in development (alpha or beta) builds, but for your game where stability matters sticking to the major releases is recommended. MapTool campaigns saved in newer versions may not work on older versions, so be careful with your campaign files when trying out development builds.
External Links
See Also
- Introduction to Mapping
- Feature List
- Introduction to Game Hosting
- TokenTool, another RPTools product which pairs excellently with MapTool.