Roll20 Tutorial: Everything You Need to Get Started

This Roll20 tutorial covers everything you need to start playing tabletop RPGs online: creating an account, setting up a game, building a character sheet, using maps and tokens, and running a session. You’ll learn the core features in about 20 minutes of reading, and you can apply them immediately to your first game.

What Is Roll20 and How Does It Work?

Roll20 is a web-based virtual tabletop (VTT) that lets groups play pen-and-paper role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and many others over the internet. It replaces the physical table with a shared digital space: a map grid where you move tokens, a chat log for dice rolls and text, and built-in character sheets that auto-calculate modifiers. The service runs entirely in your browser, so there’s no software to install. You just need a computer, a stable internet connection, and a microphone (and optionally a webcam).

Roll20 launched in 2012 and has grown into one of the most popular VTTs, with millions of registered users. It offers a free tier that includes most core features, plus paid subscriptions that add more storage, dynamic lighting, and advanced API scripting. The platform is used for one-shots, long-term campaigns, and even commercial actual-play shows.

Creating Your Account and First Game

To start, go to roll20.net and click “Sign Up.” You can register with an email and password, or use a Google account. After confirming your email, you’ll land on the dashboard. From there, click “Create New Game.” You’ll be asked for a game title, a game type (choose the system you’re playing, like D&D 5e), and a character sheet template. The sheet template is important because it determines what the character sheet looks like and how it auto-calculates. You can change it later, but it’s easier to pick the correct one now.

Once the game is created, you’ll enter the virtual tabletop. The main areas are:

• Map layer – where you place battlemaps and tokens
• Token layer – where you place character and monster tokens that players can move
• GM layer – where you place hidden notes, secret maps, and DM-only items
• Dynamic lighting layer (paid feature) – where you define walls and light sources
• Chat log – on the right side, where dice rolls and messages appear
• Journal – a tab to manage characters, handouts, and notes

Invite players by clicking the “Settings” gear in the top right, then “Invite Players.” You’ll get a link; anyone with that link can join the game as a player. Players need their own free Roll20 account to join.

Setting Up a Character Sheet

Character sheets in Roll20 are interactive HTML forms that auto-calculate stats, skills, and attacks. To create a character, open the Journal tab and click “Add” → “Character.” A new window appears with the sheet template you selected. Fill in the fields: ability scores, skills, hit points, spells, etc. The sheet will automatically compute derived stats like proficiency bonus and skill modifiers.

You can also import a character from D&D Beyond or other tools using the “Charactermancer” (for D&D 5e) or by copying JSON data. For beginners, the easiest way is to fill the sheet manually. Once saved, you can drag the character’s name from the Journal onto the map to create a token. The token will be linked to the character sheet, so when you change HP on the sheet, the token’s green/red bar updates.

Using Maps, Tokens, and Dynamic Lighting

Maps are images you upload to the map layer. Click the “Map” icon in the toolbar, then “Upload” to add a map file (PNG, JPG, or WebP). You can resize and align it to the grid. For a gridless map, use the “Align to Grid” button to set the grid size manually.

Tokens are images that represent characters and monsters. You can upload your own token images or use the built-in token library. Drag an image from your computer onto the token layer to create a token. Right-click the token to set its name, bars, and aura. To let players move their own tokens, make sure the token is set to “Controlled by” the player (in the token settings).

Dynamic lighting is a paid feature that creates realistic line-of-sight. You draw walls on the dynamic lighting layer, then assign light sources to tokens (e.g., a torch). Players only see areas their token can see. This is great for horror and exploration games. If you’re on the free tier, you can use the “Fog of War” tool to manually reveal areas.

Rolling Dice and Using the Chat

Roll20 has a powerful dice engine. You can type macros in the chat, like /r 1d20+5 to roll a d20 and add 5. The result appears in the chat log. You can also click on skills or attacks on the character sheet to roll automatically, with modifiers already applied. For advantage/disadvantage, use /r 2d20kh1 (keep highest) or /r 2d20kl1 (keep lowest).

The chat also supports whispers (/w GM), emotes (/em), and table talk. You can create custom macros for common actions, like a specific attack or a skill check. To create a macro, click the “Macros” tab in the top right, then “Add.” Macros can be shared with players or kept private.

Running a Session: Tips for New GMs

Before your first session, prepare your map and tokens. Upload the battlemap, place enemy tokens on the GM layer (so players don’t see them), and set up handouts for any lore or clues. During the session, use the “Turn Tracker” (in the chat toolbar) to track initiative. You can click the “Initiative” button on a character sheet to roll and add to the tracker automatically.

Use the “Drawing” tools to mark areas, draw arrows, or highlight objects. The “Measure” tool lets you measure distances in grid units. For theater of the mind scenes, you can just use the chat and voice. Many GMs use a separate voice app like Discord or Zoom, but Roll20 also has built-in voice/video (though quality can vary).

If you’re new, start with a simple one-shot module. Roll20 has a marketplace with free adventures, but you can also run a homebrew encounter. Keep the first session short (2-3 hours) and focus on learning the basics. Don’t worry about dynamic lighting or advanced API scripts until you’re comfortable.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

New users often hit a few snags:

• Players can’t move tokens – Make sure the token is on the token layer and set to “Controlled by” the player. Also check that the player has the “Can Move” permission in the game settings.
• Dice rolls not showing – Check that you’re typing in the chat correctly (e.g., /r 1d20). Also ensure the chat isn’t set to “Whisper” only.
• Map not aligning to grid – Use the “Align to Grid” tool and drag the corners to match the map’s grid. If the map is gridless, you can turn off the grid in the page settings.
• Audio/video not working – Roll20’s built-in A/V can be unreliable. Use a third-party app like Discord or Zoom for voice. Also check your browser permissions for mic/camera.
• Players can’t see the map – Make sure the map is on the map layer, not the GM layer. Also check the page settings to ensure “Player” is allowed to see the map.

Costs and Subscription Tiers

Roll20 offers three tiers: Free, Plus ($5.99/month), and Pro ($9.99/month). The free tier includes unlimited games and storage (up to 5GB), basic character sheets, dice rolling, and the ability to have up to 5 players per game. Plus adds dynamic lighting, advanced fog of war, and more storage (10GB). Pro adds API scripting, custom character sheets, and unlimited storage (20GB). There’s also a one-time “Roll20 Marketplace” where you can buy adventures, maps, and tokens.

For most casual groups, the free tier is sufficient. If you want dynamic lighting or automation, consider Plus. Pro is mainly for power users who want to write custom scripts. You can cancel anytime.

Alternatives to Roll20

Roll20 is not the only VTT. Other popular options include:

• Foundry VTT – A one-time purchase software that you self-host. It offers extensive modding and automation, but requires more technical setup.
• Fantasy Grounds – A paid VTT with a strong rules engine, but the interface is dated and it has a steeper learning curve.
• Owlbear Rodeo – A free, lightweight VTT that focuses on simplicity. Great for quick games, but lacks character sheets and advanced features.
• Tabletop Simulator – A 3D physics sandbox that can simulate tabletop games, but it’s more about physical pieces than RPG automation.

Each has its strengths. Roll20 is the easiest to start with because it’s free, browser-based, and has a large user base for finding games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roll20 free to use?

Yes, Roll20 has a free tier that includes the core VTT features: maps, tokens, dice rolling, character sheets, and chat. There are paid tiers that add dynamic lighting, API scripting, and more storage, but you can run a full campaign on the free tier.

Can I play D&D 5e on Roll20?

Yes, Roll20 has official D&D 5e character sheets and compendium content. The compendium includes monsters, spells, and items that you can drag into your game. The basic rules are free, but the full compendium requires a subscription or a one-time purchase.

How do I add music and sound effects?

Roll20 has a jukebox feature (paid tier) that lets you upload audio files and play them in-game. You can also use the free “Tabletop Audio” integration or play music through a separate app like Discord. On the free tier, you can’t upload your own music, but you can use the built-in ambient sounds.

Can I play Roll20 on a tablet or phone?

Roll20 has a mobile-friendly web interface, but it’s not a native app. You can access the game from a tablet or phone browser, but the experience is limited: some features like dynamic lighting may not work well, and the interface is cramped. Most players use a PC or laptop.

How do I share handouts with players?

In the Journal, create a new “Handout” and type the text. Then, in the handout settings, check the box “In Players’ Journals.” Players can view it by clicking the “Journal” tab in their interface. You can also drag the handout onto the map as a token for visibility.

What happens if I lose my internet connection during a game?

Roll20 is cloud-based, so if your internet drops, you’ll be disconnected from the game. The game state is saved on Roll20’s servers, so when you reconnect, you’ll be back where you left off. However, if the GM disconnects, the game may pause. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan, like a group chat, to coordinate.

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