In a major move reshaping the virtual tabletop landscape, SmiteWorks has made Fantasy Grounds VTT completely free to download and use. Effective immediately, both Game Masters and players can host and join unlimited sessions without purchasing a license. Fantasy Grounds has a storied history in the tabletop roleplaying space, first debuting in 2004 under SmiteWorks. Over the years, it earned a reputation for deep automation, supporting systems like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Savage Worlds, Call of Cthulhu, and more. In 2025’s FG Con Online event, SmiteWorks revealed that its well-known Ultimate License (formerly $50) and subscription model have been retired in favor of giving access to everyone, no strings attached.
Fantasy Grounds offers a lot to love, especially for players and GMs who want a powerful virtual tabletop without an upfront price tag. There’s zero entry cost, so anyone can run or join a game right away, and its robust automation tools, like initiative tracking, integrated spell support, and advanced dice handling, help reduce the workload for game masters. It also supports a wide range of systems out of the box, including several official SRD rulesets, making it flexible for different campaigns.
Alongside the free software, SmiteWorks is also launching a beta web-based Online Reader, which lets players browse their entire Fantasy Grounds library (rules, modules, sourcebooks) from any browser. The built-in My Library web reader is great for quick mid-session rule checks, and longtime users can even claim free premium modules through Fantasy Grounds’ loyalty rewards program. The Online Reader is still in beta and doesn’t yet include the complete content library, so you may run into gaps when browsing your books on the web.
Fantasy Grounds’ shift to a free-to-play model is a bold affirmation of its long-term commitment to the tabletop community. By removing the cost barrier, SmiteWorks is making one of the deepest and most feature-rich VTTs fully accessible, whether you’re just getting started or are a veteran GM. The move could also shake up competition among virtual tabletops, potentially drawing users away from subscription-based or pay-to-host platforms. For tabletop gamers looking for automation, system support, and a mature feature set without paying just to run the app, now is a great time to give Fantasy Grounds VTT a spin.
Fantasy Grounds isn’t a natural 20, and there are several caveats to its use. While the software itself is free, you’ll still need to purchase modules or rulebooks to access many licensed game systems. Its deep feature set also comes with a noticeable learning curve, which can be intimidating for new GMs. Fantasy Grounds is also fairly resource-intensive, so older or lightweight machines may struggle with it, and the lack of a mobile app restricts it from being used on tablets or smartphones. If all this seems too much to handle, here are a few other VTTs that may be a better fit:
- Foundry VTT: One-time purchase, highly moddable, and extremely flexible. Best for GMs who want full control and customization.
- Roll20: Browser-based, very accessible, with marketplace modules and active community support.
- D&D Beyond + Wizards’ Maps: Better suited for D&D-focused groups; integrates with official content and character tools.
- Alchemy VTT: A more visually modern choice, especially for ease of use and integrated map tools.
