What is Foundry Virtual Tabletop?

Foundry Virtual Tabletop is a commercial virtual tabletop for running tabletop RPGs online. The host buys a perpetual license ($50) and runs the server as a desktop app on Windows, macOS, or Linux, or as a headless Node.js process. Players join free through any modern web browser without an account. Core features include 200+ game systems, dynamic lighting and fog of war, integrated audio/video chat via WebRTC, a JavaScript/HTML/CSS API for modules, and a built-in package browser. Default port is 30000; port forwarding is needed for internet play. Minimum specs: 8 GB RAM, 64-bit OS (Windows 10/11, macOS Sonoma+, modern Linux), integrated GPU. No mobile support, no dark mode, no official Docker image. License is a proprietary EULA; source code is closed. Updates come through the app after license validation.

Should you self-host Foundry Virtual Tabletop?

Foundry Virtual Tabletop scores 52/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #10 of 23 in Gaming. It has 396 GitHub stars.

There was no stable release in the past 12 months, so check the repository's recent activity before you rely on it.

Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. It is Proprietary-licensed and written mostly in HTML.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is OpenTTD (73/100, 8 434 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See Foundry Virtual Tabletop vs OpenTTD side by side.

Features

AWS S3 file storage integration
Compress static files
Demo mode for public servers
Dynamic lighting and fog of war
Headless Node.js server mode
Integrated audio/video chat
Multi-language localization support
One-time purchase license
Over 200 supported game systems
Powerful module API
Reverse Proxy Support
Self-hosted with browser-based clients
UPnP automatic port forwarding

How to configure Foundry Virtual Tabletop

--adminPasswordCommand line flag to set a default administrator access key
Command line flag to set a default administrator access key
values: String
awsConfigPath to AWS configuration file for S3 integration
Path to AWS configuration file for S3 integration
values: String
--dataPathCommand line flag to specify the user data directory
Command line flag to specify the user data directory
values: String (path)
dataPathExplicit path to the user data directory
Explicit path to the user data directory
values: String
FOUNDRY_VTT_DATA_PATHEnvironment variable to set the user data directory
Environment variable to set the user data directory
values: String (path)
fullscreenRun the Electron application in fullscreen mode
Run the Electron application in fullscreen mode
values: Boolean (true/false)
hostnameCustom hostname to use in place of the host machine's public IP address
Custom hostname to use in place of the host machine's public IP address
values: String
--hotReloadCommand line flag to enable hot-reloading for development
Command line flag to enable hot-reloading for development
values: Boolean flag
--logsizeCommand line flag for maximum log size before rotation
Command line flag for maximum log size before rotation
values: String with units (e.g., 1024k, 64m, 1g)
--maxlogsCommand line flag for maximum number of logs to retain
Command line flag for maximum number of logs to retain
values: Integer
--noipdiscoveryCommand line flag to disable external IP discovery
Command line flag to disable external IP discovery
values: Boolean flag
--noupdateCommand line flag to disable core software update checks
Command line flag to disable core software update checks
values: Boolean flag
--noupnpCommand line flag to disable UPnP
Command line flag to disable UPnP
values: Boolean flag
--port30000Command line flag to specify the listening port
Command line flag to specify the listening port
values: Integer
port30000TCP port for Foundry VTT to listen on
TCP port for Foundry VTT to listen on
values: Integer
proxyPortInforms Foundry it is running behind a reverse proxy on another port
Informs Foundry it is running behind a reverse proxy on another port
values: Integer
proxySSLIndicates the software is running behind a reverse proxy that uses SSL
Indicates the software is running behind a reverse proxy that uses SSL
values: Boolean (true/false)
routePrefixPath appended to the base hostname to serve content from a specific namespace
Path appended to the base hostname to serve content from a specific namespace
values: String
sslCertPath to SSL certificate file for HTTPS
Path to SSL certificate file for HTTPS
values: String
sslKeyPath to SSL key file for HTTPS
Path to SSL key file for HTTPS
values: String
upnptrueAllow Universal Plug and Play to automatically request port forwarding
Allow Universal Plug and Play to automatically request port forwarding
values: Boolean (true/false)
--worldCommand line flag to open a specific world on launch
Command line flag to open a specific world on launch
values: String (world ID)

FAQ

Can I use this software for in-person games with separate GM and player views?

Yes, Foundry works well for this. The host runs the server and can open a browser to broadcast a player view to a shared screen.

Does Foundry VTT rely on an external service or active internet connection?

Only for initial license activation and update checks. The software is designed to work offline otherwise. Some optional features (module browser, IP discovery for invite links) use external services.

Can I use an iPad or other mobile device?

No, Foundry VTT does not support mobile devices in the core software. iOS Safari and Android are not supported due to browser limitations.

Is Foundry VTT a map-making software?

No, Foundry VTT is a virtual tabletop, not an image editor or map maker. It enhances battlemaps but does not create them from scratch.

How do I use Foundry Virtual Tabletop?

The host (typically the GM) runs the Foundry server on their computer. Players connect via a standard web browser using an invitation link. Only the host needs a license.