A standalone 3D map next to your D&D Beyond sheets
AboveVTT turns a D&D Beyond campaign page into a virtual tabletop through a browser extension, which is a clever way to keep sheets and map together. TerrainTale is a separate site: it does not read D&D Beyond, but it gives you a 3D table with real miniatures and light.
Side by side
| Topic | TerrainTale | AboveVTT |
|---|---|---|
| How it runs | Its own site in the browser | Browser extension on top of D&D Beyond |
| D&D Beyond sync | None | Its core feature |
| The map | A 3D scene from a realistic library | Image maps with tokens and fog |
| Tokens | 3D miniatures; image standees for anything else | Image tokens |
| Measuring | Feet with diagonal rule, waypoints and height | Grid ruler |
| Fog of war | Yes: a brush the DM paints; players are never sent what it hides; no automatic line of sight | Yes |
| Initiative and HP | Built in, entered on the token card | Pulled from D&D Beyond |
| Price | Free plan with one saved scene; Premium $6/month | Free and open source |
AboveVTT (and D&D Beyond) is a trademark of its owners and is not affiliated with TerrainTale. Feature notes describe the other product in general terms as we understand it at the time of writing; check its site for current details.
Sheets stay where they are
Keep characters on D&D Beyond and run the fight in a TerrainTale room. HP and conditions are entered on the token card, which takes a moment per fight, and in exchange the map is a lit 3D place rather than an image.
Not tied to another site
Because TerrainTale is its own app, changes to another site's pages do not break it. The server can also be self-hosted by a group that wants its own copy.
Where AboveVTT is still the better pick
Groups who want rolls and HP to flow straight from D&D Beyond sheets onto the map, and a tool that costs nothing at all. TerrainTale does not connect to D&D Beyond.
Moving across
There is nothing to import: maps in AboveVTT are images, and TerrainTale builds its maps in 3D. Start from a starter scene, drag rooms with the room tool, or import a scene recipe as JSON. Token pictures you own become standees.
Questions
Does TerrainTale sync with D&D Beyond?
No. Characters are not imported; enter HP and conditions on the token cards.
Do I need a browser extension?
No. TerrainTale is a website; sign in and play.
Can remote players join?
Yes, by link. Players sign in, ask to join and see the table live once let in.
Does it have fog of war?
Yes. The DM brushes fog on in the editor or mid-game; players see black there and are not sent what stands in it.
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