A battle map with depth, without the AI game master
Quest Portal pitches an AI assistant for the game master, works on desktop and mobile, and leans toward story and theater of the mind. TerrainTale keeps the DM fully in charge and spends its effort on the map: a 3D place with miniatures and real light.
Side by side
| Topic | TerrainTale | Quest Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Tactical 3D battle maps | Story, sheets and AI GM assistance |
| AI | Optional: an AI assistant can draft a scene recipe you import | AI game master assistant built in |
| The map | A 3D scene from a realistic library | 2D maps and scene art |
| Character sheets | None, by design | Built in |
| Measuring | Feet with diagonal rule, waypoints and height | Map tools |
| Initiative and HP | Tracker, HP, conditions, round counter | Supported |
| Fog and lighting | Fog brush; real-time 3D light and shadow | Map tools with fog of war and dynamic lighting |
| Pricing | Free plan with one saved scene; Premium $6/month | Free tier and paid tiers |
Quest Portal 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.
The DM runs the table
TerrainTale has no AI narrator and no rules engine. Where AI helps is prep: describe a location and an assistant can write a scene recipe that the builder turns into a grid-correct 3D map.
Depth where it matters
A cliff path, a bridge over a river, an archer on a wall: the ruler reports height as well as distance, and shadows make cover readable at a glance.
Where Quest Portal is still the better pick
Groups who want an AI assistant, sheets and scene music in one app, a mobile app for players, or mostly theater-of-the-mind sessions. TerrainTale offers none of those.
Moving across
There is no importer. Keep your campaign notes and sheets where they are, and use TerrainTale for fights. Build arenas with the room tool and terrain brushes, or import a scene recipe as JSON.
Questions
Does TerrainTale have an AI game master?
No. AI is optional and only used for prep, by drafting scene recipes you import.
Does it work on phones?
In the browser, yes: the editor has tablet and phone layouts and touch controls for the camera. There is no app to install, and a larger screen suits a 3D map best.
Does it include chat or voice?
No. Use whatever call your group already has.
Is it free?
The free plan keeps one saved scene; Premium keeps up to 200 for $6 a month or $48 a year.
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Open the builder and start, no account needed. Sixteen starter scenes are on the welcome screen; sign up free when you want to save one or play it with your group.