This FAQ is in reference to D&D Beyond Maps, the D&D VTT.
Is Maps the same as Sigil?
No. Sigil, our immersive 3D VTT TRPG builder based in Unreal Engine 5, is still under development. By providing both the Maps 2D VTT and the Sigil 3D VTT, we are building an ecosystem that provides hybrid and digital play experiences that allow fans to choose how and where they want to play. This means fans will be able to play D&D characters wherever they want to, whether that is on D&D Beyond, in Sigil, with pen and paper, or a hybrid of their choice.
Maps has been moved into Beta. What does that mean?
Maps moving into Beta signals that we’ve completed the tool’s core functionality and acceptable levels of performance and are now focused on the next stage of the tool’s evolution. This begins with the ability to start running your encounters with initiative and turn tracking, with additional improvements to the encounters feature, as well as overall user experience, on the way.
How do I stay informed about new features launched for Maps?
We will update the ‘What’s New?’ pop-up within the Maps tool itself, as well as our changelog, as we release new features and functionality improvements. We also recommend you subscribe to the D&D Beyond newsletter for the latest.
Where can I provide feedback for this new feature?
We absolutely want your feedback during our Beta period. The feedback tab can be found within the desktop version of the Maps tool on the right-hand side panel. If you are unable to find the feedback tab, it may be impacted by browser extensions.
Will all new book releases be supported in the Maps tool?
Yes. All new book releases and digital drops that have maps will be supported in Maps. We are also backfilling our existing catalog with official Map support. We'll update our changelog with this information as we do it. We also recommend that you opt into our New Feature Updates email list to be notified when books are added!
Do I need to purchase additional game content to use this?
Maps offers a set of nine basic maps that a Master Tier Dungeon Master can use to prep and host a game with players, as well as the ability to easily upload their own. Supported digital book content the DM has in their DDB content library can also be used in the game. DMs can also create and use Homebrew Monster tokens in their Maps games.
Will I have to repurchase books if Maps support is added to something older that I already own?
Nope! Maps support will automatically be added to your purchased content as we add feature support to our library. That also means that if you are a Master Tier subscriber and you've previously purchased a book on DDB, you’ll receive access to its content in Maps as soon as it has been backfilled.
Is there an additional charge to use Maps?
The ability to host games using Maps is included in the Master Tier Subscription. Dungeon Masters who are Master Tier subscribers can run adventures on Maps for any registered players who have a free D&D Beyond account. Official D&D content must be owned to access the associated maps in the feature. If you’re curious about Maps, we recommend signing up for a free trial subscription.
How is D&D Beyond approaching accessibility for Maps?
Maps was designed and developed with accessibility in mind. At launch, users can access base components using tabindex and keyboard navigation throughout. We also included proper headings to support screen reader shortcut keys and descriptive alt text and links. You will continue to see more accessibility improvements in the future, including audio cues, high contrast mode, themes, and more.
Can I use my homebrew monsters, and will the art I upload be visible as its token image?
Yes. Dungeon Masters hosting a game session on Maps will have access to their personal homebrew and anything in their homebrew collection in the Token Browser. Tokens will visually display art from the Small Avatar image field unless no custom imag has been uploaded, or if no custom image has been uploaded, tokens will adopt the creature type standard. Dungeons Masters can access their owned Monsters (including their homebrew) in the Token Browser.
What file formats work for uploading images?
We currently support the following formats: jpg, png, and webp.
How does the storage offered as a part of the Maps feature work?
Storage only refers to images uploaded to the Maps tool and does not impact other parts of your account, such as character count, campaigns, game content, or personal homebrew.
What additional system requirements will I need to have to use this feature effectively?
None. This should work on both PC and Mac computers similar to the Character Builder. To access, you will need: active and stable internet connection, a DDB account, and an active Master Tier subscription to host game sessions on Maps for other players.
If you experience issues due to your hardware, please let us know. This tool will be available for up-to-date versions of the following web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, and Edge. Maps will be accessible via desktop and mobile web. At this stage, Maps is not available on the D&D Beyond app.
Who can join a game session with Maps?
Any DDB registered user can join a DM-hosted game session using Maps as long as the DM has a Master Tier subscription. Up to 13 players can join a single session, including the DM.
How can I report a problem with content I find offensive or harmful to my game experience?
Users can report an image to our Customer Care team through the Submit request link.
Will the player character tokens display my custom character art?
Yes. PC tokens display Character Sheet Profile Avatar images.
What is happening to the Encounters tool?
At this time, the Encounters (Beta) tool will remain available and continue to use the encounter rules outlined in the 2014 Dungeon Masters Guide. No changes to this tool are currently planned.
How does Maps calculate encounter difficulty?
While Maps can be used for any Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition adventure, some special features, such as encounter difficulty calculation, will use the revised 2024 rules.