Review and Comparison of Battle Map Making Tools

Introduction

• Speaker: Kelly
• Challenge: Create a battle map with each tool in just 10 minutes
• Tools Tested: Five different battle map making tools
• Purpose: Examine which tool is the best for creating TTRPG battle maps quickly
• Disclaimer: Not sponsored, all tools were purchased with Kelly's own money

Tools Overview

Tile Forge

• Cost: Free
• Pros:
  • Completely free
  • Can create large maps with no limits
• Cons:
  • Slow development and some bugs
  • Lacks terrain tools (only rectangle and polygon tools)
  • Stores data in browser cache, risk of losing maps if cache is cleared
• Ideal Usage: Great for dungeon or castle maps without much terrain
• Tips: Support developers via Patreon for access to Discord

Incarnate

• Cost: Free version (limited) or $5/month subscription
• Pros:
  • Versatile, different art styles available
  • Can create world, region, and battle maps
  • Randomized object variation for natural look
• Cons:
  • No wall tool; walls are placed as individual objects
  • Rotates the last placed object when rotating the current one
• Ideal Usage: Suitable for complex and varied genre maps

Dungeon Draft

• Cost: $20 one-time purchase
• Pros:
  • One-time purchase, no subscription
  • Excellent terrain tools
  • Can load asset packs for versatility
  • Blends terrain textures well
• Cons:
  • Slightly clunky UI initially
  • Light objects didn't always adhere to walls
• Ideal Usage: Detailed terrain maps, cost-effective over long term

Dungeon Fog

• Cost: Free version (limited) or $5/month subscription
• Pros:
  • Powerful wall tool (can create curved or circular walls)
  • Can recolor props and textures quickly
  • Path tool good for cliffs and pathways
• Cons:
  • Least intuitive UI
  • Scrolling through textures for basic operations felt cumbersome
  • No shortcut key for scaling objects
• Ideal Usage: Flexible but requires patience, good for varied wall designs

Dungeon Alchemist

• Cost: $45 one-time purchase (available on Steam)
• Pros:
  • Uses AI for quick room generation
  • Fast and detailed map creation
  • Good exporting options (images, videos, VTT support)
• Cons:
  • Requires a decent computer to run smoothly
  • Stuck with a 3D video game art style
  • No multi-layer map support yet
• Ideal Usage: Quick, detailed, and exciting map creation, long-term value

Conclusion

• Favorites: Dungeon Draft and Dungeon Alchemist
• Criteria for Favorites: Speed and excitement
  • Dungeon Draft: Versatile, cost-effective
  • Dungeon Alchemist: Inspiring, detailed, fast
• Future Plans: Continue using both tools for future map-making

Additional Content

• Suggestions: More map making videos or live streams?
• Invitation: Leave comments for feedback and ideas
• Next Steps: Use map-making tools to create a one-shot, check out tips for one-shot sessions