All Young Heroes games are played using D&D Beyond and D&D Beyond Maps. If you’re used to running games on another virtual tabletop (VTT), this might feel like a big change! This guide explains why we use D&D Beyond, how its tools fit together, and how to make the switch smoothly.
Why Does Young Heroes Use D&D Beyond?
Safety is our number one priority with Young Heroes. D&D Beyond is currently the only VTT Young Heroes are allowed to use, because it meets the safety and privacy standards required for kids and teens.
It’s built for kids’ privacy
D&D Beyond partners with k-ID, which lets Guardians approve their Young Hero’s account and choose which features they can use. Most VTTs don’t have this kind of parental consent system.
Guardians stay in control
Because every Young Hero’s account goes through Guardian approval, Guardians always know which platform their kid or teen is using and what it can do.
Everyone plays in one approved space
When every game uses the same tools, Guardians know what to expect, and Young Heroes don’t need to sign up for new websites or apps for each game.
⚠️ Young Heroes may only use the tools listed in Which tools can I use with a Young Hero? Never ask a Young Hero or Guardian to join another VTT, download an app, or install a browser extension.
How Do the Tools Fit Together?
Every Young Heroes game uses three tools, and each one has its own job:
Tool | What it’s for |
D&D Beyond | Accounts, character sheets, and your campaign |
D&D Beyond Maps | The game table: maps, tokens, and combat |
Zoom | Video and voice |
Here’s how they work together:
Young Heroes create their characters in D&D Beyond, or claim one you’ve pre-built
Those characters join your D&D Beyond Campaign
Your campaign’s characters appear as tokens in D&D Beyond Maps
Everyone talks and plays together over Zoom
What Are the Benefits of D&D Beyond Maps?
Young Heroes can move their own tokens
In Maps, players control their own character tokens. Instead of watching a screen share, Young Heroes get to move their heroes around the map themselves. It makes them active parts of the adventure!
Character sheets are built in
Maps connects directly to D&D Beyond character sheets, so there’s nothing to import or sync. When a player levels up or takes damage, their sheet stays up to date.
Dice rolling is easy
Players can roll right from their character sheet, and D&D Beyond does the math for them. This is a huge help for younger players who are still learning the rules.
It’s free for players
Players can join Maps games with a free D&D Beyond account. Guardians don’t need to buy a subscription for their Young Hero to play.
It runs in a browser
There’s nothing to download or install. Young Heroes can join from their web browser.
It has the tools you need to run a game
Maps includes:
Fog of War to hide parts of the map until players discover them
Combat tracking to roll Initiative and keep track of turns
Overlays to show spell areas and effects
Ping to point out something on the map
Ruler to measure distance
Stickers to add props, terrain, and furniture
Official adventures are ready to go
If you own a D&D adventure on D&D Beyond, most of its maps and monster tokens are already in Maps. Quickplay maps come with tokens and fog of war already set up.
I’m Used to Another VTT. How Do I Make the Switch?
If you’ve been running games on Roll20, Foundry, Owlbear Rodeo, or another VTT, here’s what you need to know.
You can still use other tools for your own prep
Tools like Foundry and Owlbear Rodeo are fine for your own use, as long as no Young Hero ever interacts with them. You can build and run things yourself and share your screen, but Young Heroes must never have direct access.
Why we recommend Maps over screen sharing
All Young Heroes games are run through Zoom. Screen sharing your own VTT over Zoom might seem like an easy workaround, but it often causes more problems than it solves:
Young Heroes can’t interact with the map. On a screen share, players can only watch. They can’t move their tokens, explore, or point things out themselves. This can be frustrating for younger players, who learn best by doing.
You have to share the player view, not your DM view. Your DM view shows hidden monsters, traps, and secret areas. To keep those hidden, you’ll need to set up and share a separate player-facing view of your VTT.
It slows down your game. Switching between views, moving every token yourself, and updating the shared screen takes time. Your sessions can lose momentum, especially during combat or exploration.
With D&D Beyond Maps, your Young Heroes join the map directly, move their own tokens, and see only what you reveal to them. You stay in your DM view the whole time.
📌 Tip: If you do need to screen share for a moment, like showing a handout or a piece of art, Zoom’s screen share works great for that. Just keep the map itself in D&D Beyond Maps!
Keep it simple
Maps has fewer features than some VTTs, and that’s a good thing for younger players! A simpler table means less time explaining controls and more time playing.
Practice before your first session
Spend some time in Maps before your first game. Set up a map, add some tokens, and try out fog of war and combat tracking. Running a test session with a friend is a great way to learn the controls.
Teach the controls in Session Zero
Use Session Zero to show Young Heroes how to move their tokens, roll dice, and use the ping tool. Younger players learn quickly once they get to try it themselves!
Check what your plan includes
Hosting games on Maps is free. Some features, like uploading your own custom maps or using homebrew monsters, need a paid D&D Beyond subscription. Check the D&D Beyond subscription page for the current details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Roll20, Foundry, or Owlbear Rodeo for my Young Heroes game?
You can use them for your own prep, but Young Heroes can never be invited into, or given control of, another VTT. While you can screen share from another VTT, we strongly recommend running your maps in D&D Beyond Maps so your Young Heroes can interact with the map themselves.
Do my players need to pay for D&D Beyond?
No! Players can create characters and join Maps games with a free account.
Do I need a subscription to run games in Maps?
No. Anyone with a D&D Beyond account can host games in Maps. A subscription unlocks extra features like custom map uploads.
What if a Young Hero can’t access Maps?
Make sure their D&D Beyond account has been approved through k-ID and that their character has joined your campaign. Guardians can find setup steps in How to Prepare for a Session as a Guardian.
Is Maps still in Beta?
Yes. D&D Beyond is still adding new features to Maps, so check the D&D Beyond Changelog for updates.