Just a heads up, there will be some folks checking out this video and more Alchemy content now that DC20 has been announced to be coming to Alchemy. Also this was the first video when I searched "Alchemy vtt" Good vid btw, thank you!
Alchemy look pretty. Other than that I dont see any value compare to Foundry (and god I hate monthly subscription system so bad). Thx for the presentation anyway.
This video is so good that you sold me on Alchemy despite them not doing what I want yet, on the hope that they will! Also, while I look for VTTs for non-dnd games, I use them for my dnd games, too, and this looks great for that! Thanks for the rec!
I do run Blades in the Dark and QuestRPG, look forward if they support them, or make community custom rule sharing a thing. Only heard of them because of DC20 adding them to the backer tier.
I'd really like to see the Cypher system stuff you set up in action. I dislike roll20s way of doing Cypher with all the pop up windows and prefer Foundry's One Window to handle all effort/skills/assets, so curious what you can do with this.
I will say, it doesn't automate or take that stuff into account as much (at least at the moment). Basically the UI has all the trackers and info I need I want to follow, and then when it comes to rolling it's just a d20 and GM/players keeping track of effort/skills/etc, like you would in person. So it lacks that functionality, but I personally appreciate the simplicity of it, especially with Cypher. I have been thinking of running some cypher games on the channel though, and I would definitely use Alchemy for that
Make a custom "universe," put together a character sheet and a list of actions to cover all the roll types, and custom wrote in the items/scrolls/potions. Works shockingly well. I might make a little series on how to build systems in Alchemy at some point, but they keep updating with new features so often I feel like they would become outdated fast lol
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide Thanks for the quick reply and guidance! I'd love to use EZD6 in Alchemy, so I'll get start playing around with the create universe feature.
Alchemy looks like Apple's take on VTT, it looks all great a but lacks customization. I would give it a shot despite the missing many features, but anything subscription based and not running from my pc is big no no.
God if this had Fudge die it would be EXACLTY what I use. Currently in a long term fate game I'm running and I do it via roll20 but basically, just doing it like how this is using with backdrops and text and stuff
What do you have against web based tools? I find its much easier to get players into a game if they don't have to download some 3rd party app and I can just give them a link to go to.
That is true. I once saw a formula for dice that equated out to fudge dice, but I like seeing my pluses and minuses dangit! lol Still, really good point! (Still need easy text added to the tactical maps for aspects, I think, but there are work around for that I'm sure)
Looks slick and I really appreciate this atmosphere first (not battle mat first) approach. However, I really don't like my software as a service where they can hold my data hostage and pull the plug any time they feel like it... so it's a pass.
Looks really promising! I'm still enjoying AboveVTT for its ease of use, but I'll def keep am eye on Alchemy especially if I do more RP heavy games. The graphics and UI look gorgeous
My progression so far’s been: years of Roll20 > years of Foundry > likely eternity in Alchemy 😂. Once you try, the jump is as big as moving from Roll20 to Foundry imo.
Hey how did you set up EZD6? I would love a video on how to make that work smoothly, I am fiddling around with custom system and can't quite get the commands for dicerolla and the character sheet setup right.
It has potential but for now it's way behind Roll20 and Foundry. As a player I love automating rolls with macros and as a DM... I love automating rolls with macros
Great review! My thoughts? well. After many tinckerings and assessments I still think Foundry VTT is superior for me and my group and friends. I'm reluctant to see the Alchemy Unlimited convenience beside the obvious gatekeeped features that are already free in many other VTTs like uploading your D&D Beyond Charactersheet. I feel the monetization system is not healthy. But that's al lwe can see from outside and many things are still unanswered so hopefuly some clarifications will be provided. Im still unconvinced regarding other systems like City of Mist which I don't like his implementation so far. Sound board is very lackluster. Lastly: FUDGE DICE WHEN!
Great video and thank you for the update. This whole industry is rapidly evolving and you do a great job in these deep dives. Please don’t stop. You’re seriously the best reviewer of these kinds of products and services. Speaking of Blades in the Dark (5:30) - still waiting for you OMM video, Mr. Guide! I know it’s gonna be great when it comes out; keep up the good work! I am kinda interested in your opinion on their take on Blades in the Dark. Side note: in your first video about this VTT, you mentioned wanting to play Thirsty Sword Lesbians on Alchemy RPG. Is that now possible, in your opinion?
As cool as this looks, I just bought into Foundry the other day. . .it suits the crunchy games I play. (and intend to run soon) I would totally see myself using this for more rules-light, and non-combat focused systems. though they may not even be aimed at the same niches, I think 'competition' is a great way to get all of the VTTs to continue to improve, and I'm all for having options!
I have! Even shouted it out in another of my videos actually and I've used it quite a bit. Though I do wish they would allow for a slightly more compact character sheet.
At the moment, I really do not see the appeal to it. foundry can do whatever Alchemy can. Foundry is even better for theater of the mind. 50 USD and anything Alchemy can do. Maybe in the future.
I'm still trying to get the hang of Alchemy, but I don't really think it is capable of what I want. Video backgrounds are cool. But I just want a map, tokens, maybe the ability to pop open a stat block when the token is clicked. And that's it.
@@frostbyte000jm Interesting! I've never heard of them but I may just have to give a listen. I've been saying it that way for a while and most people give me weird looks lol But I will keep fighting the good fight.
This is an enormous help. Even though Alchemy didn't sponsor it, do you think there is a way you can get reimbursed from them for the recommendations, say with a custom Alchemy "Subscribe" link?
I'm coming into this with an open mind, could anyone who is interested/passionate about this challenge my thinking here? It seems really pretty, but it reminds me of the animated battlemap craze where it looks cool, but you're paying someone on patreon to make 2 animated battlemaps a month and just praying that the new maps somehow revolve around your campaign. Things that look amazing in a 5 minute demo... Once you really start playing a game, you won't have all these fancy perfectly tailored images or a unified art theme. Is it just theatre of the mind / simple presenting picture appeal?
It seems great for people who don’t like tactical combat using battlemaps. Also seems great for using with noob players in games that don’t focus on tactical combat.
I looked, and it is a lovely slick presentation, but not for me or my groups. It's basically solely for theater of the mind games, battlemap functionality is close to nil, and the monthly fee (unless you drop five hundo on the kickstart) all become deal-breakers. I self-host Foundry and Fantasy Grounds and prefer their functionality and the one-time purchase structure. But for people who don't need strong mapping tools and can't or don't want to host their own server, this is certainly a very attractive VTT. I wish it every success.
You are amazing at explaining the good and the bad for the VVTs out there and I love your videos, but I have a question. My gaming group are older (53+) and we don't play around a table, but we do get together to play. Is there something that I can run on my laptop and use as just a literal virtual table top? So when I broadcast it to the big screen, it functions like a table? No need for everyone to login, just show their icons/minis/tokens and maybe a 3d battle map (such as from Dungeon Alchemist) so they can keep track of combat and tell me where to move their characters?
No, I'm afraid that was my own doing, as I wanted to see how well I could incorporate it into Alchemy by myself. Turns out, works decently well (though I imagine it will work better when they fully release their system builder tools)
Can you maybe make a video going through custom systems setup like Cypher? And what do you expect from their Kickstarter (asides fudge dice - i woulf love to play Fate in Alchemy)
How did you set up your system for blades in the dark on alchemy? I'm trying to set up a 1 shot and I am kind of struggling on figuring out how to get the system going and its hard to find info on setting up custom game systems and characters for those custom game systems.
its 180 degrees of d&d vtt gona do and i was a time thinking on how to be more inmersive on foundry and if that worth the time i have to spend and now with this... i no sure if oly a chage or use foundry for combat orintet games and alchemy for more histori oriented v5 seen neci here
I definitely want to try this VTT for narrative driven games like PbTA games. Imagine using this for a game like Monsterhearts 2 or Thirsty Sword Lesbian.
It's delightful. I have been experimenting with ways to display the moves, and keep the info clean, but the backgrounds and music are just sooo good for it. I've also been making premade sheets for all the TSL playbooks because I will do anything that makes it easier for me to convince people to play TSL with me!
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide Godspeed. I want to play TSL, I might make the time to play and then write something about it for the channel! Good luck and hope.tomhear updates one of these days.
Currently it would be clunky at best for CofD games. However, they are releasing Vampire the Masquerade with v1.0, and while the mechanics are definitely different there are enough similarities that I have high hopes those features will be integrated into the custom builder. If that happens, it'll be great, but until then, I wouldn't recommend it
Foundry does all that, and all the things you complained about. Also, premium only, no subscription. Alchemy's only pro right now is that it looks better.
I've never encountered issues like that, but the folks I am playing with are all PC gamers with more powerful computers. That is good information for anyone with a PC that might struggle!
Alchemy certainly isn't for everyone, but after two years and hundreds of hours of using foundry and many of its mods, I'm still much happier with Alchemy for a lot of my games personally.
Just a heads up, there will be some folks checking out this video and more Alchemy content now that DC20 has been announced to be coming to Alchemy. Also this was the first video when I searched "Alchemy vtt"
Good vid btw, thank you!
Uh oh...I hope they like somewhat outdated information! Perhaps I need to get to work on an updated version of the video...
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide haha no worries. As of now it seems alchemy hasn't changed a whole lot after checking it out. Thanks again!
Alchemy look pretty. Other than that I dont see any value compare to Foundry (and god I hate monthly subscription system so bad). Thx for the presentation anyway.
What if you want pretty?
This video is so good that you sold me on Alchemy despite them not doing what I want yet, on the hope that they will! Also, while I look for VTTs for non-dnd games, I use them for my dnd games, too, and this looks great for that! Thanks for the rec!
Great video. Thanks for posting it. I didn't know about Alchemy VTT. Glad to have it on the radar. Cheers.
For any RPG's that focus more on RP and immersion, Alchemy is going to be my go-to. I'll use Fantasy Grounds and Foundry for tactical slog-fests.
I do run Blades in the Dark and QuestRPG, look forward if they support them, or make community custom rule sharing a thing. Only heard of them because of DC20 adding them to the backer tier.
Literally got a Facebook and and signed up yesterday to hear more. I've been promised lots from other systems, but I'm interested
Great video!
Custom dice would be great but not sure if you can do that yet?
I'd really like to see the Cypher system stuff you set up in action. I dislike roll20s way of doing Cypher with all the pop up windows and prefer Foundry's One Window to handle all effort/skills/assets, so curious what you can do with this.
I will say, it doesn't automate or take that stuff into account as much (at least at the moment). Basically the UI has all the trackers and info I need I want to follow, and then when it comes to rolling it's just a d20 and GM/players keeping track of effort/skills/etc, like you would in person. So it lacks that functionality, but I personally appreciate the simplicity of it, especially with Cypher.
I have been thinking of running some cypher games on the channel though, and I would definitely use Alchemy for that
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide would like to see! If you are looking for victims.. err... Players, I'm sure a bunch of use would love to volunteer 😅
wasn't expecting to find Mr. Facts other channle today
Definitely something I'd like to try once it's a bit more built up
Love DM Scotty's EZD6! How did you 'import' EZD6 into Alchemy? Great video!
Make a custom "universe," put together a character sheet and a list of actions to cover all the roll types, and custom wrote in the items/scrolls/potions. Works shockingly well. I might make a little series on how to build systems in Alchemy at some point, but they keep updating with new features so often I feel like they would become outdated fast lol
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide Thanks for the quick reply and guidance! I'd love to use EZD6 in Alchemy, so I'll get start playing around with the create universe feature.
woah a new video
Alchemy looks like Apple's take on VTT, it looks all great a but lacks customization. I would give it a shot despite the missing many features, but anything subscription based and not running from my pc is big no no.
God if this had Fudge die it would be EXACLTY what I use. Currently in a long term fate game I'm running and I do it via roll20 but basically, just doing it like how this is using with backdrops and text and stuff
This looks web-based so... Pass from me.
You can use it both through its downloadable app or browser
What do you have against web based tools? I find its much easier to get players into a game if they don't have to download some 3rd party app and I can just give them a link to go to.
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide Awesome! I will definitely give it a try!
Nothing about this seems appealing.
I know this is a year old, but what makes you say that?
You like tactical mini obsessed gameplay. I’m so done with that. I’ll go play a video game if that’s what I want.
If you can make formulas for rolls I could just add the formula for rolling dice and converting it to fate.
That is true. I once saw a formula for dice that equated out to fudge dice, but I like seeing my pluses and minuses dangit! lol
Still, really good point! (Still need easy text added to the tactical maps for aspects, I think, but there are work around for that I'm sure)
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide Xd3 - 2X?
Each die will have the range of -1 to 1
The editing on this video is top notch, well done! Also, I’m pumped for more regular content! Keep up the great work!
Looks slick and I really appreciate this atmosphere first (not battle mat first) approach. However, I really don't like my software as a service where they can hold my data hostage and pull the plug any time they feel like it... so it's a pass.
Everything about this seems very appealing to me.
nah, i hate subscription models, f that
Looks really promising! I'm still enjoying AboveVTT for its ease of use, but I'll def keep am eye on Alchemy especially if I do more RP heavy games. The graphics and UI look gorgeous
Curious how you set up Cypher on Alchemy? I'm kind of new to using VTTs as a GM.
Mainly facts guy?? 😧
My progression so far’s been: years of Roll20 > years of Foundry > likely eternity in Alchemy 😂. Once you try, the jump is as big as moving from Roll20 to Foundry imo.
Hey how did you set up EZD6? I would love a video on how to make that work smoothly, I am fiddling around with custom system and can't quite get the commands for dicerolla and the character sheet setup right.
Alchemy looks great. I would use it but I like my isometric battle maps. So I guess I will wait and see.
Do you have a favorite vtt that utlizes isometric maps instead?
It has potential but for now it's way behind Roll20 and Foundry. As a player I love automating rolls with macros and as a DM... I love automating rolls with macros
Hey Klaus, is this the best VTT? (please don't kill me buddy)
I'll let it go...this time 💜
Great review!
My thoughts?
well. After many tinckerings and assessments I still think Foundry VTT is superior for me and my group and friends. I'm reluctant to see the Alchemy Unlimited convenience beside the obvious gatekeeped features that are already free in many other VTTs like uploading your D&D Beyond Charactersheet. I feel the monetization system is not healthy. But that's al lwe can see from outside and many things are still unanswered so hopefuly some clarifications will be provided. Im still unconvinced regarding other systems like City of Mist which I don't like his implementation so far. Sound board is very lackluster. Lastly: FUDGE DICE WHEN!
Great video and thank you for the update. This whole industry is rapidly evolving and you do a great job in these deep dives. Please don’t stop. You’re seriously the best reviewer of these kinds of products and services.
Speaking of Blades in the Dark (5:30) - still waiting for you OMM video, Mr. Guide! I know it’s gonna be great when it comes out; keep up the good work! I am kinda interested in your opinion on their take on Blades in the Dark.
Side note: in your first video about this VTT, you mentioned wanting to play Thirsty Sword Lesbians on Alchemy RPG. Is that now possible, in your opinion?
Yep, is absolutely believe so and plan to add that one in next!
As cool as this looks, I just bought into Foundry the other day. . .it suits the crunchy games I play. (and intend to run soon)
I would totally see myself using this for more rules-light, and non-combat focused systems.
though they may not even be aimed at the same niches, I think 'competition' is a great way to get all of the VTTs to continue to improve, and I'm all for having options!
It's awesome you can create your own custom game sheets, that's the part that I'm missing in Roll20 so much (I know premium version has it)
Works great for Vaesen. Not bad for Shadow of the Demon Lord. I'll he using it for futire games like Alien and Symbaroum, Goblin Slayer too
For custom systems have you tried Role VTT?
I have! Even shouted it out in another of my videos actually and I've used it quite a bit. Though I do wish they would allow for a slightly more compact character sheet.
At the moment, I really do not see the appeal to it.
foundry can do whatever Alchemy can. Foundry is even better for theater of the mind. 50 USD and anything Alchemy can do.
Maybe in the future.
I need freaking VtM systems to come out! I’ve made my own approximation but I need the whole thing @_@
I'm still trying to get the hang of Alchemy, but I don't really think it is capable of what I want. Video backgrounds are cool. But I just want a map, tokens, maybe the ability to pop open a stat block when the token is clicked. And that's it.
So why don’t you use a VTT that’s focused on traditional map functionality?
IT"S CATCHING ON!!!! People are saying TTRPG instead of spelling it.
If there is one overarching goal for my channel, it is to get everyone to say TTRPG the way I do. All the rest is just icing on the cake.
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide The first time I heard this was on the Bonus Experience Podcast, and I have been saying it that way ever since
@@frostbyte000jm Interesting! I've never heard of them but I may just have to give a listen. I've been saying it that way for a while and most people give me weird looks lol But I will keep fighting the good fight.
This is an enormous help. Even though Alchemy didn't sponsor it, do you think there is a way you can get reimbursed from them for the recommendations, say with a custom Alchemy "Subscribe" link?
If they wish to reimburse me in any way, I will gladly accept early access to their system builder tools :D I need them!
Never heard of it but I'm interested in seeing what you have to say
I'm coming into this with an open mind, could anyone who is interested/passionate about this challenge my thinking here?
It seems really pretty, but it reminds me of the animated battlemap craze where it looks cool, but you're paying someone on patreon to make 2 animated battlemaps a month and just praying that the new maps somehow revolve around your campaign. Things that look amazing in a 5 minute demo... Once you really start playing a game, you won't have all these fancy perfectly tailored images or a unified art theme.
Is it just theatre of the mind / simple presenting picture appeal?
It seems great for people who don’t like tactical combat using battlemaps. Also seems great for using with noob players in games that don’t focus on tactical combat.
Glad to see you're alive man~
I just found your channel and love your content. I always tell everyone, youve got to take care of you first!
For my Pathfinder Games I will stay on Foundry. But I am considering a Vaesen game afterwards and I think Alchemy might be great for that
I think that's totally valid! I wouldn't really want to run Pathfinder on Alchemy, or even D&D, personally.
You sound just like MrRipper
Ay it’s the mainly facts guy
Who’s here from the latest mainly facts video
Me
Woooooo new vid let’s go!
I looked, and it is a lovely slick presentation, but not for me or my groups. It's basically solely for theater of the mind games, battlemap functionality is close to nil, and the monthly fee (unless you drop five hundo on the kickstart) all become deal-breakers. I self-host Foundry and Fantasy Grounds and prefer their functionality and the one-time purchase structure. But for people who don't need strong mapping tools and can't or don't want to host their own server, this is certainly a very attractive VTT. I wish it every success.
You are amazing at explaining the good and the bad for the VVTs out there and I love your videos, but I have a question. My gaming group are older (53+) and we don't play around a table, but we do get together to play. Is there something that I can run on my laptop and use as just a literal virtual table top? So when I broadcast it to the big screen, it functions like a table? No need for everyone to login, just show their icons/minis/tokens and maybe a 3d battle map (such as from Dungeon Alchemist) so they can keep track of combat and tell me where to move their characters?
I SEE THE EZD6 ICON, IS IT AVAILABLE
No, I'm afraid that was my own doing, as I wanted to see how well I could incorporate it into Alchemy by myself. Turns out, works decently well (though I imagine it will work better when they fully release their system builder tools)
Can you maybe make a video going through custom systems setup like Cypher? And what do you expect from their Kickstarter (asides fudge dice - i woulf love to play Fate in Alchemy)
Better or worse than Foundry for Pathfinder 2E?
Way, way worse, considering all the stuff implemented in foundry for pf2e.
How did you set up your system for blades in the dark on alchemy? I'm trying to set up a 1 shot and I am kind of struggling on figuring out how to get the system going and its hard to find info on setting up custom game systems and characters for those custom game systems.
its 180 degrees of d&d vtt gona do and i was a time thinking on how to be more inmersive on foundry and if that worth the time i have to spend and now with this... i no sure if oly a chage or use foundry for combat orintet games and alchemy for more histori oriented v5 seen neci here
Man I already paid for foundry. Wish it would look this good for TOTM
Would you be willing to do a video on Holy Lands RPG?
I definitely want to try this VTT for narrative driven games like PbTA games. Imagine using this for a game like Monsterhearts 2 or Thirsty Sword Lesbian.
It's delightful. I have been experimenting with ways to display the moves, and keep the info clean, but the backgrounds and music are just sooo good for it. I've also been making premade sheets for all the TSL playbooks because I will do anything that makes it easier for me to convince people to play TSL with me!
@@TheDungeonNewbsGuide Godspeed. I want to play TSL, I might make the time to play and then write something about it for the channel! Good luck and hope.tomhear updates one of these days.
You think this, at the current stage, would work well with Chronicles of Darkness games?
Currently it would be clunky at best for CofD games. However, they are releasing Vampire the Masquerade with v1.0, and while the mechanics are definitely different there are enough similarities that I have high hopes those features will be integrated into the custom builder. If that happens, it'll be great, but until then, I wouldn't recommend it
Foundry does all that, and all the things you complained about. Also, premium only, no subscription. Alchemy's only pro right now is that it looks better.
Better than Talespire!?
So - like a more complex, paid for and worse version of Owlbear rodeo... Without the capability of foundryvtt. Okay, good to know. (pass)
Missing a lot of points I was after, but that's fair. It sounds like it doesn't fit into what you prioritize in your games, which is fine.
Fudge dice are easy to fake with three or six sided dice and a little math.
Laggy as hell tho
I've never encountered issues like that, but the folks I am playing with are all PC gamers with more powerful computers. That is good information for anyone with a PC that might struggle!
😂 laughs in foundry modules.
Alchemy certainly isn't for everyone, but after two years and hundreds of hours of using foundry and many of its mods, I'm still much happier with Alchemy for a lot of my games personally.