Born of the U.S. government’s 1928 raid on the degenerate coastal town of Innsmouth, Massachusetts, the covert agency known as Delta Green opposes the forces of darkness with honor but without glory. Delta Green agents fight to save humanity from unnatural horrors—often at a shattering personal cost.

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Whether you're joining a game of Delta Green on StartPlaying or preparing to run your very own Night at the Opera, you have an important decision to make: which virtual tabletop (VTT) should you use? Fear not, Handler (or Agent)! This guide will navigate you through the strengths and weaknesses of various VTTs when it comes to joining the Conspiracy of Delta Green.

Alchemy RPG  

While lacking official Delta Green support, Alchemy RPG offers a visually stunning and feature-rich experience. Its impressive animation, particle effects, and intuitive sound and music tools will do an excellent job of helping you create an immersive atmosphere of horror and suspense. The robust scene builder further empowers the Handler to craft vivid environments. However, be aware that you will need to handle mechanics and character sheets externally from the VTT. And as with most VTTs, there is a significant learning curve to mastering all the features of Alchemy. 

Fantasy Grounds

Fantasy Grounds offers a community-created extension of their official Call of Cthulhu 6th edition ruleset specifically for Delta Green. There are many recommendations from players and Handlers online for this extension. It provides significant automation, including targeted rolls, condition tracking, stability tests, combat management, and even support for First Aid and Psychotherapy. Its strength lies in its automation capabilities, and a Handler with an Ultimate license can host players using the free demo. Drawbacks include reliance on community support for the extension and a relatively steep learning curve. A Handler license is also required.

Owlbear Rodeo

Owlbear Rodeo offers a streamlined and visually focused VTT perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach, which will appeal to some Delta Green Handlers and players since the game is geared as much towards investigation and theater of the mind as visual combat. While lacking a dedicated Delta Green character sheet, its intuitive interface allows for easy customization. It excels at map and token management and boasts a low learning curve, with free access for both Handlers and players. However, all rules, rolls, and mechanics must be managed externally or manually, and it lacks advanced automation features. Also be aware that players can observe the GM's live edits.

Quest Portal

Quest Portal provides an elegant and user-friendly character sheet specifically designed for Delta Green players. Setting up games is quick and easy, and both Handlers and players benefit from unlimited free campaigns and characters. The character sheets are highly customizable, and the 3D dice roller is visually appealing. Pro subscribers get AI assistance for those who are interested. Its mobile support is a cut above other VTTs. While it offers a great Delta Green experience, being a newer platform means it currently lacks some of the advanced automation and detailed record-keeping features found in more established VTTs. 

Foundry

Foundry offers a dedicated Delta Green system with automated mechanics, drag-and-drop compendiums, quick access to rules, and a comprehensive database of premade characters. Its automation capabilities are top-tier, and managing handouts and visuals for Delta Green is seamless. Forge, a hosting platform for Foundry VTT, simplifies hosting for players and migrating existing games from your local VTT installation. However, Foundry requires a one-time purchase for the Handler, and Forge hosting incurs a separate subscription cost. Mastering Foundry's extensive features also involves a learning curve.

Roll20 

Roll20 features an official, publisher-created Delta Green character sheet that is both thorough and visually appealing, offering built-in automation of game mechanics. Dice results are clear and include Delta Green-specific outcomes. Handouts and visuals are easily managed, and numerous official modules are available for purchase. While a robust platform, Roll20 has a learning curve to fully utilize its features and can occasionally experience browser-related issues. The free version has storage space limitations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, deciding what is the "best" virtual tabletop for your Delta Green games hinges on your group's priorities and preferences. Do you seek immersive visuals and atmospheric effects above all else? Alchemy RPG might be your pick if you are ok with manual and external handling of mechanics and characters. If robust automation and a dedicated Delta Green ruleset are your priority, Fantasy Grounds or Foundry VTT offer powerful solutions, though they come with learning curves and required costs.

For a streamlined, no-frills experience focused on theater of the mind, Owlbear Rodeo's simplicity may be what you seek. Quest Portal provides an excellent balance with its dedicated character sheets and user-friendly interface, especially for mobile play, though it's still new which means features and costs may change. Finally, Roll20 has official publisher support and full modules for purchase and immediate play but comes with potential performance quirks and a Handler cost to have all features available. 

I know that in the above list you will find the best virtual space that allows you to effortlessly weave tales of cosmic horror and bureaucratic nightmares, or that immerses your Agent in the horror and suspense of Delta Green. Choose wisely, lest this Night at the Opera be your last…

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Tyler, also known as Eldritch Echoes in the gaming world, is a passionate Game Master (GM) who loves creating fun and memorable experiences for players worldwide.