epicGM vs Hero Lab

epicGM — epicGM is a free, open-source virtual tabletop software for tabletop roleplaying games. It allows gamemasters to manage characters, locations, items, notes, and share maps during gameplay sessions.

Hero Lab — Hero Lab is character creation and management software for tabletop roleplaying games like Pathfinder and D&D. It helps players build characters, track abilities, manage inventory, calculate modifiers

epicGM offers Character sheets, Dice rolling, Initiative tracking, Map sharing, Note taking, while Hero Lab provides Character creation and management, Automated calculations for stats, skills, abilities, Inventory management, Customizable character sheets, Rules enforcement and validation.

epicGM stands out for Free and open source, Cross-platform support, Active development; Hero Lab is known for Saves time with automation and calculations, Reduces errors in character creation, Easy to build complex characters.

Feature	epicGM	Hero Lab
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Gaming Software	Gaming Software
Pricing	Open Source	N/A

Product Overview

epicGM

Description: epicGM is a free, open-source virtual tabletop software for tabletop roleplaying games. It allows gamemasters to manage characters, locations, items, notes, and share maps during gameplay sessions.

Hero Lab

Description: Hero Lab is character creation and management software for tabletop roleplaying games like Pathfinder and D&D. It helps players build characters, track abilities, manage inventory, calculate modifiers, and more.

Key Features Comparison

epicGM Features

• Character sheets
• Dice rolling
• Initiative tracking
• Map sharing
• Note taking
• Session logging

Hero Lab Features

• Character creation and management
• Automated calculations for stats, skills, abilities
• Inventory management
• Customizable character sheets
• Rules enforcement and validation
• Support for multiple game systems like D&D and Pathfinder
• Shared character libraries and content

Pros & Cons Analysis

epicGM

Pros

• Free and open source
• Cross-platform support
• Active development
• Customizable and extensible
• Good community support

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Missing some common features
• Performance issues with large maps

Hero Lab

Pros

• Saves time with automation and calculations
• Reduces errors in character creation
• Easy to build complex characters
• Customizable and extensible
• Helps new players learn the rules
• Reduces bookkeeping during play

Cons

• Can be expensive compared to pen and paper
• Requires learning curve
• Limited flexibility compared to paper character sheets
• Requires constant updates as rules change
• Can slow down gameplay

Pricing Comparison

epicGM

• Open Source

Hero Lab

• Not listed