Roll20’s highly anticipated Foreground Layer is now in beta to Plus and Pro subscribers. This powerful new feature allows Game Masters (GMs) greater creative control, allowing them to add dynamic, interactive elements to their maps, and surprise players with new functionality in-game.
Roll20 is now launching its new Foreground Layer feature into beta, which adds a new dimension to their VTT:
The Foreground Layer is GM-accessible and renders above the Token Layer, making rooftops, treetops, bridges, and other foreground objects dynamically respond to player movement. When GM or player-controlled tokens pass “beneath” foreground objects, they automatically fade to reveal interiors, secrets, or other hidden details while keeping essential information like nameplates and health bars visible. GMs can fine-tune opacity settings or turn off fading entirely, maintaining full control over how their maps are presented.
From enhanced exploration to suspenseful cinematics, GMs have the ability to curate countless new gameplay scenarios:
- Revealing hidden areas, paths, or foes
- Exploring under trees, bridges, awnings, or other overhead elements
- Hiding traps, creatures, or loot beneath objects
- Using animated overlays like poison clouds, flickering torches, or fireworks to set a mood
- … and so much more!
Roll20 is committed to building tools players want, and the Foreground Layer is the latest in a long list of updates driven by community input. GMs and players are encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions in the Roll20 forums to help refine and enhance the feature to suit as many users as possible.
The Foreground Layer is just one of many new innovations supported by Roll20’s Project Jumpgate, which also includes:
- Faster, smoother gameplay
- Support for both 2014 and 2024 D&D character sheets in-game
- The newly announced Dungeon Scrawl connection, which allows players to create and connect custom maps directly to Roll20
- Dozens UX, tool, and feature improvements
“The Foreground Layer has been a top community request for years, and thanks to our rebuilt tabletop engine, we’re finally able to deliver,” says Jayme Boucher, Senior Marketing Manager at Roll20. “Jumpgate lets us think bigger, build faster, and bring the community the tools they need to play however they prefer.”
To celebrate the launch, Roll20 has partnered with over a dozen talented illustrators to offer a free token pack featuring foreground objects like chandeliers, bushes, tents. This art pack is available to all Roll20 uses; they are encouraged to use the gifts to explore the new layer and to support the contributing artists via their full catalogs on the Roll20 Marketplace.