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.

What is the Foreground Layer?

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!

More information is available in the release blog and Roll20’s help center. 

Accessing the Beta 

Subscribers can access the Foreground Layer in any Jumpgate Game via the Layers section of the Roll20 toolbar. Customization is quick and easy using the right-click menu or individual Token Settings. 

Shaped by Community Feedback 

Roll20 is committed to building tools that 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 Virtual Tabletop of the Future

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.”

A Free Gift Encourages Exploration

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. 

You can read more about the release and access a full tutorial on Roll20's blog.

About Roll20, LLC

Roll20 is a leading provider of innovative tools and platforms that enhance the tabletop RPG experience for players and Game Masters alike. Roll20 provides comprehensive solutions to empower both in-person and online gameplay across an array of popular RPG systems. 

The company's offerings include Roll20's flagship Tabletop that connects gamers seamlessly regardless of distance, the industry's largest online marketplace for RPG digital products and print-on-demand titles through its OneBookShelf/DriveThru family of sites, and best-in-class digital character management solution Demiplane. Whether you're a publisher, artist, or community creator, Roll20 provides unparalleled access to tabletop gaming audiences. With over two decades of industry experience, Roll20's mission is to deliver an unmatched ecosystem of cutting-edge tools and content that make every adventuring experience more engaging, accessible, and unforgettable. Learn more at roll20.net.