Streamlining Foundry VTT: A Journey to Better Gaming

Update: version 13

Module Recommendations While Foundry VTT lets you customize your games however you see fit, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to Add-on Modules. Everyone GMs their game differently. We strongly recommend all users (especially new ones) get used to how the core software (or a specific game system) operates *first, before finding add-on modules to customize their game.* Foundry Discord Server

Foundry VTT is an incredible platform, with a seemingly endless library of modules and content. When I first started using it, I couldn’t resist diving in headfirst. Like many new users, I installed dozens of add-ons, each promising to enhance gameplay. What I didn’t realise at the time was that all those modules created chaos. Instead of playing D&D, my group and I spent our sessions troubleshooting. Every update introduced new issues, every game felt like a test run, and the fun we came for was lost. It became clear: something had to change.

Starting Fresh: A Shift in Strategy

I decided to strip everything back. I removed all modules and returned to the Foundry core. From there, I adopted a simple philosophy: if a pain point arose during gameplay, I’d look for a solution. This meant either installing a module to address the problem or writing one myself. With three games a week, this strategy allowed me to slowly build a setup tailored to my group’s needs. The result? No more constant changes, no more broken systems—just D&D the way it was meant to be played.

Let me walk you through the modules I now use and why I’ve chosen them. Each has earned its place by enhancing the experience without adding unnecessary complications.

My Essential Modules

Tidy Sheet 5e

The very first module I installed was Tidy Sheet 5e, and for good reason. It’s a game-changer for both players and GMs.

• Why it’s great:
  • A clean, compact layout that keeps things simple while allowing depth when needed.
  • The front page favourites section is a favourite (pun intended), letting players easily access key features.
  • The NPC sheet is intuitive and speeds up gameplay for the GM.

Even now, with the improved default D&D sheet, my players still prefer Tidy. It’s well-supported, regularly updated, and a testament to what good community development can achieve.More information

I’d also add that the standard D&D 5e character sheet in Foundry V13 is looking pretty great—it’s had a visual refresh and your players might prefer it over older alternatives. That said, adding Tidy Sheet still gives you and your players flexibility and choice. It’s easy to switch between them and find what works best for your group.

Dice Tray

What’s a tabletop RPG without dice? While Foundry’s chat commands can roll for you, Dice Tray provides an elegant, user-friendly solution.

• Why I use it:
  • It makes rolling quick and intuitive, with just a click of the mouse.
  • It’s simple, effective, and always updated to stay compatible with Foundry’s latest versions. More information

Monk’s Modules: Indispensable Additions

IronMonk’s suite of modules is a staple for my games. They add polish and solve many of Foundry’s small but persistent pain points. These include:

• Monk’s Bloodsplats: Adds a dramatic blood splat effect when enemies fall. It’s a small detail, but my players love it. We even use the splats as loot markers, adding a bit of flair to combat.

Iron Monk has had quite a bit of work to do for this update—moving to version 13 called for a different approach behind the scenes. As part of that, I’ve gone ahead and removed::

• Monk’s Combat Details: Offers a suite of tools for managing combat more efficiently. I’ve carefully enabled only the features that enhance gameplay, like clearing targets after turns and automating combat trackers. This one is truly essential.
• Monk’s Combat Marker: Simple but powerful. It highlights tokens clearly during combat and is so useful that Foundry plans to integrate it into the core platform.
• Monk’s Little Details: A collection of tweaks that improve immersion, like additional status effects and find my token. [[More on Monk’s Modules]]

There are a few features I just couldn’t live without, which is what inspired Iron Codex—a temporary module to fill the gap while Iron Monk updates his. Once Iron Monk’s modules are released, you can safely disable Iron Codex.

Community Challenges: The Case of Let’s Trade 5e

Foundry’s community modules are its greatest strength—and its biggest challenge. Take Let’s Trade 5e, for example. It solves a common problem: allowing players to trade items between characters. However, it comes with quirks, like sending items to default characters and struggling with containers. Worse, it hasn’t been updated since March 2023.

While it works well enough for now, this highlights a larger issue with community-supported content: when updates stop, the burden of fixing or replacing modules falls on users. More information

This is another module that has been a replaced for v13. We’re currently play testing Give to… a very simple context menu add in, that enables transferring items. With the Manage Currency button on the character sheets being great for moving coins.

Custom Fixes: Adapting to Changing Needs

Over the years, I’ve had to adapt several modules to keep them functional:

• Health Rings: Displays HP and Temp HP directly in the combat tracker, a lifesaver for GMs.
• Token Aura: Updated to work with Foundry V12.

These tweaks are fragile, but they allow me to tailor Foundry to my players’ needs.

Lessons from Five Years of Foundry

What I’ve learned is that simplicity is key. Every module you add increases the chances of something breaking during updates. Foundry’s robust backup system is invaluable—always use it. Be prepared to roll back and don’t update during critical gameplay times.

Why I Write My Own Modules

Sometimes, the best solution is to create your own tools. Here are a few I’ve written to solve recurring issues:

• Apply XP: Tracks and distributes XP easily, letting players monitor their progress.
• Die Hard: Automatically marks NPCs as dead when their HP hits 0, triggering effects like Monk’s Bloodsplats.
• Iron Codex A lightweight modular toolkit for Foundry VTT v13,
• Macros: I use several for tasks like targeting, lighting, and marking tokens as dead.
• Clock: Tracks in-game date and time, invaluable for time-sensitive quests.

Final Thoughts

Foundry VTT is an incredible platform, but its modular nature requires careful curation. By focusing on what truly enhances gameplay and avoiding unnecessary clutter, I’ve created a setup that lets my group focus on what matters: the story, the characters, and the fun. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by Foundry’s options, my advice is simple: start small, solve problems as they arise, and always, always back up your work.