In a move to streamline game preparation for Dungeon Masters, Roll20 has rolled out early access to its new Loot Manager. The feature, currently exclusive to Pro subscribers, is designed to let GMs quickly generate and manage shops and treasure hoards for their D&D 2024 games.
The Loot Manager allows for the creation of fully-stocked storefronts and treasure chests in seconds. This new system leverages a similar process to creating a new character on the platform. GMs can enter any D&D 2024 game, select either “Shop” or “Treasure” in the character builder, and then customise details such as the name, description, and even a DC for a locked chest.
A key feature is the ability to generate inventory directly from any D&D compendiums a user owns and has active in their game. This promises to be a significant time-saver, though GMs still have the option to create and add custom items. The platform’s introductory video shows how items can be edited, prices adjusted with markups or discounts, and how the final shop or treasure can be presented to players. For those looking for pre-made options, the Roll20 marketplace already features bundles like the Spectacular Shops Bundle 1 from Brave New Worlds.
This initial release is not without its limitations. As noted in the early access announcement, the ability for players to directly transfer loot from a shop to their character sheet is still in development. For now, players will need to manually add items and inform the GM of their purchases. This was a point of feedback on the community forums, where user Feyte expressed a desire for full automation. Roll20 replied, “Thank you! And yes, sheet-to-sheet transfer technology is being developed next during early access, so this automation is planned before wider launch!”
The decision to limit the Loot Manager to the D&D 2024 sheet is a technical one. Dean Bigbee from Roll20 explained, “Loot Manager is only available for the D&D 2024 sheet. That’s because the new tech behind the 2024 sheet lets us build features we just can’t do with the 2014 version.”
However, Bigbee was quick to reassure users of the older edition.
That said, we’re fully committed to supporting the current 2014 experience.
You can keep using it without any interruptions or need to switch. In fact, you can even run your game with the 2014 sheet and bring in the 2024 sheet to those 2014 games just for Loot Manager if you want.”
Roll20 has indicated that further updates are planned for the D&D 2024 sheet, including improved editing, easier navigation, and more automation based on user feedback. The company is actively seeking input from the community during this early access phase to shape the future of the Loot Manager and other new features. As an evolving platform in the digital tabletop space, it’s a development that Geek Native will be watching closely.
