Getting started — Virtual Combat Simulator
The fastest way to get started with Virtual Combat Simulator is to run one real encounter with it — not a test, an actual session fight.
Virtual Combat Simulator is built around D&D-style combat. If that is your group's encounter format, you can be useful with it in the first session. Set up a battle map, place tokens, open initiative, and let the tool handle combat tracking while you run the narrative.
The biggest early mistake is overthinking setup. You do not need to import everything before your first encounter. Start with the map and tokens you need for the specific fight, get a feel for the initiative and hit point flow, and expand from there.
For online and hybrid groups, the shared encounter view is the core win. Make sure your players know how to see the same battle state you are running. That single sync is where VCS pays off most immediately.
Getting started
- Open the browser app and load or create the battle map for your next encounter.
- Place tokens for the creatures and characters involved in the fight.
- Start initiative tracking from the encounter view so turn order and combat state stay visible to the whole table.
- Track hit points and conditions from the same view — no side spreadsheets.
- After your first encounter, decide whether the Game Master upgrade fits how often you run sessions.