8 Best StartPlaying Alternatives & Reviews

Compare the top StartPlaying.games alternatives based on commission fees, vetting, and features. We’ll also evaluate StartPlaying reviews to help you find the best option as a player or a GM.

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StartPlaying.games is one of the most well-known professional DM service in the TTRPG space, boasting over 5,000 GMs and 80,000 active paying players as of the end of 2025. But being the “largest” doesn’t always equate to the “best,” which leaves many players and GMs wondering what other options are available.

We’ll first cover the top StartPlaying.games alternatives, highlighting their relative strengths and weaknesses, hosting fees/costs, and targeted demographics to find the right alternative for you. Then, we’ll evaluate recent StartPlaying.games reviews from Trustpilot, GM threads from EN World’s forums, and a comprehensive December 2025 report by TTRPG Insider on the business model of the professional DM to understand the current state of the platform.

What to Look for in a StartPlaying.games Alternative

Before checking out our recommendations, know what varies from site to site:

• Commission structure. A majority of platforms take a cut of every transaction, while some don’t charge users for their service and allow direct payments.
• Vetting and safety. Platforms with open registration offer a large selection of GMs, but ones with a screening process may provide consistency and better quality control.
• Payment methods. A built-in payment processor means less hassle when discussing money. Platforms that only list games leave you to handle the business.
• Size versus curation. The biggest platforms can give you a wide range of games to host and play while smaller platforms may forego variety for a more focused experience and audience.

Not every StartPlaying alternative will fit all your needs so it’s good to identify what’s most important to you. Are you a DM simply looking for players to host for, a player looking to try a certain game, or simply someone who wants to avoid platform fees?

8 Best StartPlaying Alternatives in 2026

Let’s review how some of the most popular StartPlaying.games alternatives stack up against each other. Here’s what we’ll be covering at a quick glance:

1. Nerd Culture: The Best Free StartPlaying.games DM Alternative

Nerd Culture is a community hobby platform designed to help you find Dungeons and Dragons groups or any sort of group for your favorite TTRPGs and hobbies. It’s also one of the few StartPlaying alternatives that doesn’t charge any sort of fee for both players and GMs.

Pros

• 0% platform fee for paid games. GMs keep 100% of their earnings
• GMs can have their groups promoted entirely for free
• Built-in messaging, group pages, and RSVP tracking, so you don’t need a separate Discord for admin
• GMs coming from other platforms can migrate their existing ratings and reviews
• Free and paid games live side by side, with no pressure toward either
• Supports all table-top role playing games, not just Dungeons and Dragons

Cons

• GMs and players must figure out payment arrangements directly
• Younger platform than StartPlaying.games, so the GM pool is still growing in some systems

Features: Searchable group and campaign listings, safety and privacy controls, and general hobby communities beyond just TTRPGs. Community management features allow GMs to build on one platform instead of managing multiple.

Pricing: Free for GMs and players. If a GM charges for their games, that goes all to them.

Whether you’re a professional game master or just starting out, Nerd Culture is worth looking into if the fee structure is your main concern with StartPlaying and are looking to simplify your community management.

Your Next Startplay.games Alternatives, Without the Platform Fees

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2. Polyhedra: Best for Screened, Consistent Games

Polyhedra takes the opposite approach from StartPlaying’s open marketplace. Every GM is vetted before they’re allowed to list a game, and players go through a short interview process to get matched with a table that fits their style. It’s smaller by design, but aims to provide a quality gaming experience for both sides of the table.

Pros

• Every GM is screened for professional conduct before joining
• Interview-based matching aims to minimize the risk that shows up most open marketplaces and to provide a safe, inclusive environment
• Community is managed by volunteer moderators

Cons

• Smaller GM pool than StartPlaying.games; growth is slow, but intentional
• All campaigns are run exclusively on Foundry VTT; may not be the right fit if your group is uses other VTT simulators
• Discord is the main mode of communication; currently no internal communication tools nor Discord alternatives supported on the website

Features: Vetted GM directory, screening interviews for new players, secure payment system, and a Discord-based community for members

Pricing: Sessions run around $30/seat w/ a small service fee from bookings to cover operation costs

3. The Role Players Guild: Best Lower-Fee StartPlaying Alternative

The Role Players Guild is a TTRPG marketplace dedicated to providing GMs with a more affordable way to find players. The site aims to be a one-stop shop for tabletop gamers to create characters, buy digital content, and find TTRPG stores nearby.

Pros

• 10% commission on paid bookings, currently lower than StartPlaying’s 15% fee 
• GMs are vetted and games have transparent prices/clear fees before booking
• Covers not just D&D, but other D&D alternatives as well like Call of Cthulhu, Blades in the Dark, Vampire: The Masquerade, etc
• Free online character builder tool for Tales of the Valiant, D&D 5e 2014, D&D 5e 2024

Cons

• Similar to other StartPlaying alternatives, still in its infancy meaning fewer GMs and not enough reviews to assess site reputation
• Designed to be an all-in-one TTRPG hub but doesn’t feel as focued as a result
• Games can be outsourced and can be listed as free when they actually aren’t

Features: GM marketplace with searchable, vetted profiles, in-platform messaging, character builder for multiple systems, and system-specific guides

Pricing: Free to sign up and browse. GMs take only a 10% cut on paid bookings

4. Arcane Circle: Best Emerging All-in-One Alternative

Arcane Circle was created as an alternative to StartPlaying because its founder and other professional GMs felt constrained by platform fees and limitations that made it difficult to make a sustainable living. Alongside offering a marketplace for TTRPG games, Arcane Circle is building everything in-house with a “community-first” perspective, seemingly taking slightly different approaches to address some issues StartPlaying has been criticized for. 

Pros

• Bundles campaign wikis, organization templates, and community tools directly into the platform
• Developing a VTT (in closed beta for alpha testers and supporter-tier subscribers)
• Game campaigns are a percentage instead of a subscription, so GMs don’t pay for posting their games until they get paid

Cons

• Launched in November 2025; young and still building up its GM/player user base
• Markets its GMs as “vetted,” though unclear what that means (registration is actually open to everyone per patch notes)
• The exact commission cut isn’t stated anywhere on the site

Features: Marketplace, internal tools for quality campaigns, QR-code check-in for in-person games, Stripe for payment processing, a GM review and follow system, and an in-development VTT.

Pricing: Browsing and signing up is free. Paid campaigns commission fee is not publicly disclosed.

5. Demiplane: Best for Non-D&D Systems and Algorithm-Based Matching

Demiplane is often described as “D&D Beyond for non-D&D games,” providing players with digital tool sets and game matchmaking/hosting services. In 2024, Demiplane was acquired by Roll20 and are integrating character sheets and other useful TTRPG elements to Roll20’s virtual tabletop simulator. Their free matchmaking is also a bit different from the typical forum boards found on Startplaying alternatives, utilizing a matchmaking algorithm that connects players and GMs through “Adventure Portals.”

Pros

• Free algorithm-based matchmaking, not an asynchronous forum board
• GMs keep 95% of the price per player in “Paid Adventures” (support page archived 2025, current fee % unknown)
• Official integration for character tools for and ongoing development with Roll20

Cons

• Doesn’t include D&D or D&D Beyond despite being a common assumption
• Paid-Adventure fees are undocumented
• Less brand recognition for paid GMing in comparison to StartPlaying or even Roll20

Features: Algorithm-based matchmaking, character sheets and content synced with Roll20, digital rulebooks and adventures.

Pricing: Free to use for matchmaking and content browsing. GM commission fee was stated as 5% in 2025, but is currently unconfirmed

6. Roll20 LFG Listings: Best Free Option With the Largest Reach

Roll20’s “Looking For Group” board is a relatively simple forum, but is amongst the largest game boards in the industry, covering both paid and free games. GMs are provided autonomy, being able to pitch their games and costs, and players can apply to play through writing. It’s nothing special in comparison to Startplaying, but the vast pool of players you can reach for free is worth its weight in gold.

Pros

• Huge built-in audience since Roll20 is one of the most popular VTTs in the hobby
• Free to post your listing regardless of whether you’re charging or not
• Players don’t need an account to view open games

Cons

• Roll20 doesn’t facilitate payment, so GMs and players have to coordinate that independently of the platform
• Listings aren’t reviewed, so quality control is weaker than on curated platforms
• Steeper learning curve than other Startplaying alternatives

Features: LFG forums by system and schedule, built-in VTT for running games, and a large library of maps, modules, and add-ons.

Pricing: Free to browse and post. Roll20’s premium subscriptions (5.99 – 10.99/month) add additional VTT functionality but aren’t required to use LFG listings.

7. Reddit r/lfg: Best Free LFG Option for General LFG

Reddit’s r/lfg is one of the largest, most active LFG communities out there, catering to almost every TTRPG system, region and time zone. Note that r/lfg is specifically for free sessions and games, so as per the subreddit’s own rules, GMs cannot solicit or charge for paid games. There are rare scenarios where games are held at hobby shops and entry fees are not accounted for, but it can be assumed that all games are free. GM prep time should also not be charged.

Pros

• Free, with no platform fee or cut
• Large, active community in many TTRPG systems, not limited to just D&D
• A good place to start if you want to try a game and not pay for it

Cons

• No vetting process for GMs or players, so safety and risk up to user
• Scheduling or dispute resolution system
• Simple forum board; no special tools or moderation

Features: Posts are searchable through the use of flairs and tags. Users can filter by game system, experience level, and format.

Pricing: Free to post and browse.

8. Reddit r/lfgpremium: Best Zero-Fee Option for Paid Games

Reddit’s r/lfgpremium is r/lfg’s paid-game equivalent, designed primarily for GMs who are looking to charge for their games. Ironically, StartPlaying’s blog mentions r/lfgpremium as a great place to advertise paid games. All booking, payments, scheduling, and game hosting are handled by the GM in whichever way they like, which sometimes means outsourcing to Startplaying or one of its alternatives. Players can also post looking for GMs who can accomodate to their table’s needs.

Pros

• Zero platform fees
• Designed specifically for paid games, so player search intent is clear from the get-go
• GMs have complete freedom over their pricing/payment methods, VTT platform, and scheduling

Cons

• No vetting of either GMs or players, so you’re responsible for your own background checks
• No built-in payment, scheduling, or dispute resolution system
• Smaller and less active than the general r/lfg subreddit, which means consistent stream of players isn’t guaranteed

Features: Similar to r/lfg, posts are searchable through flairs and tags. Users can filter by game system, experience level, format, schedule, etc.

Pricing: Free to post and search. Payments for games are negotiated between GMs and players directly.

StartPlaying Reviews: What’s Actually True Today

There were several issues that were mentioned frequently enough in recent StartPlaying.games reviews and discussions amongst GMs that are important to note before choosing a platform.

The fees increased. StartPlaying charged a 10% cut of GMs’ earnings for many years, but as of January 2025, this fee has been increased to 15%. Co-founder Devon Chulick said in his interview with TTRPG Insider that the reason for this change was to ensure the company could remain profitable over the long term without having to raise prices more than once. Whether 15% is too much will depend on your frame of reference. And it’s not just GMs paying for it: players cover a separate “booking fee” on top of the session price too, so both sides of the transaction are absorbing StartPlaying’s cut, similar to how TicketMaster takes a percentage from sellers while also charging buyers a fee. There is no promise that fees will not continue to increase.

GM experiences vary widely, which is not necessarily the platform’s fault. One GM on EN World’s forums who runs a six-player Warhammer Fantasy campaign via StartPlaying.games notes a positive experience, making around $75 per session (~$15 per player) after fees, and has had consistent attendance. Another GM on the same thread advises newer GMs not to set their price too low because players will assume the game quality is poor, and notes that there is a huge disparity between the highest-quality games and the lowest-quality games. A third GM, who posted in another thread mentions that because of the way StartPlaying works, inexperienced GMs are reliant on luck: you schedule a session, and if enough people find your listing, it will get filled; some sessions are filled within a few days, whereas others go unfilled for weeks. Much like any other board, Startplaying does not guarantee success or give a particular advantage to GMs, but it does provide all the tools necessary to get your games going.

Find Your Table on the Best StartPlaying.games Alternative

Don’t leave it to chance for players to see your listing. With Nerd Culture’s Member Search, you can filter members by system, availability, and skill level so you can easily find the right players and DMs for your table.

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The income is not as much as you’d think. According to TTRPG Insider’s research, StartPlaying has paid out over $50 million to GMs since 2019. Chulick estimates that 15% to 20% of GMs make a living off the platform. That sounds good, but only a small fraction of GMs get there. Sessions usually run between $20 to $30 for each player, but prep time for campaigns are unaccounted for. One competitor’s founder publicly calculated that even a GM running five sessions a week with reasonable pricing would only amount to about $35,000 in gross income per year. This wage is workable as a side source of income, but is far from a living wage in most of the US. Since GMs are independent contractors, there’s no backup when a group falls apart or something else comes up.

Review moderation is questionable. A lengthy, one-star review on Trustpilot from one player describes having multiple reviews about a GM censored and removed due to violating StartPlaying’s review policy, eventually being blocked from reviewing said GM at all. StartPlaying itself responded to that player to confirm that his attempts were indeed blocked because of repeated violations. On the contrary, there was another review from a frustrated GM who believed that the reviews he received were inaccurate only to have no ways to respond and no method to appeal. As of April 23, 2026, Startplaying.games has updated their review policies. We don’t have all the details of both cases, but clearly there are reasons why some players don’t completely believe the 4+ star ratings that most GMs display and why some GMs feel that SPG isn’t the platform for them.

None of this makes StartPlaying a bad place to find a TTRPG game. Many of those same reviews highlight positives, including built-in safety tools, a support team that players describe as somewhat helpful, and a huge selection of campaigns and systems available that isn’t exclusive to D&D. There’s also a moderation team at StartPlaying that actually looks into reported GMs instead of falling on deaf ears. Ultimately, StartPlaying can still be your top choice based on your needs and it’s up to you to decide whether these reviews are actually specific, manageable issues rather than a platform that’s flawed at its core.

Free or Paid? Which Option is Best For You?

If cost is your main complaint with StartPlaying.games, Nerd Culture, Demiplane, and Arcane Circle address these concerns differently. If GM consistency and credibility is the most important aspect of your search, then Polyhedra’s vetting process makes it worthwhile despite the smaller user base. If you are simply looking for the broadest possible selection at no cost, then Roll20 and Reddit’s r/lfg and r/lfgpremium will get you the widest variety the quickest, though you will have to make GM and player assessments yourself.

Should You Try StartPlaying?

For many players and GMs, yes. StartPlaying has a significant user-base, safety features to protect both GMs and players, and plenty of reviews to back that up, but it’s no longer the only option out there. Each Startplaying alternatives on this list offer different advantages, from lower fees to tighter screening processes, and one of them may align better with what you’re looking for.

About the Author

Steven Weingarth (aka ShibaSteve) is co-founder and CEO of Nerd Culture, and has been playing and GMing TTRPGs for over 15 years. After trying StartPlaying firsthand and testing a few other professional GM and TTRPG group-finding platforms, Steven realized there were common issues with game discovery, finding groups, and GM/player tools. That experience inspired him to create Nerd Culture to help players and GMs find their perfect match and grow their own communities.

Content last updated: August 28th, 2026