Tabletop gaming has always brought friends together, creating unforgettable stories and adventures. But in an increasingly digital world, getting everyone around the table can be a challenge. Enter Sunderfolk, a virtual tabletop experience that perfectly blends the magic of in-person RPG campaigns with the convenience of online play. Whether you’re a die-hard tabletop fan or dabbling in RPGs for the first time, Sunderfolk makes for a surprisingly good virtual tabletop night.
What Is Sunderfolk?
Sunderfolk is a hybrid video game and tabletop RPG developed by Secret Door and published by Dreamhaven. Designed to emulate an evolving role-playing campaign, it offers the storytelling and cooperative experience many love about traditional tabletop gaming—but within a sleek, digital package.
At its core, Sunderfolk lets players team up, create unique characters, battle enemies, and make choices that shape the world. What sets it apart is its intuitive second-screen technology, engaging gameplay mechanics, and endless ways to personalize the adventure.
Why Sunderfolk Shines as a Virtual Tabletop Game
1. Immersive Gameplay with Endless Possibilities
At the heart of Sunderfolk is a vibrant cast of animal warriors, each with distinct abilities and roles. Choose from a fierce Berserker bear, a clever bat Bard, or a strategic horned Ranger, and shape your character by selecting abilities and tailoring your unique playstyle.
The fun doesn’t stop at character creation. Players influence the narrative by renaming world elements, designing custom story pieces, and interacting with lore through their devices. Don’t be surprised if the town tavern ends up named “Baja Blast” or your Berserker’s hammer is forged with comical backstory twists. It’s this level of personalization that makes each session unforgettable.
The virtual setting also enhances flexibility, giving players tools like dynamic digital battlefields and interactive lore designed to make gameplay as seamless as it is thrilling.
2. A Polished Virtual Experience
What truly transforms Sunderfolk into a surprisingly good virtual tabletop night is its second-screen functionality. The game runs on a main screen (like a PC or TV), while each player uses their own smartphone to participate. This unique setup captures the essence of gathering around a real table but makes it accessible from anywhere.
- Smooth Onboarding: Joining the game is as simple as scanning a QR code with a smartphone, bypassing clunky logins or access codes.
- Combat Mechanics: Battles are turn-based, taking place on a collaborative main screen, but players use their phones to control their moves discreetly. The cursor system ensures precise actions without clunky interfaces.
- Customization and Exploration: Use your phone to manage inventory, interact with NPCs, or vote on decisions—all while the story unfolds on the main screen.
This system promotes both solo exploration during downtime and teamwork when the group reunites for quests or battles. It’s fluid, intuitive, and keeps the gameplay engaging for everyone.
3. Community and Social Bonding
Sunderfolk shines brightest when played with others. Like a great in-person RPG session, it encourages collaboration, communication, and laughter. Whether you’re strategizing combat moves or coming up with ridiculous names for in-game items, the experience thrives on the camaraderie of the group.
The game’s balance of solo moments (like exploring a town) and group dynamics makes it feel beautifully paced. Each player contributes to the overarching narrative while still having space to engage independently, keeping everyone invested.
But it’s not just about the playgroup in front of you. The Sunderfolk community extends online, with forums, social platforms, and content creators sharing tips, strategies, and personal stories about their campaigns.
4. A Familiar Yet Unique Experience
At first glance, Sunderfolk might remind gamers of other virtual tabletop platforms like Roll20 or Foundry VTT. But its tight integration of video game mechanics with classic tabletop traditions makes it stand out. Unlike traditional virtual tabletops, Sunderfolk streamlines aspects like dice rolls and rulebooks with automated systems and clean interfaces.
Where it truly excels is the fun factor. Its whimsical animal characters, interactive naming prompts, and deck-building mechanic (Fate Cards) create an environment that feels both familiar and fresh. It’s a perfect blend of planning, storytelling, and unexpected moments, keeping even seasoned tabletop veterans hooked.
Compared to fully digital RPG simulators like Divinity or Baldur’s Gate 3, Sunderfolk leans into its cooperative nature, recreating the feel of sitting around a shared table rather than playing alone.
5. Engaging and Player-Friendly Design
The team at Secret Door was deliberate in creating a game that wouldn’t feel intimidating, even for beginners. Players aren’t bogged down by overly complex systems. Instead, accessible mechanics keep the focus on fun storytelling and tactical choices. The game is designed to ensure everyone participates, whether you’re calling the shots as a seasoned tactician or simply enjoying chaotic, Baja Blast-inspired world-building.
Why You Should Give Sunderfolk a Try
If you’ve been itching to relive the joy of game nights with your friends or want an exciting new way to connect with fellow adventurers, Sunderfolk delivers on every level. It’s polished, creative, and packed with dynamic interactions that breathe new life into the virtual tabletop genre. At its best, it captures what makes RPG nights magical and brings it online without compromising the fun.
Try Sunderfolk Tonight! Grab some friends, start your adventure, and see why this digital tabletop experience is quickly becoming a favorite among gamers everywhere. With its charming characters, inventive gameplay, and an inclusive design that welcomes both new and experienced tabletop players, Sunderfolk proves that virtual game nights can be just as meaningful and exciting as gathering in person.
Happy adventuring!
