Merlin is a basic 3D Virtual Tabletop that uses the Unreal Editor as its creation tool, and Foundry VTT as its game system layer.
Like other 3D Virtual Tabletops, Merlin allows you to:
Create 3D maps, models, mods and asset packs (using the Unreal Editor).
GM turn-based TTRPGs in these maps (using Foundry VTT and its wealth of advanced game systems and GM'ing tools).
Run games for up to 10 players where you can spawn props, characters and spell effects, destroy buildings, and run your own custom scripts and mods created in Unreal OR Foundry.
You can try out our playtest, which showcases these core features working at a very basic level. Developers and ambitious GMs might be interested in it at this stage, but it's a long way from being ready for most users. Throughout at least the rest of 2025, we plan to keep adding content to Merlin until it's in a more complete and useful state.
Unreal Engine Integration
Instead of creating our own easy-to-use map creation tools, Merlin instead offers compatibility with the wide variety of professional tools already used by Unreal developers.
Merlin also has some basic built-in map editing capabilities, and it is also fairly simple to just buy asset store maps and export them straight to Merlin. We plan in future to sell maps, modules and other add-on content separately, and will have a system for 3rd party creators to do the same.
Foundry VTT Compatibility
In order to use the bulk of Merlin's features, you need to own a copy of Foundry VTT. If you do, you can connect Merlin to a running Foundry server (hosted locally or remotely), and use it as a 3D backdrop to your existing Foundry campaigns.
This compatibility is currently quite limited, but we plan to expand it in future to full interoperability, and to eventually offer the same thing with other popular 2D VTTs.
Pricing
The core program will always be free for players. This means that you don't need to purchase copies for your entire RPG group.
The SDK is a separate Unreal Editor plugin sold on the Fab Marketplace, but it is only required if you want to make and sell advanced content for Merlin. A simpler, free version of the SDK can also be downloaded from our site.
Pricing of actual content for Merlin (for example: maps, models, asset packs, add-on systems, and full adventures) will vary.
Development Status
Merlin is not really ready for use yet, but we want you to be able to keep track of our progress and try out work-in-progress builds while we get to that stage. You can try the playtest, join our discord to give feedback, and follow our devblog here on Steam or on our website and social media if you're interested in keeping up with the project.
Future Features
Here are some of the features we plan to gradually add to Merlin further down the line:
Inventory management and simulation
Spellbook with 3D effects, detailed customisable parameters like web viscosity etc.
Built-in character creator
Proper line-of-sight and darkness simulation
Measurement tools
Combat tracker
Lighting controls
Weather effects
Natural crowds
NPC conversation system
Dynamic cutscenes
Seamless interoperability with Foundry VTT
Support for other 2D VTTs
...and much more!
