When creating a brand new world, there’s nothing more daunting than finding the right tool to bring your fantasy vision to life.
For years gamers have been depending on inkarnate for their mapping and storytelling needs, but what other options do you have?
This article runs through 30 of the best alternatives to inkarnate that are sure to take your imaginative maps and stories to the next level.
Introduction and its Features
Inkarnate allows users to create detailed maps and stories by using hand-drawn designs, icons, structures, resources, and climates — all of which are presented in a wonderful visual style.
With various features such as multiple gaming platforms compatibility, objects like custom terrain types & 3D structure layer definitions, and background export capability that comes with different resolutions up to 4K UHD support.
It’s not hard to understand why inkarnate is so popular among gamers worldwide.
Current Status of inkarnate in 2023
Since its launch in 2011, the popularity of inkarnate has only been increasing. The features and tools offered by this mapping software have made it one of the most sought-after gaming platforms.
By 2023, analysts predict that the number of Inkarnators (users) will reach 2 million, with more than 600 thousand new users being added each year — making it one of the top 30 gaming solutions on the market.
Moreover, inkarnate is considered one of the most reliable mapping software due to its ability to offer detailed and precise maps with a plethora of colorful icons as well as plenty of resources for world-building.
Top 30 Alternatives to inkarnate In 2023
Wonderdraft
Industry-standard in many games, Wonderdraft comes equipped with an intuitive interface making the editing process much easier.
It offers features such as mountains, forests and city markers, as well as a smooth zoom-in/out feature.
You can even save maps of different sizes from being imported into your preferred RPG maker or exported for later use.
Dungeon Painter Studio
If you are looking for a streamlined way to create dungeons and levels for fantasy games effortlessly — look no further than Dungeon Painter Studio.
It comes with intuitive drag & drop features enabling users to move walls, ceilings, doors and even custom graphics with ease.
It also accepts different types of sources to create the perfect map — such as jpeg, pdf or even a grid line pattern.
Campaign Cartographer
The comprehensive and powerful mapping software from Profantasy Software is striking the goldmine when it comes to RPG games.
Campaign Cartographer 3 (CC3+) offers a fantastic range of tools, enabling you to generate high-quality maps with minimal effort – be it for dungeons, continents or any size between.
It supports multiple kinds of maps, such as raster and vector — with subtle gradients added to each feature, enhancing the detail of your story-telling map.
Azgaar’s Fantasy Map Generator
This cloud-based world generator is a great asset in giving you control over an entire fantasy world — from topographical details to intricate coasts and rivers that flow across its landscape.
Unlike inkarnate, Azgaar’s Fantasy Map Generator offers a unique ‘maker run’ feature that randomly mixes various kinds of settings to create a realistic look for the world without any user input.
So you can say goodbye to long editing processes and let this platform take care of it!
Worldspinner
As an inkarnate alternative, Worldspinner enables mapmakers not only freedom but also convenience while creating their maps — thanks to its point-and-click or drag-drop features offered.
You can also create temples, towers and other interesting structures with precision while being able to choose between political borders and labels as well!
Mipui
Boasting a modern user interface that displays your maps in real-time by directly drawing into the browser window — Mipui is all about simplicity — making it easier for you to generate awesome maps and stories on the go.
It even allows you to customize the colors and shapes according to your preferred style.
Dungeon Scrawl
Are messily drawn dungeons your nemesis? That’s where Dungeon Scrawl steps in — turning those amateur drawings into professional, eye-catching pieces of art.
It offers features such as texture blending between walls, objects & floors that gives both classic and contemporary designs.
Plus, with the ‘zoom-fit’ feature available, drawing intricate details is made much more effortless.
Dungeon Builder
This cross-platform mapping software is helping many game makers to draw beautiful and affordable maps swiftly.
It’s designed with a drag & drop interface — allowing users to position different objects relatively easier while also displaying layer information such as altitude and continent type on the side.
Dungeon Map Doodler
If you like the unique patterns and symbols found in a traditional roleplaying game, Dungeon Map Doodler is your best companion.
It offers exceptional options such as gridless mapping, allowing users to draw boards with whatever shape or texture they desire — giving it an extra edge for creative adventurers.
MapForge
This advanced software makes sure creating RPG maps has never been easier — offering detailed monsters & NPCs; enchantment circles; dozens of objects from chairs and tables to broken wagon wheels; as well as raster & vector graphics.
Plus, with a handy library of custom objects included in the package — making unique realms is now more achievable than ever before.
MapTool
This cloud-based RPG mapping software stands out due to its extensive range of community support, so users can easily interact and collaborate with each other — enabling them to create their own set pieces or standards when it comes down to illustrations and world-building.
It further offers many realistic features such as fog of war, light/dark vision, custom graphics for tokens and a combat tracker, to name a few — ideal for serious game makers!
Tiamat
For adventurers who are looking to integrate innovative technology with their worlds — Tiamat is the best option available.
It’s powered by real-time 3D rendering for more graphical fidelity without imposing any restrictions on cities or regions — allowing you to create an entirely different world if desired.
Astral Tabletop
Bringing gamers closer together – Astral Tabletop is a virtual platform designed with convenience in mind so that players can communicate while engaging in their favorite RPGs, either online or offline.
It even allows each one’s character sheet and game information to be stored securely in the cloud – facilitating better coordination during battle versus monsters.
Beyond Tabletop
This innovative platform provides custom maps and world-building modules, including an intuitive user interface to ease the creative process — it even has character-tracking functionality for DMs as well.
Plus, with a comprehensive game system browser, you can now fill your gaming sessions with everything from dungeons & dragons right up to homebrews!
Foundry Virtual Tabletop
Looking for a reliable online application designed specifically tailored towards Dungeons & Dragons? Then Foundry is your ultimate solution — combining DM oversight, party initiative rules and built-in dice rolls into one package.
It even permits streaming through Twitch & YouTube that allows multiple players to interact on the same board.
Roll20
This client software provides powerful interface tools, enabling game masters to manually control every aspect of their worlds while allowing them to observe map changes in real-time without any delay.
Roll20 also offers full media integration, giving players an even more exciting gaming experience!
Tabletop RPG Map Editor 2
Making sure you get the perfect battle maps every time is done easily with Tabletop RPG Map Editor 2.
It offers features including lakes/rivers formation, natural objects like rocks & trees, as well as a drag & drop interface for editing — allowing anyone to quickly draw their own version of fantasy land without any hassle.
RPG Map Editor
Designed with an incredible number of symbols and objects, RPG Map editor helps you to create outstanding maps in seconds — offering one-click button operations such as automatic corridor placement, stocking houses/dungeons with creatures, or even adding wall terrain tracing.
It’s a perfect alternative for those looking into single (but detailed) mapmaking at its finest!
RPG Map II
This cloud-based map editor is designed with rich features to assist game masters in building their maps.
It gives access to advanced terrain effects such as 3D lighting while also being packed with more than 200 objects & creatures found inside its libraries — ranging from ice caverns and floating islands right down to submerged cities.
Map Editor for D&D
Are you up for a mapping challenge? This application provides classic dungeon styling that’ll make your area look like a traditional RPG game.
It also has site generators and dynamic encounters that help in creating life-like arenas with dungeons, towers & even outdoor environments!
EpicTable
This platform provides multiple sets of tools for virtual gaming, such as projector mode; audio & video file integration.
Real-time dice rolling — all these add up to give your characters an authentic look and feel when populating their environments!
Map-Making Software for Fantasy Worlds
For some fantasy world fun without any restrictions, look no further than Map-making software.
It comes with a simple drag & drop interface, meaning you can quickly start generating your own maps in seconds.
And the best part is — all its terrain alphabets render at 4K resolution!
The Adventurer’s Codex
Engage yourself in a virtual world full of resources by getting The Adventurer’s Codex.
It offers many comprehensive modules such as character sheets, encounter logs and a talent tree — all of which capture the exact feel that comes with playing your favorite RPG.
Inkwell Ideas
This customizable booklet-designed software has been tailored specifically for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition fans.
With Inkwell ideas on your side, you can make sure you have an in-depth document organized with self-generating content — allowing you to keep your players up-to-date with their environment’s rules & regulations.
Hexographer
If you like simple hex tokens instead of words, then Hexographer is certainly for you.
It lets users draw layers of symbols and paths as well as star fields in a snap thanks to its drag & drop features – all of which enable speedy mapmaking processes without having any adverse effect on the quality of the details in the map.
Fractal Mapper
Designing whole worlds full of continents and islands has never been this easy — thanks to Fractal mapper.
This software offers both macroscopic & microscopic level view guides that allow users to paint numerous terrain patterns, climates and political borders swiftly.
Plus, it even permits viewers to differentiate between different kinds of maps, like special resource locations or natural wonders too!
ProFantasy Software
One of the long-standing applications in RPG mapmaking, ProFantasy software offers an intuitive user interface that many game masters prefer — due to its wide variety of tutorials and tools it carries.
Moreover, with full integration for GIMP, Sketchup & Adobe Photoshop products, this mapping platform is also one of the most popular solutions available!
CC3Plus
Created by Profantasy software, CC3Plus is a Windows-based mapping platform that puts advanced customization options at your fingertips.
It provides users with features such as seismic effects, fancy objects & creatures, and even tile overlays making worldbuilding really effective — giving it an edge when compared to its competitors!
Dundjinni
This user-friendly cloud software helps make great-looking maps effortlessly. While being optimized for 2D board games.
DundJinni also offers sketch building for outdoor as well as indoor areas — all of which makes this platform a great alternative to inkarnate when it comes down to RPG mapmaking.
Inkarnate FAQs:
What platforms is Inkarnate available on?
Inkarnate is currently only available on Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems.
Does Inkarnate offer terrain painting options?
Yes, it does! Inkarnate features the ability to edit and paint terrain, as well as animate it too.
Can I save the maps that I make in Inkarnate?
Sure! You can save up to 5 of your completed maps at any given time. Additionally, you can purchase a ‘premium’ package which allows for unlimited storage capabilities.
What types of resources or icons are available in Inkarnate?
Inkarnate features a huge range of objects and materials to choose from. These include natural elements (mountains, rivers etc.), cities, villages and even man-made structures!
Is it easy to collaborate with other players using Inkarnate?
Absolutely — you can easily share your maps by simply sending the link via email or sharing them to social media networks.
Conclusion
Inkarnate is a powerful tool for creating RPG sprites, gaming maps and unique worlds. However, with the 30 options discussed above, game masters now have even more potential when it comes to crafting vibrant tales and colorful stories that are sure to take their playgrounds and scenarios up a notch.
From user favorites such as Campaign Cartographer or Tiamat right down to specialty specialists like Map Editor for D&D — there’s enough room in this list of art-inspired mapping tools to help gamers carry out their wildest fantasies.
So what are you waiting for? Choose your Inkarnate alternative and get ready to fly above the clouds!
