Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG) heavily rely on imagination and and if there is one thing that can greatly improve your immersion is a curated playlist. However, creating a playlist yourself can be a bit of a hassle, and even finding good composers (or "music" that doesn't rely on AI) can prove difficult. In this article, we'll explore many tools and a list of curated TTRPG playlists for an easy and quick solution!
Spotify, YouTube, and Other Apps
Streaming platforms, such as Spotify and YouTube, often feature TTRPG playlists that are based on an algorithm, meaning that they rely on quantity (e.g. views) over quality. In other words, avoid automatic playlists. Instead, look for curated playlists, which were hand-picked to fit a specific genre or scenario. Here's a starting point featuring our original TTRPG playlists alongside collaborations.
Apps and tools can also be a viable method to search for TTRPG playlists. Popular choices include Opus, DnDify (Android), Syrinscape, and Tabletop Audio. Our official recommendation is Opus because it features thousands of songs, ambiences, and even narrative descriptions for TTRPG games. Plus, Opus also works on all devices which means that you can manage your playlists from anywhere.
Lastly, consider selecting composers that post original content regularly, otherwise that fire mixtape can get old quickly. Popular artists that fit these criterea include Michael Ghelfi, Filip Melvan, ASKII, Ivan Duch, Travis Savoie, and Will Savino. For example, our own bards post 3 songs/week on YouTube and 50 tracks/month on Patreon.
TTRPG Playlists Managed Locally
Another option to handle TTRPG playlists is to manage files locally. Local storage can offer greater control on your files—though it comes with manual work. In that sense, tracks can be grouped into themes, styles, genres, and uses. Furthermore, set specific play order by renaming each file with a number.
Create playlists for common scenarios (e.g. travel, campfire, and taverns). However, too many playlists can make it more difficult. So, have a good feel for each track before putting it on a playlist. Lastly, consider the device and the storage space you will use (e.g. computer, phone, or tablet).
Ambiences are perhaps the greatest audio genre to use in TTRPG. Each place has sounds (e.g. leaves, wind, fire), but not every place needs a song. However, ambiences are often posted as 1 hour or even longer, which can be a burden to download. Instead, opt for short-looped tracks that are shorter and seamlessly loop, which are unnoticeable if made correctly.
Sound Effects Are Different
While ambiences and songs can be easily used on computers, sound effects (SFX) may be better on smaller devices, such as phones or tablets. Consider a soundboard app to have each SFX ready for use.Also, if you choose each SFX from a different author, you will have a few complications regarding consistency and volume.
Our Patreon can offer you plenty of meaningful SFX that you can simply download and worry no further.
The Benefits of Virtual Tabletops (VTT)
Streaming is accessible, easy, and fast if you have internet connection. Download is comprehensive, dynamic, and robust if you have the time and storage. But, they don't need to be mutually exclusive, you can use both!
Which is why virtual tabletops (VTT) have become popular. For instance, VTTs can be used for playing online through Discord, but it can also offer many resources for in-person games.
It's impossible not to mention Roll20, a freemium (free/premium) VTT that can offer you some storage for audio files. Premium-wise, FoundryVTT may be a good long-term option via the Moulinette module. We made a detailed tutorial on how to use Moulinette. Our content is available on Moulinette for you to enjoy it hassle-free.
Honorable mention to Opus, the only audio tool that fully integrates with FoundryVTT.
Consider a Radio
Online radios have become very popular, especially due to lo-fi playlists on YouTube. However, radio are still rare in the TTRPG community. Even then, we offer our own fantasy adventure radios. Radios are one-click solution for GMs to brainstorm, worldbuild, game, and more.
