Latest Blog: Adapting 5e to the Browser

Welcome to Browsers & Bugbears

— Jeff
Browsers & Bugbears Logo

Hey, fellow adventurers and tactics aficionados! I've been pouring my heart into a project I'm beyond excited to share publicly for the first time: Browsers & Bugbears, a browser-based 2024/2025 5e combat game built by one, passionate solo dev nerd to bring the thrill of 5e-style grid-based encounters to your browser window.

A quick note: My focus right now is providing the cleanest, desktop browser experience possible. This ruleset is quite complicated and attacking mobile UI is on my roadmap, but quite far down. The game is playable on some tablets (it's all javascript in a browser after all), but I admit I haven't had time to dedicate to tablet and mobile design and UI at all. Feel free to try it out on those devices, but it's going to be clunky.

So What Is This?

Browsers and Bugbears is my attempt to create the most accurate, faithful implementation of the SRD 5.2 (2024/2025) combat ruleset in a digital space. It may be easier to start with what this is not:

  • This is not a VTT like Roll20, Foundry, or Beyond Maps
  • This is not an AI Dungeon Master
  • This isn't replacing the magic of sitting around a table (virtual or IRL) with friends, rolling dice, and weaving wild stories—nothing beats that!

Instead, Browsers and Bugbears scratches that itch for that 5e familiar combat many of us love (or love to hate) when you can't get a group together or maybe just want to waste a few minutes smashing kobolds between meetings or class.

Think of this as:

  • A sandbox for learning the ins and outs of classes
  • A low-pressure way to master tactical combat before jumping into a real table
  • A playground for testing character builds (hopefully more on this in the future)

Whether you're a veteran optimizer or someone who's wanted to dip their toes into 5e but felt intimidated by the combat rules, Browsers and Bugbears exists to deliver fast, fun, and faithful fights—solo, anytime.

Where It's At Right Now

Here's what's ready to play TODAY:

  • SRD 5.2 Rules Engine: The backbone of the newest version of 5e, built to handle all the nitty-gritty of the latest combat rules
  • All Classes to Level 3: Every SRD class is playable up to level 3, complete with their signature subclass
  • Premade & Basic Custom Characters: Use ready-to-go premade heroes or make simple tweaks to stats, AC, and level
  • AI Enemies (17 different foes so far): Simple-but-smart foes (video game AI, not LLM chatbot AI) to test your mettle. They'll cast spells, use their unique actions and attacks, and even target your squishy wizard in the back if they can

Where It's Headed

I'm still excited to work on this project every day when I can, and I've got big ideas for it. This is hopefully just the start of a long road for this game. Here's a peek at the roadmap I'm sketching out (not necessarily in this order):

Planned Features

  • Terrain & Obstacles: Add some battlefield spice with cover, hazards, and more for more tactical gameplay
  • More Class Progression: Push all classes into higher tiers of play
  • More Monsters: Can't have more combat without more things to slay
  • Smarter Creature AI: Role-specific creature behaviors (tanky bruisers vs. sneaky ambushers)
  • Expanded Character Creation: Full-on hero crafting with local or cloud saves
  • Equipment and Magic Items: 5e isn't 5e if there's no loot
  • Premade Encounters & Dungeons: Quick fights or linked series of encounters with short rests (maybe even long rests?) for that adventuring-day or even dungeon delve feel
  • Persistence?: Loot drops, leveling, and lasting consequences. Watch your party grow and accumulate wealth and treasure? This would be a big step

I'm also exploring ways to weave in non-SRD subclasses we know and love, keeping the spirit alive without stepping on toes. At the very least, I'm hoping some of our favorite third-party content producers will love what I'm doing and be interested in sharing some of their favorite toys: whether it be monsters, subclasses, or items. If you are one of those creators/publishers, please reach out if interested!

Get Involved!

I'm a one-person dev team fueled by coffee and a love for the game. I'd appreciate any feedback, wild ideas, or honest thoughts:

  • What features are you looking for in a game/tool like this?
  • What's missing?
  • What's your dream 5e combat sim/tool?

If any of this excites you, I'd be thrilled if you'd follow along, try out the first-look release, and please help spread the word.