What do I need to play a module?

Not sure where to post this question. We are playing a custom game right now, but it will end in a month or so.  We want to move to either Starfinder or back to D&D 5E.  Most of, if not all of, us own the books in hard form so we don't really want to buy digital. As a result the question came up, if we want to run a roll20 module for either game, what am I (as GM) or my players required to buy to do so? Thank you!

You are required to buy nothing.  The module should have everything you need for the monsters involved, and players are free to type whatever they like into the character sheet.

Gen Kitty said: You are required to buy nothing.  The module should have everything you need for the monsters involved, and players are free to type whatever they like into the character sheet. OK, then that said, is there a recommendation on things that are helpful to have, assuming again, we own the books in hard copy?

As Gen Kitty says, the modules have everything you will need to run the module. Monsters, maps, all text from the book, etc. Nothing else is required. Useful items for the DM to have would be (in a general order of importance): Whatever module you want to run. Some of the best built ones are Tomb of Annihilation, Curse of Strahd, Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Dragon Heist. Digital maps - Useful for random encounters, or when things go off book (I suggest Gabriel Pickard as a great place to start, but there are lots of amazing maps on the marketplace -&nbsp; <a href="https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/publisher/64/gabriel-pickard" rel="nofollow">https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/publisher/64/gabriel-pickard</a> ) Useful game tools - things like AoE Templates, spell effects, etc. might be very useful - this will depend largely on the group, so this could easily move lower down the list. The Monster Manual - super easy drag and drop monsters for any encounters outside of the scope of the module. Player's Handbook - full Charactermancer support makes it easy to build and level characters, plus drag and drop items and spells. Volo's Guide/Xanathar's Guide/Mordenkainen's Tome - more monsters and Charactermancer options. They each offer something a little bit different, but all useful depending what you are looking for. Tome of Beasts/Creature Codex from Kobold Press - great for adding new and unique monsters that will be a bit more challenging and have some unique mechanics than WotC books Everything else is pretty situational. Ravnica is nice if you are running a Ravnica campaign, but otherwise really only provides a couple of character options that might be allowed. Acquisitions Inc is pretty niche, although a very good book and a fun 1-6 adventure. The Midgard stuff (Heroes Handbook and Margreve) add some interesting new character options and spells (and Margreve has some good adventures) but is moderately setting specific - not everything will translate over to a Realms based game.

PHB is most handy, since modules contain little to no character generation information (usually limited to a few backgrounds, if any). Xanathar's gets you more classes and spells. Volos and Mordenkainen get you more races. V gives more race&nbsp; types , M gives more&nbsp; sub -races, mostly Tiefling variants. However, none of these are necessary , if you own the paper copies. Just convenient .

I would suggest that the person who creates the new game on Roll20 have purchased the Roll20 version of the PHB.&nbsp; They can then share that with everyone in the game so the whole group can use all the PHB options for charactermancer or manual character creation.&nbsp; Being able to drag and drop from the PHB enabled compendium is a huge timesaver if you're playing 5E. You don't need to buy a module if you already have a hardcopy of it but doing so saves a lot of time by making all the maps, handouts, etc readily available in Roll20.&nbsp; Otherwise, just scan and upload as needed.

Thanks all, I appreciate this advice!