VASSAL Engine

What VASSAL Engine is

VASSAL Engine is software for creating and playing digital versions of board and card games. Players can take turns online in real time or exchange moves by email. Its homepage lists more than 3,200 games in the module library, and the Module Editor lets users build modules, revise existing ones, and add extensions.

A module for the chosen game is required, but it can come from outside the VASSAL website. Online play can use the VASSAL server or a peer-to-peer connection. On the server, players can join rooms, chat, and synchronize with another player; rooms can be locked, and their creator can remove participants. Other modes include solitaire and hotseat, alongside email games. Email game logs are encrypted using a combination of a player's username and password.

VASSAL is a way for people to play together, not a computer opponent, and it generally leaves enforcement of game rules to players. It can import modules made with Aide de Camp 2. The software is free and open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 or later, with donations supporting development and hosting. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Version 3.5 and later require Java 11 or later; the macOS disk image and Windows installer include the Java version VASSAL uses. The project points users to its documentation, forum, and Discord live chat for help.

Who it suits

VASSAL suits players who want to play board or card games online, by email, solo, or in hotseat mode, as well as people who want to build or modify game modules. Players need a module for each game, and those looking for a computer opponent or automatic rule enforcement should look elsewhere.

Getting started

1. Visit https://vassalengine.org/
2. Choose the download for Linux, macOS, or Windows
3. Install Java 11 or later for VASSAL 3.5 and later; the macOS disk image and Windows installer include the Java version VASSAL will use
4. Get a module for the game you want to play; it need not be hosted on the VASSAL website
5. Use the Module Editor to create or modify modules, or add extensions
6. Choose a play mode, such as server or peer-to-peer online play, email, solitaire, or hotseat

Verdict

Choose VASSAL if you want a free, open-source way to play supported board and card games across online, email, solitaire, or hotseat modes, or to work with game modules. Look elsewhere if you need a computer opponent or software that generally enforces the rules for you.