Initiative Tracker · D&D 5e

D&D 5e Initiative Tracker — automatic initiative order, free

The initiative manager that builds the combat order for you: everyone rolls, the app sorts, and each player follows their own turn on their phone, in real time.

Start a combat nowSee an example encounter

Free · no account · Open Beta

Initiative OrderRound 1
  • 21
    Lira Meia-elfaRanger
    FULL
  • 18
    GoblinsGrupo ×5
    MODERATE
    TURN
  • 16
    Bram Punho-de-PedraFighter
    FULL
  • 13
    OrcCR 1/2
    HEAVY
  • 11
    KaraCleric
    LIGHT
  • 7
    EsqueletoCR 1/4
    CRITICAL

The order is built automatically — the active combatant is highlighted for the whole table.

The initiative order, built automatically each round.

Everything to build and run the initiative order

Automatic initiative order

Everyone rolls 1d20, you enter it, and the app builds the order instantly. Reinforcements mid-combat? They slot into the right spot on their own.

You enter it, the app sorts

Type the initiative each combatant rolled at the table. The initiative manager reorders everything instantly, no recalculating by hand.

Group initiative

Five goblins enter on a single roll and take one spot in the order — no cluttering combat with ten rows.

Active turn highlighted

The current combatant is highlighted for the whole table. Advance the turn with one tap; the round flips on its own when the cycle closes.

Each player sees their own turn

Players join by link or QR and follow the order on their own phone. They know when it's their turn without you telling them.

HP and conditions on one screen

The combat order isn't alone: the same screen tracks HP (from FULL to CRITICAL) and conditions like Poisoned and Stunned.

Automatic reconnection

Wi-Fi drops mid-combat? The player reconnects on their own and returns to the order without missing a turn.

Monsters ready to go

Nearly 700 monsters (SRD 5e + Monster-a-Day), ready to roll into initiative. Search and add in two taps.

How initiative order works in D&D 5e

How to calculate initiative

At the start of combat, each player rolls 1d20 and adds their character's Dexterity modifier. The DM rolls for the monsters. Whoever rolls highest acts first; the rest follow in descending order. That sequence is the initiative order (or combat order) and, by the rules, holds for the whole combat — the same order repeats each round.

Who goes first on a tie

When two combatants tie, the Player's Handbook rule is simple: between characters, the higher Dexterity usually goes first; between a character and a monster (or between monsters), the DM decides. You settle the tie on the spot and keep going.

Group initiative and variants

Many tables roll a single initiative for a group of identical monsters to speed things up. Others use side or fixed initiative. Pocket DM supports groups and adapts to how your table plays.

Full guide: initiative rules and variants →

Built for the table

Pocket DM is not a VTT. The initiative order doesn't become a board on the screen — the table stays on paper, dice and your narration.

The app just tracks the data: the combat order, everyone's HP and the conditions.

You run it on your phone or laptop; your players follow initiative on theirs, through the link you share.

The roll stays yours; the screen just keeps the order.

Monsters drop into the order with their stat block ready

Nearly 700 monsters (SRD 5e + Monster-a-Day). Search by name, add to initiative in two taps and the full stat block comes with it.

Add a monster to the order:

Goblin
Orc
Skeleton
Dire Wolf
Ogre
Ghoul

Every creature comes with a full stat block — AC, HP, ability scores and actions:

Stat block in English
Goblin token

Goblin

2014

Small humanoid, Neutral Evil

Armor Class 15

Hit Points 7 ()

Speed 30 ft.

Initiative

STR
8
DEX
14
CON
10
INT
10
WIS
8
CHA
8

Skills Stealth +6

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9

Languages Common, Goblin

Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Source Monster Manual

Nimble Escape. The goblin can take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns.

Actions

Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: , reach 5 ft., one target. slashing damage.

Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: , range 80/320 ft., one target. piercing damage.

Add to combat →
Stat block in English
Owlbear token

Owlbear

2014

Large monstrosity, Unaligned

Armor Class 13

Hit Points 59 ()

Speed 40 ft.

Initiative

STR
20
DEX
12
CON
17
INT
3
WIS
12
CHA
7

Skills Perception +3

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13

Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Source Monster Manual

Keen Sight and Smell. The owlbear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight or smell.

Actions

Multiattack. The owlbear makes two attacks: one with its beak and one with its claws.

Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: , reach 5 ft., one creature. piercing damage.

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: , reach 5 ft., one target. slashing damage.

Add to combat →
Browse the full bestiary →

How it compares

FeaturePocket DMPaper / sheetAcrylic trackerImproved Initiative
PriceFreeFreePaid (physical)Free
LanguageEN + PTYou build it—English
Builds the order for youYesBy handBy handYes
Players see their own turnYes, by QR/linkNoNoNo
HP and conditions tooYesManualNoYes
Built for in-person tablesYesImprovisedYesOnline-first

Features verified July 2026. The acrylic initiative tracker is the physical accessory. Improved Initiative is in English.

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate initiative in D&D 5e?

You roll 1d20 and add your character's Dexterity modifier. Whoever rolls highest acts first in the round. In Pocket DM you enter each value and the app builds the initiative order instantly.

Who goes first on a tie?

By the Player's Handbook, the DM decides ties. Between two characters, the higher Dexterity usually goes first. You settle it on the spot and keep combat moving.

Can I use group initiative?

Yes. A group of identical monsters can enter on a single roll and take one spot in the order — handy for five goblins at once, without flooding the list.

Does the app roll initiative for me?

You enter the initiative each combatant rolled at the table and the app builds the order instantly. When reinforcements join mid-combat, they slot into the right spot with no recalculating.

Is combat order the same as initiative order?

Yes. "Combat order" and "initiative order" are the same thing: the sequence in which each combatant acts in the round, set by initiative. Pocket DM builds that order automatically.

Do I need to create an account?

No. Open the initiative tracker and start right away, for free. Your players join without an account too, via a link or QR code.

Does it work on the players' phones?

Yes. Each player follows the initiative order and their own turn on their own phone, in real time, through a link you share.

What about the acrylic initiative tracker?

The acrylic tracker handles turn order on paper. Pocket DM does that on screen, also tracks HP and conditions, and shows the order on every player's phone — for free.

Need more than initiative?

The initiative tracker is part of the full Combat Tracker — HP, conditions, monster groups and the bestiary, all on one screen.

See the Combat Tracker →

Ready to roll the next initiative?

No signup. Your players join with a link.

Start now, free