D&D Initiative Tracker:
Free, Fast & Always Ready
Auto-sort combatants by initiative roll, track turn order, handle ties and held turns. Supports D&D 5e and D&D 2024 rules. No download, no account.
How it works
Initiative in D&D: 5e vs. D&D 2024
Both editions use the same core mechanic, but there are important differences worth knowing.
D&D 5e (2014) Initiative
Each combatant rolls a d20 and adds their Dexterity modifier. The DM sorts everyone from highest to lowest, and that fixed order lasts the entire combat. Surprised creatures skip their first turn entirely (no action, bonus action, or reaction).
D&D 2024 Initiative
Same d20+DEX roll, but surprised creatures roll initiative with disadvantage instead of losing their entire turn. Some monsters also have new initiative bonuses. Combat Companion handles both editions automatically. Just pick your ruleset.
Using the tracker
Ready in 30 Seconds
Add Combatants
Search the SRD monster database or add players manually. Initiative rolls automatically based on DEX modifier.
Roll Initiative
Hit "Start Combat" and all combatants are sorted by initiative. Ties are flagged for quick resolution.
Track Turns
Hit Next Turn to advance. Hold turns, mark reactions, and skip dead monsters, all automated.
Initiative features
Everything an Initiative Tracker Needs
⚡ Auto-Sort
Combatants are automatically sorted by initiative value, highest first. Reorder manually at any time.
⚖ Tie Handling
Initiative ties are flagged with a visual indicator. Re-roll or drag to resolve. Your call.
⏸ Hold Turn
Hold a turn and trigger it at any point in the round. Reaction tracking resets automatically.
😵 Surprised Rules
Mark surprised combatants. 5e: skips turn entirely. 2024: disadvantage on initiative roll. Both handled correctly.
🏰 Lair Action Slot
Lair actions get their own initiative slot (default 20). Auto-advances with each round.
📱 Works Everywhere
Phone, tablet, desktop. Offline-capable. Bookmark it and it's always ready when initiative is rolled.
FAQ
Initiative Tracker: Questions & Answers
How does initiative work in D&D 5e?
In D&D 5e, each combatant rolls a d20 and adds their Dexterity modifier. The DM sorts everyone from highest to lowest, and that becomes the turn order for the entire combat. Ties are broken by the DM or with an additional d20 roll.
How is initiative different in D&D 2024?
D&D 2024 uses the same d20+DEX roll, but surprised creatures roll initiative with disadvantage instead of losing their entire turn. Combat Companion handles both editions correctly. Just select your ruleset.
What is the best initiative tracker for D&D?
Combat Companion is a free, browser-based initiative tracker that supports D&D 5e and D&D 2024. It auto-sorts combatants, flags initiative ties, handles held turns and reactions, and works on any device, no account needed.
Can I use this initiative tracker for free?
Yes. The initiative tracker is completely free: no account, no credit card, no time limit. Just open the app in your browser and start rolling.