Recently updated on January 19th, 2023 at 09:14 am
A battle mat is an essential tool for many D&D players. As you probably know, DnD battle mats come in various types and styles, with unique features and benefits. In this blog, I’ll take a look at the different types of battle mats available and showcase the best DnD battle mats on the market.
Table of Contents
- Types of Battle Mats
- Top 6 Best D&D Battle Mats
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Battle Mat
- D&D Battle Mat Alternatives
Getting Started: Types of Battle Mats
There are several types of battle mats for you to choose from, each with their own unique features and benefits. Some common types of battle mats include wet erase, dry erase, vinyl, and cloth.
Wet erase vs. dry erase
Wet erase battle mats are designed to be used with water-based markers, which can be easily wiped off the mat with a damp cloth. Dry erase battle mats, on the other hand, are meant to be used with dry erase markers, which can be easily erased with a dry cloth or eraser. Wet erase battle mats are more durable and resistant to smudging, but dry erase battle mats are easier to clean and don’t require the use of water.
Vinyl vs. cloth
Vinyl battle mats are made of a durable, waterproof material that is easy to clean and can withstand heavy use. They are also available in a wide variety of sizes and designs, making them a versatile option for D&D games. Cloth battle mats, on the other hand, are made of a soft, flexible material that is easy to roll up and transport. They are not as durable as vinyl mats, but they are more comfortable to use and provide a more authentic gaming experience.
Reusable vs. disposable
Reusable battle mats are designed to be used over and over again, making them a cost-effective option for long-term use. They are typically made of durable materials such as vinyl or cloth and can be easily cleaned and stored for future use. Disposable battle mats, on the other hand, are meant to be used once and then discarded. They are often made of paper or other inexpensive materials and are a convenient option for one-time use or for trying out different battle mat designs.
Top 10 Best D&D Battle Mats
Chessex
Chessex is a well-known brand in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, and their battle mats are highly regarded by players and Dungeon Masters alike. These mats are made of high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.
They come in a variety of sizes and styles, including grid, hex, and plain, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Chessex battle mats are also double-sided, so you can use both sides for different encounters or campaigns.
On top of all that, they are compatible with dry erase markers, so you can easily draw out maps and plans on the mat during your game. Overall, Chessex battle mats are a great choice for any Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast.
TableWar
TableWar battle mats are typically made of a durable and smooth material, such as neoprene or vinyl, and feature a printed design that represents a battlefield or other gaming environment.
These mats are often large in size and come in a variety of different styles, including grassy fields, rocky terrain, and urban landscapes.
Gamemastery Flip-Mat
GameMastery Flip-Mat Battle Mats are double-sided, foldable mats that are designed to be used with tabletop games. They are typically made of a durable and smooth material, such as vinyl, and feature a printed design on each side that represents a different battlefield or gaming environment. These mats are often large in size and come in a variety of different styles, including grassy fields, rocky terrain, and urban landscapes.
The flip-mat design allows gamers to easily switch between different game environments by simply flipping the mat over, and the foldable design makes it easy to store and transport.
Arcknight
Arcknight offers a wide variety of battle maps, ranging from simple outdoor maps to an intricate cobblestone city.
The upside here is that you have a wide range of possibilities to work with. You can purchase a simpler design and go the theatre of the mind route, or you can choose a map with specific details already baked in.
Gale Force Nine
The Gale Force Nine gaming mat is ideal for tabletop RPG gamers who don’t have much space. This battle map is 72″ x 48″ at full size, but can roll up and store nicely.
The design is double-sided (desert on one side, grass on the other), doubling the value for what you pay for.
This is a great option for someone looking for affordability and easy storage.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Battle Mat
When choosing a battle mat, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure that you get a mat that is suitable for your needs. Some of these factors include the material the mat is made of, the size of the mat, and the type of game you are playing.
The material of the mat is an important consideration, as different materials have different properties that can affect the durability and performance of the mat. For example, vinyl mats are generally more durable and easy to clean, while cloth mats are softer and more portable.
The size of the mat is another important factor to consider. If the mat is too small, it may not be able to accommodate all of your game pieces, while a mat that is too large may be difficult to store or transport. Consider the size of your gaming table and the number of players when choosing the size of your mat.
The type of game you are playing will also affect the type of mat you choose. Some mats are designed for specific games, such as wargames or roleplaying games, and may include features such as illustrated terrain or rule-specific grid patterns. If you are playing a specific game, it may be helpful to choose a mat that is designed for that game.
In addition to these factors, you may also want to consider the price and aesthetic appeal of the mat when making your decision. It is also a good idea to read reviews from other users to get an idea of the quality and performance of the mat before making a purchase.
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D&D Battle Mat Alternatives
There are many alternative options to traditional battle mats for tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons. Some of these options include using a dry erase board, creating a battle map using foam board and tiles, or using a virtual tabletop platform like Roll20.
Dry erase boards are a versatile option that can be used for a variety of tabletop games. They allow players to easily draw and erase map elements, and can be purchased in a range of sizes to suit different gaming needs.
Foam board and tiles can be used to create custom battle maps that are specific to your game. Foam board can be easily cut and shaped to create terrain features, and tiles can be used to create roads, buildings, and other structures. This option allows players to create unique and detailed battle maps that can be customized to their specific game.
Virtual tabletop platforms like Roll20 offer a digital option for creating and playing tabletop games. These platforms allow players to create and share digital battle maps, and include tools for managing character sheets, dice rolls, and other game mechanics. This option can be especially useful for players who are unable to meet in person for their games.
Higher Quality Option
You could also go the route of purchasing a higher-quality product that lasts longer. One example would be the newly-created modular D&D terrain from Epoch Tiles. These tiles come with a variety of textures and connect via magnets. The modularity makes for quick, on-the-go map creation that’s only limited to your creativity! Click here to read more about D&D terrain.
Hey there, I’m Alexander King and I’ve been playing video games and RPGs for years!
While playing, I found that there’s so much information that’s difficult to find in this space; I created The Daily RPG to make that information a click away. So follow along for RPG guides, tips and walkthroughs, product recommendations, and more!
are you sure about dry erase on chessex vinyl maps?
Should be just fine, worked great in my experience. Plus, here’s what Chessex says: “Write on the mat using WET erase markers, such as Chessex Lumocolor Markers. When the adventure is over, erase with a damp paper towel or a mild detergent solution.”