Nothing quite beats the immersion we get from gaming with crafted terrain and models, not to mention the ease of understanding an encounter when we can visualize where everybody is! Today we are going to look at how 3D printing can enhance our gaming experience, with the focus this time upon 3D printed miniatures. To get up to speed on 3D Printing technology, take a look at Part 1. For information on printing terrain, here's a link to Part 2.

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28mm is an important number, as most wargaming and RPG scenery and miniatures are to this scale. This applies equally to wargaming as it does roleplay as it is possible to print entire armies, but it should be noted that printing scans of models from studios such as Games Workshop or Reaper is illegal. Instead, you will be limited by equivalent models by independent artists. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you do build an army this way, you will find it difficult/impossible to enter official tournaments. Printing at a larger scale does have one obvious advantage, detail. Larger scales such as 72mm allows the designer more flexibility and greater fidelity when it comes to detail. For roleplayers, this may be preferred as the miniature can better reflect their characters' appearance and equipment. We’ll go into more detail on this later. For now, we’ll stick with 28mm as the default. As for which printers to use? SLA is the preferred choice as you will get better results, but if you don’t have this option FDM can be used. Be prepared for lots of failed prints and slow print times as you tweak and optimize your printer. Also don’t expect the same level of quality as official minis.

Elegoo Mars, Anycubic Photon & Prusa SL1 mSLA 3D Printers

3D printing has revolutionized the hobby landscape as you can print entire games at home, but the biggest innovation is printing miniatures. But before we get too in-depth, it should be noted that most of the designers producing 3D printable models work freelance and often sell their designs direct. Many of their works have already been pirated and are shared in forums. Please do not use their work illegally. Support the designers by buying their models, or join their Patreon. The 3D printed miniature landscape is huge and it is difficult to know where to start. There are three main methods of acquiring your miniatures, free, Patreon supported, and off the shelf. We should also note that the same can be said for 3D printed terrain.

Free Models

Free models are available through the likes of Thingiverse. A quick search for "28mm miniature" will give you a list to start exploring. Other search terms such as "D&D miniature" give equally impressive lists. The grandmaster of 3D printed minis has to be Miguel Zavala. He offers a large collection of D&D miniatures for free. Some of his models are available on Thingiverse, but he has had to move his efforts to Shapeways. You can still get his work for free, but you now also have the option of a professionally printed 3D miniature. He also has a Patreon where supporters can download all his models, over 1000, from one place.

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Patreon Supported

by Titan Forge Minis via <a href="https://www.patreon.com/titanforgeminis/"<Patreon

When it comes to Patreon supported you have lots of choice, with a variety of studios producing art worthy of note. Titan Forge is a hybrid company, providing some physical products through retail stores and their own webshop, as well as a range of minis available through Patreon. Each month they have a theme, with June 2020 being an oriental themed set called Dragon Empire 2. The models are professionally designed and come with raw print files as well as pre-supported print files which should make like easier. The great thing about supporting the work of creators through Patreon is that you are directly supporting creators, enabling them to spend more time creating such wonderful minis. There are too many talented designers to list in totality, but check the list below for some of our favorites.

Off The Shelf

In recent times we have seen a move by tabletop studios to move some of their paper products to digital formats. Core rule books, army lists are obvious candidates, but print-at-home maps, scenery, and buildings are now a mainstay of most RPG games. There are some pioneers such as Mōphiüs Entertainment that have released off the shelf 3D models to print at home. The Fallout Miniatures game models can be found here, and at the time of writing there is a variety of scenery and vehicles available. Hopefully, we’ll see more manufacturers releasing files including miniatures. For the moment the best way to buy individual models off the shelf is to search platforms such as My Mini Factory and Shapeways. Both specialize in high-quality 3D prints, but you can also download or buy files as well. A prime example of this is the Artisan Guild. Often you will find the files listed have previously been available for a lower price in a previous month on Patreon. Sometimes it pays to support an artist if you like their style!

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Mystery Fourth Option

Hero Forge Creator

Earlier, we noted that there were three main methods to acquiring print files, but there is a mystery fourth option. Imagine if you could create custom miniatures for each of your players, that matched not only their descriptions but also the equipment they carry. Well, yes you can. If you are a talented artist/sculptor then you may fancy trying out blender (https://www.blender.org/) or ZBrush (http://pixologic.com/features/about-zbrush.php), both powerful and capable at producing 3D models to print. For the rest of us, however, we can turn to services such as HeroForge that allow us to design our own miniatures using their web app. It is easy to use and after completion, you can buy the print file. As a GM, you probably wouldn’t want to do this for every character your players come across, but for player characters and important figures such as the final boss, it may be worth the money.

A Final Word On 3D Printing For Tabletop

As we bring this series we hope you have seen the potential that 3D printing can bring to your game. With it all said and done, 3D printing is nothing but a tool and should be treated as such. It is not a replacement, but it should complement the craft you already have. If you enjoy making things with your hands, continue to do so, but use the 3D printer where it makes sense. Print bits rather than full buildings, tile-able floors that can be used reused in different formations, and miniatures that can’t be found elsewhere. Continue to support your local games store, if there is enough interest maybe you could encourage them to stock 3D printing supplies in addition to their gaming range?

And most of all, have fun!

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Favorite Artists & Prints

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Sources: Header Image by Fabio- Rizzo