Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition may have gone “Theater of the Mind” with a de-emphasis on gridded tactical combat, but most players and DMs still find a visual representation of positioning to be helpful. You can use printed maps, pre-made dungeon tiles, or even go over the top with full 3D terrain by companies like Dwarven Forge. All of these choices can be pricey, and you are limited by what these published options have to offer.
Enter DM Scotty and the DM’s Craft…
DM’s Scotty’s YouTube channel has been teaching gamers how to make their own custom 3D-ish dungeon tiles on the cheap for several years now. His system, which he calls “2.5D Dungeon Tiles” allows you to easily create your own tiles, but with the 3 dimensional embellishments needed to really make them pop off the table.
Why 2.5D Dungeon Tiles vs. Other Tools?
- They are quick to set up - you can throw down more tiles as your players further explore the dungeon
- The short walls make it easy to manipulate miniatures, and the players can see the playing area better
- They are dirt cheap compared to store-bought tiles
- You can make exactly what you want, and aren’t limited by what publishers have made
- They are easy to store - flat, light and portable!
What Do You Need to Get Started?
Here are the tools that you will need to create a basic set of dungeon tiles. You probably have some of these already laying around your house. The rest you can grab at the hardware store, Wal-Mart or on Amazon for cheap.
- A ruler or T-Square
- Plastic drafting Triangle or Protractor
- Box Cutters
- Large Glue Gun for constructing tiles
- Small Glue Gun for detailed work
- Elmer’s Glue All (don’t get school glue)
- Construction sand (you want something with little pieces of rock for rubble)
- Matte Black spray paint for base coating your dungeon tiles (get the cheapest you can find)
- Rust-Oleum Stone Texturing Paint for giving your dungeon a stone texture
- Acrylic craft paint - black, light grey (dolphin grey) and pewter grey
- Basic set of paint brushes with both flat and round edge brushes
Not All Cardboards Are Created Equal
You’ll also need several different types of cardboard for constructing your dungeon tiles. Fortunately, these are super easy to come by.
- Cardstock - not corrugated (cereal boxes)
- Corrugated cardboard - standard stuff you find on most packing boxes
- Double thick corrugate cardboard - you’ll usually find this in appliance boxes. It’s hard to cut, so you will only use this as the base on really large tiles.
Ok, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s jump into a couple of videos.
DM’s Craft 2.5D Dungeon Tiles - Introduction
This video is a long one, clocking in at just over 45 minutes. DM Scotty gives you an overview of all the tools you’ll need, then takes you step-by-step through designing, constructing and painting your first dungeon tiles. This video is a must watch as it lays the foundation down for everything you’ll need to know to build awesome looking, custom 2.5D dungeon tiles.
Making Cave Tiles Quickly & Cheaply - Part 1
The Introductory video teaches you how to make square and rectangular shaped dungeon tiles. But Orcs and Goblins are not near as precise as the Dwarf Lords who live “Under the Mountain.” This video teaches you how to make irregular shaped tiles perfect for caverns and caves inhabited by all manner of foul creatures.
Making Cave Tiles Quickly & Cheaply - Part 2
DM Scotty shows you how to put the finishing touches on your cave tile, including adding rubble and painting the sinkhole to make it look more realistic.
Where Do You Go From Here?
First, head on over to the DM Craft’s YouTube Channel, and check out the DM’s Craft forum. Explore options for creating your own designs to wow your players. 2.5D Dungeon Tiles will take your D&D, Pathfinder, Fantasy AGE & The One Ring games to a whole new level.
Keep on the lookout for further posts here at Dice Monkeys where we take a look at accessorizing your dungeon with traps, doors, lava pits and monsters!
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