A Dungeons and Dragons grid map, also known as a DnD battlemat, is a DnD accessory that raises any adventure’s playing value. They are also sometimes called a battlemap, or even a playmat… though they are often the scene of many epic combats, not playdates 😊.
Such as these:
The best Dungeons and Dragons grid maps almost always have a 1-inch square grid that simplifies calculating range and distances. They come in various sizes, colors and are usually reusable – some come with an eraser and markers that let you easily add new features to your encounter or quickly draw a new one.
Do you need a DnD grid map?
Sure, you can play Dungeons and Dragons in “the theater of the mind”, but it is still a pen and paper tabletop game. Items such as a grid map can significantly improve the game, especially for new players and DMs who might get confused and lost without it. After my party purchased a DnD grid map, we’ve never had a session without one.
If you’re new to Dungeons and Dragons and don’t want to make unnecessary investments, then it might be a better idea to just print some grid paper. Even that will go a long way in helping improve your game, and you’ll see for yourself the many benefits of having a battle mat.
How does a grid map improve your DnD session?
1. Grid maps give the players and the DM a clear overview of the battle at hand, making it easier to make offensive and defensive tactical decisions.
2. It’s helpful outside of combat too! You can use it to illustrate a complex scene easily to the players. For example, a bar, a temple, or a building, the players are sneaking around.
3. The squared grid can represent 5 feet, 10 feet, or more distance – giving you the option to create intense close-quarter combat situations or giant epic battles.
4. Preparing a battlemat in advance with objects such as walls or crates gives players a clear overview of the battlefield. This helps them choose their next movement, action, or attack.
5. Setting up enemies on the grid map allows the DM a chance to breathe and make strategic and tactical decisions easily without losing their minds.
BUT! The main advantage of a grid map is for all you wonderful DMs out there…
They help streamline the game – players can plan their turn without asking you, the DM, a series of questions about their position and tactical options. Since everyone can see the other combatants and the terrain type, you don’t have to explain it over and over again! That’s priceless 🙂
The location in the image above was created in a few minutes. And, as you can see, it is really helpful for all of the players and the DM to keep track of where everyone and everything is.
So, which DnD grid map do I buy?
Most of the deciding comes down to size and stylistic preferences – do you want to buy a regular white one? Perhaps a colored battle mat that will help in setting a true Dungeons and Dragon experience.
As you will notice, almost all grid maps available today are tear-proof, waterproof, and stain-resistant (really important! drinks will be spilled on it, trust me!).
The dry eraser feature is a necessity. It allows you to reuse the grid map and quickly fix your artistic mistakes on the fly.
Check out the selection below for easy-to-use, cheap and reliable Dungeons and Dragons battle mats.
- A 24 x 36 inches reusable double mat that comes with accessories, made by Melee Mats. See it now.
- The most affordable 24×36 inches reusable battle mat, made by Zebra Designs, that also comes with accessories including dice. See it now.
- A really beautiful rollable and foldable DnD grid map made by Ergon Games. A bit more expensive though. See it now.
- An oldschool foldable and reusable game board made by Hexers. In addition to the square it also has a hex grid if you want to use it for other games. See it now.
The best buy DnD grid map I found
I went with a pathfinder battle grid because it was cheaper, and my local store only had small DnD battle mats. Additionally, it is foldable, and yeah, sure, the folds might be a little bit annoying….but so is carrying a large DnD grid map around without an expensive case!
A lot of people expressed their worries about it being prone to damage with use. I must say that after over a year of usage, it still works like a charm. Keep in mind, my party has spilled beverages on it multiple times, AND we’ve even sometimes forgotten to clean it after use.
With such a low price, it is worth buying it to see if using a grid map works for you. In my case, getting the cheapest one even turned into a long-term buy. I’ve only considered buying a new one while writing this 😊.