Hex Vs. Square

[ShadowMaster]

I'm using a squared map as battlefield and was thinking if a hexagonal map could solve problems that we may have with some spells and area effects?

What are the advantages of using a Hexagonal Vs. squared map to represent combat?

Thanks.

P.S.: Is "Squared map" a good english way to name a map with squares on it?

 

[Artoomis]

This question has been raised many times. I think the consensus is:

Hexes work beter than squares for everything except corridors and rooms, which tend to need right angles.

Hexes make spell effects and movement much easier.

Squares make it much easier to do corridors and rooms.

 

[Macbrea]

We have used both squares and hexes. Both work and having their own problems.

Square map: The diagrams for them are in the books. The walls are much easier to draw. Movement has to be recalculated when you move diagnally.

Hex map: You need to figure out how to draw a hall on a hex type map. You need to account for half hexes. The movement is much quicker to figure out. Area effects are much easier to figure out (though, they get alittle larger as we ended up using a 35ft. Fireball.). You can only be surrounded by 6 people rather then 8.

 

[Tiberius]

You have just opened the Big Can O' Worms (TM). Everybody and their beholder seem to have opinions on this. I like squares myself. They are what 3E was designed to use, and as such require little to no modification of the rules. They don't have some of the facing problems of hexes ("What do you mean I can't turn right by 90 degrees?"), and allow you to walk in a straight line in all 8 directions, rather than 6. I just don't see any problem with them whatsoever. I'm sure others will disagree.

-Tiberius

 

[ShadowMaster]

I'm sorry Tiberius but your post is confusing me.

Do you prefer Squares or Hexes? You said, you use Squares but you're giving me example why Hex is better (or is my understanding that is bad?). Anyway, maybe we should remove every lines and use rulers instead.

 

[IceBear]

I think he was saying he prefers squares. I prefer squares too, as, like he said, 3E was written with the idea that you would be playing on a square grid. Both have their strengths and weakness, but I like using the map type that the game was written for (eg squares for 3E, hexes for Battletech and Mechwarrior) as it just helps keep things consistent.

As Tiberius said...this is a Big Can O' Worms (TM) and everyone has their personal favorite. My advice is to just use the one you're most confortable with.

IceBear

 

[Christian]

There's a thought, ShadowMaster. Put each miniature on a thin paper base with a 1" radius (representing its threat range), and with three strings attached (representing its base move, hustle, and run speeds-not everyone moves in straight lines, after all). A tape measure and compass for spell/missile ranges and effects, and you're all set!

Somehow, I don't think this will ever kill the gridded battlemap, though.

 

[Ranger REG]

No grid is ideal. The movement is no longer restricted to 8 compass directions (or 6 in hexes), you have 360-degrees of possible directions. Use a ruler or measuring tape (preferably from the sewing department) to measure their movement and distance as well as line-of-sight. Like Warhammer, you can create template for area of effect (blast radius, cone, etc.)

Otherwise, square grid is the better alternative. At least you have a perfect 45-degree diagonal movements, and you can turn 90-degree without staggering.

 

[Tiberius]

I'm sorry Tiberius but your post is confusing me.

Do you prefer Squares or Hexes? You said, you use Squares but you're giving me example why Hex is better (or is my understanding that is bad?). Anyway, maybe we should remove every lines and use rulers instead.

To be clear, I prefer squares. The game was written for them, they allow for more movement options, they allow you to turn at right angles, and they are much easier to accurately draw when you have to improvise a battle mat because someone forgot theirs.

-Tiberius

 

[Broken Fang]

We currently use squares under plexi glass and draw on them using grease pencils. I think we are going to change and not use the squares though.

Some reasons why:
movement in any direction
spell casters must be more careful w/ area effect spells...no more counting squares