Eye Tyrant
First Post
So this new 3.5 says that everything is squared off... I have a hex battle map. I am assuming many have this same issue. Do you buy the new battle map or just continue via 3.0? Or does it even matter? Thoughts...?
Hexes vs. Squares???
- Thread starter Eye Tyrant
- Start date
collin
Explorer
Hexes vs. Squares
It depends on much you use miniatures in your game. WotC seems to be trying to steer everyone towards that end (maybe because they have a new line of miniatures coming out soon?), but I know lots of gamers, including myself, who didn't use mats or miniatures and got along with role-playing just fine. I like miniatures now, and I actually prefer a hex-sided mat, but I have a square-sided one, too. It all depends on what the DM and players for your game like and prefer. You don't even have to use the rules in the PHB - you could make up your own or revise them to fit your needs.
-Collin
It depends on much you use miniatures in your game. WotC seems to be trying to steer everyone towards that end (maybe because they have a new line of miniatures coming out soon?), but I know lots of gamers, including myself, who didn't use mats or miniatures and got along with role-playing just fine. I like miniatures now, and I actually prefer a hex-sided mat, but I have a square-sided one, too. It all depends on what the DM and players for your game like and prefer. You don't even have to use the rules in the PHB - you could make up your own or revise them to fit your needs.
-Collin
Murrdox
First Post
Unfortunately the 3.5 edition is increasingly using "squares" as units of measurement. If you prefer a hex-based system (which I think is better, personally) I doubt it would be THAT difficult to adapt. The only difficulty I can think of is certain area-effect spells look a bit better and cleaner on a square base. Of course, others look much better on a hex grid.
Ysgarran
Registered User
Our group uses a hex map and prefer a bit more to the square map. We don't always use the 'center' of the hex either, when the circumstances warrent it we will use the 'dots' that are in the center of the hex for measurement purposes.
In other words, creatures don't always have to be in the center of the hex. This is very usefully in corridors where the wall will go through the center of a hex.
We just find it more flexible over all.
As a note, our group will not be upgrading to 3.5 rules for a while. When the 3.5 SRD comes out we will pick and choose what we will be using.
Ysgarran.
In other words, creatures don't always have to be in the center of the hex. This is very usefully in corridors where the wall will go through the center of a hex.
We just find it more flexible over all.
As a note, our group will not be upgrading to 3.5 rules for a while. When the 3.5 SRD comes out we will pick and choose what we will be using.
Ysgarran.
Elder-Basilisk
First Post
My take on things:
Hexes work better for large, open areas.
Squares look better for inside areas with lots of right angles.
Hexes work better for large, open areas.
Squares look better for inside areas with lots of right angles.
Ranger REG
Explorer
As an old-school wargamer who have played with hex-grid games such as BattleTech, Star Fleet Battles, FASA's Star Trek Starship Combat Simulator, etc., I find the square grid more innovative and refreshing to use.
I heartily recommend, it's hip to use squares -- both indoor and outdoor.
Ideally, it's better to use no-grid (use ruler and measuring tapes).
I heartily recommend, it's hip to use squares -- both indoor and outdoor.
Ideally, it's better to use no-grid (use ruler and measuring tapes).
Last edited:
Olgar Shiverstone
Legend
I've used both (and own a double-sided mat). I tend to use squares mostly now because it's easier to lay out dungeon corridors and the like.
That said, movement and distance are easier and more accurate to measure on a hex grid (minus the not-quite-straight-line-movement in one direction) -- though not as flexible as free-form movement, of course.
I don't see a rule that would need to be changed to use hexes instead of squares. Aside from drawing difficulties, figure out how to use "half-hexes", and realize that fewer characters can gang up on an opponent.
Both are good options, really.
That said, movement and distance are easier and more accurate to measure on a hex grid (minus the not-quite-straight-line-movement in one direction) -- though not as flexible as free-form movement, of course.
I don't see a rule that would need to be changed to use hexes instead of squares. Aside from drawing difficulties, figure out how to use "half-hexes", and realize that fewer characters can gang up on an opponent.
Both are good options, really.
The Souljourner
First Post
I never understood why people prefered hexes to squares. With squares you can move in a straight line in 8 directions. With a hex you can only move in 6 directions. Why use the more restrictive of the two? Especially in dungeons and other generally rectangular areas... hexes become a real pain in the butt.
And for big open spaces you don't use anything at all, just distances. If you're 1000' away from a guy, does it matter if you're 5' to the left? Not usually.
Yeah, so you have to count diagonals as 7.5' if you really want to be accurate, but hexes aren't much better... you're still rarely moving in a perfectly straight line - at least with squares the change in direction can be as small as 45 degrees, compared to the 60 for hexes. Which sounds more accurate now?
-The Souljourner
And for big open spaces you don't use anything at all, just distances. If you're 1000' away from a guy, does it matter if you're 5' to the left? Not usually.
Yeah, so you have to count diagonals as 7.5' if you really want to be accurate, but hexes aren't much better... you're still rarely moving in a perfectly straight line - at least with squares the change in direction can be as small as 45 degrees, compared to the 60 for hexes. Which sounds more accurate now?
-The Souljourner
Ranger REG
Explorer
Still, the best will always be "no-grid," in a Warhammer-like gameplay.
The Souljourner
First Post
Have you *played* warhammer? You fudge all the time! Ever tried measuring an arc with a measuring tape? It's not very accurate. That and it takes FOREVER.
D&D is slow enough as it is. Stick with squares, be a good little sheep.
-The Souljourner
*baaa!*
D&D is slow enough as it is. Stick with squares, be a good little sheep.
-The Souljourner
*baaa!*
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