RPG Evolution: Clear Gaming Paper Tiles

There are two types of DMs: the kind who like to print their maps and the kind who use dry- or wet-erase maps.

The problem is that if say, you have a valuable map you need to markup that isn't made for markers, the DM has to mark up the map permanently or not touch it at all. These Gaming Paper Clear Tiles split the difference.

The interlocking design makes it easy to connect these 8” x 11” tiles to create a smooth, seamless gaming surface. Need a bigger map? Just add more tiles. It's like LEGO for your tabletop. The fact that they're sized to match an RPG book is a nice touch, making them easy to store and transport. At 11 x 8 x 0.75 inches for the pack, they fit right into your gaming bag.

The dry-erase surface is another big plus. You can draw your maps, mark your battle grids, and erase everything when you're done. No more wasting paper or struggling with messy markers. And the fact that the grid is built into the pieces, rather than overlaid, makes it easy to print custom maps and have them show through naturally. The marks are spaced on a 1-inch base (standard for most RPGs).

Durability is key for any gaming accessory, and these tiles are built to last. They're made from high-strength polycarbonate and scratch-resistant, which is a big plus. Each tile comes with a protective coating. Just peel it off, and you're ready to go.

If you love doodling on your maps but don't want to make permanent marks on your treasured possession, these tiles are a great compromise.

You can purchase this product at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ims4cE Please note that I'm a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Spend less. Smile more..

 

[Von Ether]

Started with battle mats and mega mats from Chessex. Had access to a large format plotter and printed out a 3'x5' square and hex grid that we covered with acrylic plastic. Have and still use the Loke Battlemap books. A ready to go Loke map beats having to hand draw something out on plastic or a battle mat.

We are experimenting with using a computer monitor or TV laid flat on the table, covered with thin acrylic and having the map show up on that. The KS Loke books came with a VTT file option that has been useful several times.

I can see these plastic tiles being useful on maps that don't have a grid. Display on the monitor(or lay print map out on the table), scale until it looks good then lay the tiles on top to define the grid.

Oh, yeah! One of the promo pics has the tiles overlaying an aerial picture for a modern game. That is sweet.

 

[UVAtom]

I used to be able to print Mike Schley’s maps at Staples as “blueprints” for a really good price. These would have been perfect for that.

But then the Staples website’s algorithm changed and started kicking back my maps as not having enough white space, and there went my reasonably-priced large maps.

 

[Olaf the Stout]

I backed these via Kickstarter years ago and I’m happy with my purchase. I have other non-clear tiles that I use for most games, but occasionally my clear tiles will get a run when the GM has printed a map out on paper and we want to use it as a battlemat or “write” on it without it being permanent.

The clear tiles work perfect in that scenario.

 

[Matrix Sorcica]

We are experimenting with using a computer monitor or TV laid flat on the table, covered with thin acrylic and having the map show up on that

We've been doing this for a year now, I think, and it's awesome!

 

[Von Ether]

Depends on your TV. I used one and after a few hours we were sweating and baking in our game room.

 

[GMMichael]

There are two types of DMs: the kind who like to print their maps and the kind who use dry- or wet-erase maps.

No love for theater-of-the-mind, huh?

or I might just use glass beads to show the outline of something

I can see your beads rolling into the many air-holes that these tiles have. I'm guessing those are so Mountain Dew can dry out after it's spilled without having to slow the game down by lifting and cleaning. I thought they might also be magnets, but not all promo pics support that theory. Magnets would be good for the sky battles, too.

 

[Von Ether]

I'm guessing those are so Mountain Dew can dry out after it's spilled without having to slow the game down by lifting and cleaning. I thought they might also be magnets, but not all promo pics support that theory. Magnets would be good for the sky battles, too.

Just in case I missed this being a joke, the "air holes" are to mark where the intersections on a grid would be. This way you get the benefit of a grid on a gridless map or you just ignore if your map's got grids already.

 

[GMMichael]

Just in case I missed this being a joke, the "air holes" are to mark where the intersections on a grid would be. This way you get the benefit of a grid on a gridless map or you just ignore if your map's got grids already.

Huh. That's probably great if you're not using a hex grid and your miniatures' bases happen to match the intervals between Mountain Dew-holes.

 

[smetzger]

The interlocking feature is nice. I have been using 8x10 plexiglass for awhile, and the only drawback is they don't interlock (but about 1/2 the price of this).

A couple of nice features not mentioned...
1) At least on the plex-glass, there is not ghosting when leaving the dry erase on for an extended time.

2) This is good for running battles that go through several rooms or down a corridor... just pick up the tile everyone has left and then place it where everyone is entering.