It seems like if you get far enough into the board game and RPG hobby that getting a 3D printer is just a way of life. There are so many thing out there that you can print. We’ll talk about the things you make with them further down with my 3 reasons why. But is this subset of these hobbies really needed to enjoy the hobby? The answer is no, by the way. Yes, you can benefit some, but there is no reason to own a 3D printer. Or at least no reason that you must own a 3D printer.

3 Reasons I Want a 3D Printer

3. D&D Characters

You want to play a new character, a 3D printer is great for that. You want to make it look awesome, you can find generic ones, but also you can pay for an STL file from Hero Forge and print it yourself now. And what happens if your character dies, now that was a waste, well, not so much, you can just print another one.

And there is more that you can print too. An NPC that comes along with the players, that is certainly an option. And while I mainly run theater of the mind, it’d be nice to have those moments when I can set-up a big fight, game moment for the players.

2. Upgraded Bits

For board games, one of the big things is upgraded bits. I like my fancy components, but if I were able to make them instead of buying them, that’s a bit cheaper for me. For example, I own all 3D terrain for Frosthaven. That is so much stuff. But I wish there were a few more things, or things had been printed differently.

If I own a 3D printer, then I can do that myself. And that is going to make my life simpler too for other upgrades that I might want. I know there are some things for PitchCar that you can 3D print. But also then just better coins for games, or other things like that.

1. To Make Better Storage

But the number one reason is storage. The insert I own for Frosthaven is 3D printed and it’s so much nicer than the one that I got from the campaign. It is more solid, stores easier, and just works better. That is my one beef with Frosthaven is the insert that I got from the campaign was not good.

While the other reasons are fun, this reason makes my life so much easier. If I 3D print an insert for Roll Player I might actually get it to the table more often. Or you print something cool for Aeon’s End, you might be able to get it all into the big Aeon’s End Legacy box. But even for examples that aren’t so large, you can create spots to hold different cards for games and just pull it out and get it to the table faster. My article about Heat: Pedal to the Metal and how I want a big box, I could probably create something that stores everything for that in the base box. That is why I want a 3D printer.

1 Reason I Don’t Want a 3D Printer

But let’s talk about the one reason why I might not. A 3D printer is work. I already dislike regular printers. The ink is expensive, and if you don’t use it often enough it gums up. with a 3D printer you have more than just that to worry about. You need it to be level so that nothing gets messed up. You don’t want it jostled and there is of course the filament itself as well.

And when something goes wrong, it is more of a hassle to have to deal with that some other things out there. This one reason is part of what has kept me from getting one, at least for a little while. But is this reason enough to keep me from getting one for all time? That’s the question, especially with a kid who is now interested in 3D printing and 3D printers.

Do You Have a 3D Printer?

What do you recommend for one. What are the challenges that you face with a 3D printer and what have been the benefits. And are the benefits really worth it for a 3D printer, or is it something that mainly just collects dust for you?

There seem like a lot of interesting uses of them. But I always wonder thing something like this, is it worth it. And is it better to get a really good one, or can just an okay 3D printer be good enough. All of this is stuff that I just don’t know, and keeps me from ordering one now.

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