My 5 Best Ideas to Upgrade Your Board Games

Let’s face it: board games are awesome. They bring people together. They make lasting memories. They offer a welcome escape from the digital world. But what if I told you there were ways to improve your favorite board games?

We’ve all been there. You pull out a favorite game and set it up on the table, and it starts to feel basic. The cardboard standees feel flat and don’t capture the epic monster you’re battling. The flimsy cardboard resource tokens are peeling, leaving you wanting something more sturdy.

Fear not, fellow game enthusiasts! I’ve been there. This post is your one-stop shop for inspiration. It will help you to upgrade your board game collection and take your next game night to the next level.

My 5 BestIdeas to Upgrade Your Board Games

You may be a seasoned hobbyist. Or a casual player looking to enhance your experience. Either way, there are countless ways to make your favorite games better. Here are my top 5 picks for how I upgraded my games:

1. Invest in Quality Terrain: This was my first step to upgrading.
   Drawing flat, lifeless maps made me tired. I also got tired of reexplaining the area to inattentive players. So, I turned to gaming terrain.
   Investing in terrain pieces adds a new dimension to your board game experience.
   Imagine exploring a sprawling fantasy city. See the area filled with detailed buildings and bridges. Or battle through a treacherous jungle filled with lush vegetation. 
   A little terrain can completely transform how you interact with the game world.

2. Paint Your Miniatures: This was the second thing I did to upgrade my board games.
   Board games with miniatures can be stunning on the table. But staring at colored plastic for too long often leaves much to the imagination.
   Color can yet bring life to your characters and monsters.  Having painted miniatures can make the game world more immersive and exciting. Plus, I find painting miniatures is a relaxing experience.

3. Acquiring Essential Board Game Accessories: As my collection of games grows, certain accessories can improve the gaming experience.
   I’ve started using dice towers and dice trays to keep dice on the table. I’ve also found ways to keep all those tokens neat and organized.
   Designers have created a whole world of accessories to make your game night smoother. From handy dice towers to sleek card holders, these extras can streamline play and improve it. 

4. Organize Your Game Box: Ugh, the dreaded game box component sprawl! I currently need help with this.
   We’ve all been there. We’ve dug through mountains of punch-out boards and tangled bags of tokens.
   A good organizer saves you setup time and frustration. It can also extend the lifespan of your game pieces.

5. Upgrade Specific Components: Many board games come with basic cardboard components. Over time, you should upgrade these components.
   A few games in my collection have delaminated cardboard tokens. I recommend replacing them with cool plastic or 3D-printed ones. These small upgrades can make a big difference in the game’s feel.

What Are The Ideas To Upgrade Your Board Games

Let’s explore these ideas further and discover how you can bring your board games to life!

Invest in Quality Terrain

Terrain pieces can transform your board game. They transform a flat, static board into a detailed world.

Imagine battling through a dangerous jungle battlefield.  You can use premade plastic ruins and sculpted rocks to represent that. Or imagine navigating a treacherous dungeon with detailed cavern walls and crumbling bridges. These add depth and realism to the game world, making it more interactive and engaging.

Imagining the landscape is a thing of the past. With premade terrain, you can see, touch, and interact with the world.

The beauty of premade terrain is the vast selection available. You can find terrain pieces to match the theme of your game. Terrain makers create pieces for historical war games or futuristic space operas.

You can find premade terrain. Various materials make it. These include lightweight plastic for easy carrying. They also have sturdy resin for a dramatic look.

Many terrain pieces are modular. You can mix and match them to create unique configurations for every game. This modularity keeps your games fresh and exciting. It lets you tailor the terrain to your scenario or mission.

What benefits does investing in terrain have for you?

• Creates a Unique Atmosphere: Terrain pieces can create a unique atmosphere. They set the mood for your game, be it a spooky dungeon or a sci-fi city.
• Enhances Strategic Play: Terrain adds new tactics to your game. It forces you to adapt your strategies based on the layout of the play area.
• Boosts Replayability: Each game can feel like a new adventure with different terrains.

Where can you find quality premade terrain?

Various companies sell premade terrain pieces for popular board games. You can also find a wide terrain selection on online marketplaces like Etsy or your local game store.

Here are some things to consider when buying premade terrain:

• Scale: Make sure the terrain pieces are right for your game. If the terrain piece looks too large or small, it could ruin the immersive experience.
• Material: Terrain comes in various materials, including plastic, resin, and wood. When choosing terrain to buy, the material type will decide how durable it is in gameplay. 
• Playing Style: Think about the types of games you play most often. You’ll want stone and cavern terrain pieces if you play dungeon crawlers. Someone who likes sci-fi war games will want futuristic ones.

Paint Your Miniatures

Having an unpainted miniature in your character’s vibrant representation is very satisfying. Painting miniatures is very rewarding. It lets you express your creativity and personalize your gaming.

It’s not for everyone, though. 

Fear not; some companies sell prepaint miniatures. There are even artists out there who will paint your plastic miniatures for a fee.

With that said,

Why should you have your miniatures painted?

• Enhanced Immersion: Painted miniatures bring the game world to life. They can make the experience more immersive and engaging.
• Increased Enjoyment: It adds a new level of fun. You can take pride in your painted minis.
• Boosts Replayability: It boosts replayability. If your game looks amazing, you’ll likely pull it out and play it again.

Where can you find prepainted miniatures for your games?

While painting miniatures can be rewarding, it’s not for everyone. The good news is that many companies offer prepainted miniatures. They are for various games. A quick web search for “[Board Game Name] prepainted miniatures” should guide you.

Organize Your Game Box

Let’s be honest: Most people enjoy spending only a bit of time setting up or sorting components. A good game organizer can be a lifesaver. It keeps all your game pieces sorted and easy to reach.

Why should you organize your board game boxes?

Saves Time: Spend less time setting up and tearing down your game and more time playing.

• Protects Components:  Organizers can help protect your game pieces. They keep them from getting lost, damaged, or bent.
• Improves Enjoyment: A well-organized game box is more enjoyable to use. With everything organized, you can set up the game quickly.

Where can you find board game organizers?

Several companies specialize in creating game organizers for popular board games. Many organizer options are also available on online marketplaces like Etsy.

Here are some things to consider when buying a game organizer:

• Compatibility: Make sure the organizer fits the game you want to use it with.
  Game organizer companies use various materials, including wood, plastic, and foam core. Choose a durable material that fits your budget.
• Functionality: Consider how the organizer will improve your setup and teardown times. Look for features like removable trays, compartments with lids, and labeling options.

Acquiring Essential Board Game Accessories

Many board game accessories exist. They are often designed to enhance the smoothness and enjoyment of your game night. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Playmats: Playmats protect your table from scratches and spills. They also provide a designated playing area. They come in various sizes and designs to match your favorite games.

• Score Trackers: Fiddling with tokens or dials to keep track of scores can take time and effort. Score trackers offer a more streamlined and organized way to track player progress.

• Dice Towers and Trays: Dice towers add a touch of fun and order to rolling dice. These accessories help keep dice from rolling off the table or wreaking havoc on the play area.

• Component Trays and Bowls: These trays and bowls are handy. They keep your game pieces organized and close during play.

• Game Timer and Hourglass: A timer can help keep your games moving. Timers of any sort are great tools when time is of the essence.

Beyond the Basics: Upgrading Specific Components

Many board games have basic components that are customizable or upgradeable. Upgrading these parts can add personality to your game and enhance the experience.

Why should you upgrade your board game components?

• Personalization: Express your unique style with custom dice, resource tokens, and card sleeves.
• Improving Gameplay: Better parts enhance gameplay. They can be easier to handle and read, making gameplay smoother.
• Enhanced Theme: Thematic components can help immerse you in the game world. You can use some of these components as the game’s backdrop.

What are some component upgrades for board games?

• Dice: Custom dice come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. You can even find dice with custom symbols or engravings to match the theme of your game.

• Tokens and Meeples: Swap those dull cardboard tokens for cool acrylic or metal ones. Various unique meeples are also available to represent your player pieces.

• Card Sleeves: Cards wear out. Upgrading your game’s cards with good sleeves can protect them from damage. You can also find sleeves with unique artwork or designs.

• Coins and Currency: Flimsy cardboard coins can be a real immersion breaker. Upgrade to metal coins for a more satisfying and thematic experience.

• Miniatures: Having painted miniatures is a great way to personalize your game. You can also buy prepainted miniatures or even 3D-printed miniatures to paint yourself.

How Can Upgrading Your Board Games Benefit You

Upgrading your board games can have several benefits, both practical and aesthetic.

• Enhanced Enjoyment: Upgraded games are more fun to play. Better visuals, smoother gameplay, and increased organization can all make gaming more fun.
• Increased Replayability: They have increased replayability. You’ll likely want to play them again. This is when your games look and play great.
• Protect your investment: Good parts and organizers can help games last and shield them from damage.
• Boosts Social Cred: Upgraded games are sure to impress your fellow gamers and make you the envy of the table.

Buy vs. DIY

There are two main approaches to upgrading your board games. You can buy premade components and accessories or make your own. Which is the best approach? That will depend on your budget, skillset, and personal preferences.

Buying Upgrades for Your Board Games

Pros:

• Convenience: Premade components and accessories are convenient. They are also easy to find and need little to no assembly or crafting. With a few of these pieces, you could be ready to game in a single step.
• Professional Quality: Companies make high-quality game upgrades. The upgrades look great and last a long time. They are also made to withstand the rigors of a typical game session.
• Wide Variety: All games offer a wide selection of premade upgrades. Most local game stores have accessories and components in stock or are willing to order them for you.
• Time-Saving: Buying premade upgrades is a great way to save time and effort. Nothing kills game night more than fumbling for dice or other pieces. This can happen before, during, or after play.
• Warranty and Support: Many premade upgrades have warranties. They also come with support from the manufacturer. Most companies want to stand by their product and fix it if it fails. So, they’ll offer great warranties and support for their products.

Cons:

• Cost: Premade upgrades can be expensive, especially for high-quality components or custom pieces. The high price is due to the upgrades’ materials, quality, and availability.
• Lack of Customization: Companies make high-quality game upgrades. The upgrades look great and last a long time. The downside is that they are not as customizable. This leaves little to the imagination for your game world or game night.
• Dependency on Availability: The availability of premade upgrades can vary. It depends on the game and the manufacturer. It could be a limited release or lack of demand at the time.
• Less Personal Touch: Using premade upgrades provides less satisfaction. It’s better to make your own. If you’re into crafting, buying premade upgrades may feel a little sterile to you.
• Environmental Impact: Manufacturing premade components can have an environmental impact.

DIY: Making Your Board Game Upgrades

Pros:

• Customization: DIY upgrades let you personalize your game. With unique colors, designs, and themes, you can create anything. If you have an aesthetic and vision for the game world, why not make it?
• Cost-Effectiveness: DIY upgrades can be cheaper. They are an alternative to buying premade items. At the most basic level, you can use whatever you find around the house to make great gaming accessories. 
  A cardboard box can be a simple dice tower. Or it can be the foundation of a hill.
• Creative Expression: DIY lets you be creative and put your stamp on games. Again, if you envision how the game world should look, why not make it?
• Skill Development: Creating upgrades can help you develop new skills. These include painting, crafting, and woodworking. By upgrading your board games, you’ll learn useful skills anywhere.
• Sustainability: DIY upgrades can be more sustainable. They beat buying mass-produced parts. You’re doing your part to save the planet by using items found around your house. 

Cons:

• Time-Commitment: Creating your upgrades can take time. This can be especially true if you’re new to crafting or painting miniatures. Learning to build something is a commitment.
• Learning Curve: A learning curve may involve learning new skills, like painting or terrain building. You may need to get it right on the first try, so try again.
• Quality Variation: The quality of your DIY upgrades will depend on your skills and experience. If you are new to crafting and making for your board games, the quality of your product might be different from what you expect.
• Space and Equipment Needs: DIY projects may need a dedicated workspace and crafting supplies. If you’re anything like me and dive into an aspect of me, you’ll need a lot of space for all the tools and materials you’ll get.
• Limited Warranty: DIY upgrades don’t come with warranties. If something breaks, you will have to fix your baby.

What about DIY options if you are on a budget?

Even if you’re on a tight budget, there are many ways to upgrade your board games. You can do it with creativity and resourcefulness.

Resources for DIYers

• Blogs and Forums: Blogs and forums offer many other DIY board game upgrades. They offer tips, tricks, and tutorials.

• Books and Magazines: There are many books and magazines to inspire you. You can use them to guide your own DIY board game crafting.

• Social Media Groups: Join groups dedicated to board game crafting and modding. These groups are a great way to connect with other hobbyists, share ideas, and get advice.

• Workshops and Classes: Consider taking a workshop or class. They could focus on miniature painting, terrain building, or other relevant skills. Check with your local game store or hobby store to see if they host such events.

• Crafting and Painting Kits: Companies sell terrain crafting and miniature painting kits. The kits provide the materials you need to start. These kits can save money compared to buying premade terrain or paint at adhoc.

• Terrain Crafting Channels and Websites: Many YouTube channels and websites exist. A good many cover terrain crafting or miniature painting for tabletop games. These resources also offer many tutorials. 

Here are a few channels I follow that helped me and will help you to get started:

Black Magic Craft is a popular YouTube channel. It offers many terrain crafting tutorials. They cover everything from simple scatter terrain to complex structures with many levels.

Miniac is another popular YouTube channel. They can teach you the finer points of miniature painting. The channel covers everything from the basics to more advanced concepts.

The Terrain Tutor is yet another YouTube channel. They focus on creating realistic terrain pieces that pull you in. Their focus is more on historical and modern tabletop games.

Use these resources as inspiration. Use them to learn how to make stunning terrain pieces on a budget. Use them to learn how to paint beautiful miniatures. 

Conclusion

Improving your board games is a great way to enhance your gaming experience. It will make your next game night even more fun. 

You don’t have to invest a lot in every idea. Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference. You can buy premade components or do a DIY crafting project. The possibilities are endless. 

So, let your creativity run wild. Personalize your games. Get ready to make unforgettable memories with your fellow board game fans!

Remember, it’s your world; let’s build it.