Creating modular dungeon tiles for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) adds a whole new dimension to your gaming experience. However, traditional dungeon tiles often suffer from the issue of shifting and jostling during gameplay. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to solve this problem by making magnetic dungeon tiles that not only stay in place but also add texture and depth to your tabletop adventures.
Materials Needed:
- Half-inch XPS foam
- Cutting tool (e.g., utility knife, hobby knife, and/or Proxxon)
- Cutting mat (optional but excellent)
- Ruler
- Ballpoint pen
- Aluminum foil
- White glue
- Paintbrush
- Construction sand
- Craft pebbles
- Spray Mod Podge
- Magnets (100)
- Half-inch flat head screws (100)
- Acrylic paints (dark gray, dark red, pumpkin orange, warm white)
- Sienna wash from Vallejo (optional but awesome)
Cutting and Grid Marking
- Cut the XPS foam into 3×3 inch squares using a Proxxon or utility knife. (25 tiles total)
- Use a cutting mat or ruler to mark a one-inch grid on each foam square using a ruler.
- Enhance the grid lines with a ballpoint pen for a more organic look.
Texture and Detailing
- Texture the foam squares using crumpled aluminum foil, pressing firmly to create character and depth.
- Add cracks or additional details as desires using your utility knife
IF adding rough terrain/additional texture:
- Distribute white glue in the squares you want rough terrain in.
- Use a paint brush to spread the glue and fully cover the desired squares.
- Pour a generous layer of sand and craft pebbles over the glue.
- Brush away sand from tiles you would like to remain clear.
- Spray the sandy sections with spray mod podge – saturating the sand
- Allow to dry fully.
Magnet Placement
In order to have all of your dungeon tiles snap together, you will need to ensure your magnets are all on the left side, and the screws are on the right.
- Press the end of your magnets into your foam to create an indentation where you want your magnet to sit. They should align with the lefthand 1 inch grid mark. Try to center them vertically.
- Use a utility or hobby knife to cut out a well, using your magnet indent as a guide.
- Apply a small amount of white glue into the well.
- Add the magnet in the hole (TIP: I found it helpful to stick the magnet to my knife, and then slide it into the hole/well. This ensures that the outward facing side will cling to metal.)
- Wipe away any excess glue.
- Repeat on all 4 sides of each tile. (100 magnets total.)
Add Screws
Screw a 1/2 inch flathead screw into each edge of your tile, in line with the righthand one-inch grid line. Each edge of each tile should have a magnet on the left and a screw on the right. You can just use a screwdriver to wind the screw in tight.
Mod Podge Layer
- Apply a layer of black Mod Podge over the entire surface of each foam square.
- Ensure the Mod Podge covers the sand and pebbles evenly.
- Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely before proceeding.
Painting
- Paint the tiles to match your setting.
- If you would like to match what I did:
- Dark gray base
- Bright red
- Dry brush pumpkin orange and warm white
- Apply light layer of Vallejo Sienna Rush (wipe away excess.)
Follow the above steps and you should have your very own set of magnetic dungeon tiles that not only stay in place but also add a dynamic and textured element to your TTRPG terrain. These tiles will enhance your gaming sessions and provide countless adventures for you and your fellow players. Good luck and happy crafting!
