The Ultimate Guide to D&D Miniatures: What They Are, Scale, How to Make Them and Where to Buy
If you’re new to Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) or other tabletop RPGs (TTRPGs) like Pathfinder, you’ve probably heard of D&D miniatures. These tiny figurines help bring your characters and campaigns to life, adding a tactile and immersive element to gameplay. But where do you start? Whether you're looking to buy miniatures, 3D print them, or find the best pre-made options, this guide will answer your most pressing questions.
What Are D&D Miniatures?
D&D miniatures are small, detailed models representing characters, monsters, and NPCs in tabletop RPGs. They are used on gridded battle maps to visualise movement, combat, and interactions during gameplay.
Miniatures come in different materials, including:
Plastic (pre-painted and unpainted options)
Metal (more detailed but pricier)
Resin (highly detailed, best for 3D printing)
Why Use Miniatures in D&D?
Enhances immersion – See your characters and enemies in action.
Tactical gameplay – Easily track positioning during battles.
Personalisation – Custom-painted figures bring characters to life.
What Scale Are D&D Miniatures?
D&D miniatures typically follow the 28mm or 32mm scale, meaning that a human-sized figure is roughly 1 inch tall. This scale works well with 1-inch grid battle maps, ensuring movement and placement are easy to manage.
Understanding Scale Differences
28mm Scale – Traditional D&D mini size, used by brands like Reaper Miniatures.
32mm Scale – Slightly larger, used by Hero Forge and Eldritch Foundry.
Larger & Smaller Models – Dragons, giants, and vehicles scale up to 75mm or more, while tiny creatures like familiars might be 15mm or less.
Pro Tip: Always check the scale when buying or printing miniatures to ensure they match your game setup.
How to Get Custom D&D Miniatures
Thanks to modern technology, you can now get incredibly detailed resin miniatures through 3D printing.
Best Software for Custom Miniature Design:
Hero Forge – Fully customisable 3D miniature builder.
Eldritch Foundry – Similar to Hero Forge, but with a different art style.
Titan Craft – Great for modular custom characters and creatures.
Printing Your Miniatures (Cheaper Alternative to Hero Forge)
While sites like Hero Forge and Eldritch Foundry let you order fully printed models, their prices can be high, and shipping can be slow. Instead, you can purchase the STL file and have it 3D printed elsewhere for a fraction of the cost.
At Arcane Flame, we offer high-quality resin printing for Hero Forge, Eldritch Foundry, and custom STL files – perfect for UK-based gamers looking for a faster, more affordable option. Check out our 3D printing services here.
Where to Buy D&D Miniatures?
If you prefer to buy ready-made miniatures, here are the top options:
1. Pre-Made Miniatures from Arcane Flame
At Arcane Flame, we offer a huge range of pre-made characters, all designed by DM Stash and expertly printed in high-quality resin. Whether you're looking for detailed adventurers, monsters, or epic NPCs, we have a vast selection ready for your next campaign.
Why Choose Arcane Flame?
Exceptional Quality – We use premium resin and high-resolution 3D printers for crisp, detailed miniatures.
Fast Turnaround Time – No long waits like with international services; we print and ship from the UK.
Expertise in 3D Printing – Years of experience ensuring top-tier prints with smooth surfaces and sharp details.
Affordable Pricing – Get the best quality at a fraction of the price compared to premium sites like Hero Forge.
Custom Printing Available – Send us your STL files, and we'll bring your character to life.
Browse our selection or request a custom print here!
2. Official D&D Miniatures
WizKids (D&D Icons of the Realms, Pathfinder Battles) – Pre-painted and unpainted miniatures.
Reaper Miniatures (Bones & Dark Heaven Legends) – Affordable, unpainted figures in 28mm scale.
Games Workshop (Warhammer, Age of Sigmar) – High-detail fantasy miniatures.
3. Custom Miniature Services
Hero Forge – Best for fully customisable minis, but expensive.
Eldritch Foundry – Similar to Hero Forge, with a different sculpting style.
Mammoth Factory, Loot Studios, or Artisan Guild (via MyMiniFactory) – Subscription-based STL file creators offering monthly themed miniatures.
4. 3D Printing & Custom STL File Printing
Instead of paying premium prices for Hero Forge or Eldritch Foundry’s printed miniatures, a cheaper and faster alternative is to buy the STL file and have it professionally printed.
That’s where Arcane Flame comes in! We offer resin 3D printing services for Hero Forge, Eldritch Foundry, and any STL files you provide. This gives you:
Lower costs compared to official services
Faster turnaround time for UK-based gamers
High-quality resin prints that rival premium miniatures
Order your custom miniatures now!
Final Thoughts: Which Option is Best for You?
Choosing the right D&D miniatures depends on your budget, customisation needs, and printing options:
Want something quick and affordable? Buy pre-made miniatures from Arcane Flame or WizKids.
Need a custom character? Use Hero Forge or Eldritch Foundry but buy the STL file and have it printed at Arcane Flame.
Like DIY projects? Try 3D printing or kitbashing.
No matter your choice, having the right miniatures can make your D&D or Pathfinder adventures even more immersive. If you're looking for affordable, high-quality 3D printing for your custom miniatures, Arcane Flame has you covered.
Order your custom miniatures today!