Basic Mapmaking Techniques

(This was originally posted somewhere around here and made it into the HS Codex #5. I'm reposted it here in case you missed it. )

Over the last couple of years, I’ve made a few dozen
maps. Many of these are posted in my (OMG SHAMELESS PLUG!-->>) maps & scenarios thread. All that’s to say: I’ve learned a few things in this time. I’d like to share these things here in the hope that it helps some folks become better map builders.

1.) Map designs come in two flavors: Pretty and Functional. The best maps are swirls of both, but for the most part your maps are going to be one or the other. Pretty maps inspire awe but quickly reveal flaws that unbalance
the battle. Functional maps are usually simpler, symmetrical affairs whose creativity only blossoms during game play.

2.) All parts of your map should be attractive to action. Height, water, and line-of-sight issues can leave a part of your map completely unused. If you find that play always centers around one feature of your map, you may want to make revisions.

3.) A single castle wall or high bridge usually dominates play so add these elements cautiously. If I do use them, I try to put a Wind Glyph far away from it so everyone won’t draft flying units. I’ll also try to make a way for double-spaced figures to make it up there.

4.) Symmetry. Hate it or love it, if you’re going to balance a map for all players, symmetry rears its much-maligned head. In a 1v1 map you may be able to give each side its own asymmetrical advantages, but this becomes much more challenging as the number of players grows. You want a balanced, 4-player, asymmetrical map? Fugghedaboutit. Go save some time and mental energy by writing a master’s thesis in calculus.

5.) If you’re going to play with non-consumable glyphs (I usually don’t), at least have those glyphs in mind when you create the map. A Range or Defense +2 glyph can completely shift the tide of battle. You might put the former in a map where the lengths of great range are limited by LOS issues. You might place the latter surrounded by higher elevation in an action-heavy area.

6.) In contrast to my feelings above, I really like the consumable glyphs. Healing and summoning add a unique element of strategy to a battle that’s more than squatting on a tile for the entire game. Find creative places for these!

7.) Try not to have corners with empty spaces on your map unless you do it on purpose. The question will invariably arise of whether or not movement and/or sighting can occur across these gaps. People may have strong feelings one way or the other so avoid the arguments by building your map properly.

8.) Please understand that by having a huge castle (or any elevated area) in the middle of your map with nothing but ladders leading up to it, you’ve severely limited the choices of viable armies. Heroscape already tips the balance in favor of ranged and/or flying units so by building a map that caters to them, you might as well not have wasted your money on melee and/or double-spaced units.

9.) Try tinkering with some of the rules when you build your maps. Alternate uses for glyphs is a fun way to change things up. I’ve used (re)movable or destructable terrain in my scenarios to great effect. Teleportation is always a fun dynamic as well! Ten is a good, round number so I’ll stop with:

10.) SHARE! As a valued member of this community, you’re obligated, no, called to share your creations with the rest of us! Grab a digitial camera, make sure all your lights are on and windows unshuttered, and snap us some shots. If all you have is your phone-cam, well, give it a whirl and see what happens.

Until next time!