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Kings of War is a fast-paced fantasy tabletop wargame where terrain isn’t just decoration—it shapes strategy. Whether you’re setting up ruins for cover or hills for elevation advantages, handcrafted terrain elevates gameplay. Here’s how to build immersive, durable terrain tailored to Kings of War’s 28mm scale.
Materials Needed for Kings of War Terrain
The right materials balance cost, durability, and ease of shaping. For Kings of War’s dynamic battles, prioritize lightweight but sturdy options:
- XPS foam: Ideal for cliffs, ruins, and textured ground. Carves easily with a hobby knife.
- Mod Podge: A sealant for foam and cardboard to prevent warping.
- Acrylic paints: Cheap craft paints work for base layers; add washes for depth.
- Static grass/flock: For quick, realistic ground cover.
- Balsa wood: For bridges or wooden structures.
For armies to clash atop your terrain, consider the Kings of War 4th Edition Claws In The Sand 2-Player Starter Set ($129.53), which includes factions perfect for testing your battlefield setups.
Using Cardboard for Kings of War Terrain
Cardboard is a budget-friendly option for flat terrain like roads or simple buildings. Reinforce it with PVA glue layers to prevent bending. Use cereal-box cardboard for finer details like shingles or cobblestone textures.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Kings of War Terrain
- Plan your layout: Kings of War recommends 3–5 terrain pieces per 2’x2’ area. Sketch a mix of linear obstacles (walls) and area terrain (forests).
- Carve XPS foam: Use a hot wire cutter for smooth cliffs or a knife for rubble. Texture with a balled-up aluminum foil press.
- Assemble structures: Layer cardboard or foamcore for buildings. Add toothpick “planks” to balsa wood bridges.
- Prime and paint: Seal foam with Mod Podge, then basecoat in gray (stone) or brown (wood). Drybrush highlights for depth.
- Add foliage: Glue static grass sparingly—Kings of War terrain should keep miniatures stable during play.
Tips for Creating Realistic Kings of War Terrain
- Scale consistency: Kings of War uses 28mm miniatures. Avoid oversized rocks or trees that disrupt gameplay.
- Modularity: Craft hills in stackable tiers to adjust height for different scenarios.
- Playability: Leave flat spaces on cliffs or ruins for miniatures to stand.
For factions to populate your terrain, the Kings of War Champions: Grunk Blackclaw Company Box ($44.95) adds a rugged dwarf warband that fits mountainous or ruined settings.
Pro tip: Test terrain stability by gently nudging a miniature mid-game. If it topples, add texture or weight to the base.