If you’re into tabletop games, whether it’s Warhammer, Bolt Action D&D, or something a bit more niche, you’ve probably faced this age-old hobbyist dilemma: Do I buy that awesome pre-made terrain kit, or do I go full mad scenery scientist and build my own from discarded foam, fountains of glue, and sheer willpower?
Let’s be honest – both options have their unique charm. But each option comes with its own highs, lows, and if not careful hot glue burns. So whether you're a seasoned hobby vet or just dipping your toes into the miniature world, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what’s right for your table.
Option 1: Buying Ready-Made Scenery
Let’s be real — time’s tight, and you can only spend it once. Sometimes, you just wanna jump into the action and roll a mountain of dice. Buying ready-made terrain makes that super easy: open the box, drop it on the table, and boom — you’re good to go. It’s plug-and-play, and most of the time it looks awesome right out of the box. These kits are built to last and often come with some pretty slick paint jobs too.
That said, the downside? This stuff can get pricey fast. A couple of kits and suddenly your gaming budget's toast. Plus, if you’re into the creative side of the hobby, you’re kinda missing out. There’s nothing quite like playing on a table full of hand-made, one-of-a-kind scenery you built yourself!
There's some pretty cool scenery available on the market which is playable straight of the box! My personal favorite is the lovely Battlefield in a Box Scenery range by Gale Force Nine. Everything you need to bring you an exciting and authentic battlefield, ranging from burnt out buildings to Rocks, Rubble and Ruins, Battlefield in a box has everything you need to make your table top come to life. Check the full range here and explore the endless options of pre-painted scenery!
Option 2: Scratch-Building Your Own Scenery
One of the best things about making your own terrain is the sheer creative freedom. If you want to build a haunted forest filled with glowing mushrooms and throw a crashed spaceship right in the middle of it—go for it. No rules, just whatever wild idea you feel like bringing to life.
It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly. You’d be amazed at what you can whip up using foam, cardboard, and random bits from your recycling bin. With a little creativity, even trash becomes treasure. And honestly, it’s super satisfying. There’s something really cool about watching a bunch of junk slowly turn into something game-ready. That moment when you step back and say, “I made that!”—yeah, it feels pretty awesome.
Now, it’s not all perfect. Terrain building can be seriously time-consuming. Crafting that epic wizard’s tower or sprawling dungeon might take hours—or even days—depending on how deep you go. There’s definitely a learning curve, too. Your first few builds might come out a little rough around the edges, but that’s all part of the process. You get better every time. Oh, and fair warning: it can get messy. Like, your workspace might start looking like a craft store exploded. But if you’re cool with a bit of chaos, it’s totally worth it.
Looking for some scenery inspiration make sure to check the internet for free online tutorials, Youtube or grab some books written by hobby experts explaining everything you need to start scratchbuilding! For example the Wargames Terrain & Buildings - The Napoleonic Wars Modelling Book here (link) by scenery master Tony Harwood.
In this volume, master modeller Tony Hardwood shares his years of experience and presents the reader with a wide range of projects for the Napoleonic era. With the aid of step-by-step photographs, he guides the reader through building and finishing each of these models, which are organized in three sections of increasing complexity and encompass a range of scales and different materials. Nine projects are included but the techniques and skills demonstrated along the way, along with valuable advice on tools, construction materials and paints, can be adapted and applied to a much wider range of structures to grace your battlefields.
Final Thoughts
Honestly? Neither’s better—they both have their perks. If you’re in a rush or getting ready for a one-shot, pre-made terrain is a total lifesaver. But if you’re into crafting, want something one-of-a-kind, or you're trying to save some cash, building your own stuff can be super satisfying. Most hobbyists end up mixing it up—buying some key pieces like buildings or trees, then adding their own spin with DIY scatter terrain, custom touches, or cool themed bits. It’s really just about finding that balance between ease and creativity.
At the end of the day, whether you’re buying or building, it’s all about making your tabletop feel alive. So grab your glue gun (be careful) or your wallet—whatever suits your style—and make something epic. Because when your party finally reaches that haunted ruins scenario, they won’t be asking where you got the terrain. They’ll just be asking how to survive it. Happy hobbying!
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