In the world of board games and RPGs, 3D printed miniatures help bring players’ imaginations to life. With advancements in 3D printing technology, enthusiasts now have access to a plethora of amazing designs to create their own pieces and accessories.
In addition, there are multiple great resources and communities dedicated to 3D printed miniatures, including a subreddit and YouTube channels. There’s also no shortage of inspiration to be found in model repositories, if you’re hoping to get started and build up your collection.
We’ve put together a list of the best high-quality miniatures, offering RPG and board game fans a wide variety of options for their adventures. Whether exploring dungeons, facing powerful enemies, or venturing into distant worlds, these miniatures will surely add a new dimension of fun to your games.
And if you’re looking to expand your miniature collection but aren’t able to print them yourself, check out Craftcloud. You’ll find a vast selection of colors, materials, and finishes perfect for bringing the pieces in your imagination to life.
Clone Trooper Heavy
In a distant galaxy far far away, Clone Troopers act as the guardians of the Galactic Republic, ready to engage in epic battles in games like Star Wars: Legion. With their sturdy armor and combat-ready blasters, these soldiers are essential for those looking to recreate intergalactic conflicts on gaming tables. It’s worth noting that this model is available in two pre-exported scales, including 1:12 and 1:48. The 1:48 scale is more suitable for resin printing, while the 1:12 scale is ideal for fused deposition modeling (FDM).
Based on settings provided by the creator, Galactic Armory, it’s recommended to use a 0.16-mm layer height, with 3 walls and a 10% infill. Additionally, selecting the appropriate print profile is crucial. User feedback suggests that while the model is detailed and visually impressive, removing supports can be challenging in certain areas.
- Why do we like it? We like this model for its faithful representation of the soldiers of the Galactic Republic, and it’s recognized as one of the most epic free models available for Star Wars enthusiasts.
- Who designed it? Galactic Armory
- How printable/popular is it? According to MakerWorld, this model has a whopping 775 makes and over 3,000 downloads – it’s definitely a popular choice among fans.
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
Orc with Axe
From the depths of the dungeons emerges an imposing Orc, wielding its axe with wild fury in classic games like D&D. With its menacing appearance and thirst for battle, this monster personifies the danger awaiting brave adventurers daring to challenge fantastical realms. User feedback emphasizes the model’s quality and ability to maintain expressive details, even with adjustments to layer height.
To achieve satisfactory results when printing this model for 28-mm tabletop games, there are a couple of recommendations to keep in mind. According to information provided by the creator, BriteMinis, the model was designed not to require supports during printing and performs well on accessible FDM 3D printers like the Ender 3. It’s recommended to use a 0.08-mm layer height and PLA filament. Additionally, the designer offers variants with square and round bases for greater versatility.
- Why do we like it? This miniature is appreciated for its menacing appearance and print quality, recognized as one of the most frightening creatures around.
- Who designed it? BriteMinis
- How printable/popular is it? This Orc has close to 700 downloads and 17 shared makes, so its ease of printing and quality make it a practical choice for players.
- Where to find it? Printables
Wizard
Along the dark corridors of ancient castles, the Wizard raises his staff, invoking arcane powers. With his aura of mystery and wisdom, this spellcaster is indispensable for those seeking to uncover magical secrets and confront creatures of darkness in games like Gloomhaven. Users report that the thin part of the staff may be a point of failure during printing, so adjusting print speed or trying smaller diameter nozzles may help achieve better results. Additionally, miniature details like hands and thin staff elements may require a thinner layer height setting.
According to information provided by the creator, Teirale, the model is designed not to require supports during printing and adapts well to FDM 3D printers like the Ender 3. It’s recommended to choose among the four available files, with “All in one,” “Body flat,” and “Base” suitable for support-free printing – the “Body” file may require supports. The “All in one” file contains both the miniature and the base in a single piece. For those preferring to use their own bases, the “Body flat” file can be printed without supports, and then the base can be carefully trimmed.
- Why do we like it? We value this model for its ability to faithfully capture the magical and mysterious essence of a wizard, recognized as a main representative of the magical universe.
- Who designed it? Teirale
- How printable/popular is it? With over 4,400 downloads and 68 shared makes, no magic is required to make this a striking addition.
- Where to find it? Printables
Fighter
In the epic battlefields of distant lands, the Fighter boldly advances, his sword gleaming under the sun. An ideal addition to games like HeroQuest, his unwavering courage and fierce determination make this warrior the last line of defense against the forces of evil that plague the realms. As this model is also from Teirale, the same variation characteristics of the model apply to the file names “All in one,” “Body flat,” “Base,” and “Body.”
Users recommend different print settings, such as a layer height ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm and nozzle sizes from 0.25 mm to 0.4 mm. Additionally, some suggest adjusting print speed for better results. Regardless of the printer settings, reviewers express satisfaction with the details and print quality, highlighting that the model can be an excellent choice for board games and learning to paint miniatures.
- Why do we like it? This miniature is appreciated for its classic representation of the brave hero.
- Who designed it? Teirale
- How printable/popular is it? With over 2,700 downloads and 49 makes, it’s a valuable addition to any collection.
- Where to find it? Printables
Elf Archer
Deep in the forest, the Elven Archer takes aim, his bow taut and ready to release in your next game of The Lord of the Rings. With his legendary grace and precision, this forest guardian is the protector of elven realms against the forces of darkness. The power of this design will make you hit the target, even when blindfolded.
This model, designed for a 28-mm scale, has been carefully crafted to ensure smooth printing without the need for additional supports. Created by BriteMinis, it’s suitable for accessible FDM 3D printers like the Ender 3 and offers variants with square and round bases to suit your preference. User reviews highlight the ease of printing and detailed results, making this elven archer a valuable addition to your tabletop miniature collection.
- Why do we like it? We like this model for its elegance and precision, and of course, the standout archery skills.
- Who designed it? BriteMinis
- How printable/popular is it? With more than 1,000 downloads and 29 makes, its graceful appearance and refined details make it a decidedly popular choice.
- Where to find it? Printables
Deathbringer
In a post-apocalyptic world, the Deathbringer emerges from the ruins, a relentless war machine inspired by Horizon: Zero Dawn. With its imposing presence and devastating armament, this mechanical colossus challenges brave adventurers to survive in a world dominated by machines.
For the best results when 3D printing this model, it’s recommended to use a resin printer, ensuring exceptional print quality. Additionally, a minimum of 50 micrometers is advised to capture all the intricate details of this creation. User reviews highlight the quality and realism of this model, making it a must-have addition to any Horizon Zero Dawn-inspired collection.
- Why do we like it? We value this miniature for its imposing appearance and super realistic details, and it’s one of the most formidable post-apocalyptic models.
- Who designed it? shaa3dens
- How printable/popular is it? This model is an exciting choice for game fans, and has been downloaded over 3,000 times across various repositories.
- Where to find it? Cults, Sketchfab, MyMiniFactory
Treasure Chests
Hidden away beneath the surface, treasure chests hold precious secrets. With their promise of unimaginable wealth, these chests are the coveted objective of ambitious heroes seeking fortune and glory, essential for adding interactivity to your Gloomhaven adventures.
To print the chests with the best possible quality, a layer height of 0.05 mm is recommended, with a 0.25-mm nozzle and an infill density of 10%. However, it’s important to note that some users have reported issues such as layer shifting in certain models, suggesting the need for adjustments in your printer settings. Additionally, users have expressed interest in versions with flat tops, which may be an important consideration when choosing the right model to print.
- Why do we like it? These miniatures are appreciated for their ability to add exploration and reward elements to games. They’re indispensable for enriching treasure-dependent adventures.
- Who designed it? Robagon
- How printable/popular is it? With more than 36,000 downloads and 57 makes, it’s a practical and indispensable addition to any gaming table.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
The Mandalorian
In the far reaches of the galaxy, the Mandalorian rises as a relentless protector. With his distinctive armor and formidable skills, this bounty hunter leads daring missions and epic space battles in a fight for freedom and justice. Based on the hit series, he adds authenticity to games such as Star Wars: X-Wing. The level of detail is so high that some users recommend specific adjustments for better results, such as increasing the model size to 200% and printing slowly, with a layer height of 0.16 mm or less. Painting your Mandalorian will also take the mini to the next level.
Additionally, some users suggest using tree supports in software like Meshmixer, instead of Cura’s supports, to avoid printing quality issues. By following these recommendations and adjustments, users can achieve more satisfactory results when printing this intricate model on an FDM printer, but if you have a resin printer, it will be much simpler.
- Why do we like it? We like this model for its faithfulness to the iconic character, and it’s one of the most authentic from the Star Wars universe that can be found for free.
- Who designed it? Velrock
- How printable/popular is it? A popular choice for games, with 97 makes, 31 remixes, and over 231,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Imperial General
The Imperial General is an imposing and feared figure in the Warhammer 40,000 environment. Engaging in the front lines where thunderous plasma explosions echo for miles, his presence inspires loyalty among his troops and terror among his enemies. Specializing in close combat, he wields a two-handed power hammer, whose devastating discharge can vaporize even the most imposing armor of enemy titans.
This model is intricate, requiring specific adjustments for successful printing. It’s recommended to use Anycubic Gray or Kelant Yellow resin, with layer settings of 0.04 mm and exposure time adjusted according to the type of resin. To avoid scaling and assembly issues, some users suggest combining parts of the model, such as the torso, using 3D modeling software like Blender. Additionally, adjustments like thickness and scale may be necessary to ensure proper fitting of parts such as the exhaust pipes on the carapace. When printing parts like the cape, it may be necessary to divide it into smaller sections to facilitate the process.
- Why do we like it? We value this miniature for its grandeur and intricate detail, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most fearsome military leaders.
- Who designed it? AtlantisPrime
- How printable/popular is it? This popular general has 24 makes and over 28,600 downloads.
- Where to find it? Cults
Mega Bot
In futuristic battlefields, Skrappin’s Mega Bot advances with overwhelming force in games like Warhammer 40,000. With its advanced technology and devastating firepower, this war machine redefines the limits of destruction, challenging opponents. As a powerful and intimidating mech, it adds challenge and complexity to gameplay strategies.
This detailed model requires time and attention to ensure optimal print quality. It’s recommended to use a resin printer or a layer height of 0.075 mm or less for all parts to achieve the intended quality. While the model has been designed to minimize the need for tree supports, it’s highly recommended to use them, adjusting the distance of the supports to be a multiple of 2 of the layer height for optimal removal. Some parts have a resin version available, marked with “_Resin” in the file name, but it’s important to note that these parts don’t have a flat bottom. Additionally, the model offers exceptional customization options and compatibility with other versions of the Mega Bot, allowing users to build their own variants as desired.
- Why do we like it? We like this model for its grandeur and complexity, being recognized as one of the most powerful and dominant futuristic models that can be found for free.
- Who designed it? Tersus
- How printable/popular is it? With over 4,800 downloads and 44,100 views, it’s clear that it’s quite popular.
- Where to find it? Cults
License: The text of "3D Printed Miniatures: 10 Models You’ll Want to Have" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.