Hex Terrain

HEX TERRAIN FOR TABLETOP GAMES

Hex terrain is a modular terrain format designed for tabletop games that use hex-based movement and positioning. By dividing the battlefield into uniform hexes, hex terrain removes ambiguity around distance, facing, and elevation while still allowing creative, dynamic map layouts.

This page explains how hex terrain works, the differences between common hex sizes, and how to choose the right system for your game.

WHAT IS HEX TERRAIN?

Hex terrain uses hexagonal tiles or base plates to create a grid-based battlefield. Each hex represents a fixed space on the table, making movement, range, and adjacency easy to understand at a glance.

Compared to square grids, hex terrain offers:

  • Equal distance in all directions

  • Cleaner diagonal movement

  • Clear elevation stacking

  • Faster setup and teardown

Hex terrain is especially popular for tactical tabletop games, wargames, and RPGs that emphasize positioning and line of sight.

HEX TERRAIN SIZES EXPLAINED

Not all hex terrain is the same size. The two most common formats are 1” hex terrain and 33mm hex terrain (commonly used in 6mm scale combat). These systems function similarly but are not physically compatible with each other.

1” HEX TERRAIN (25.4mm)

1” hex terrain measures one inch from flat to flat on each hex.

Best for:

  • Lancer RPG

  • Hex-based RPGs

  • Custom scenarios and narrative play

  • Tables where flexibility and compact layouts are preferred

Advantages:

  • Works well with map-scale gameplay

  • Allows dense layouts on smaller tables

  • Ideal for modular elevation and fast reconfiguration

33MM HEX TERRAIN

33mm hex terrain uses larger hexes designed to match the scale of many wargame miniatures.

Best for:

  • BattleTech

  • Miniature-focused tactical games

  • Tables where models occupy individual hexes

Advantages:

  • Proper spacing for miniatures

  • Clear facing and firing arcs

  • Designed to match BattleTech map scale

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HEX TERRAIN SYSTEM

If your game rules specify a hex size, choose the system that matches that standard. Most players will stick with one hex size per game system rather than mixing formats.

General guidance:

  • BattleTech players typically use 33mm hex terrain

  • Lancer players can use either 1” or 33mm, depending on preference

  • RPG players often prefer 1” hex terrain for flexibility and table size efficiency

Both systems support flat maps, stacked elevation, and modular expansion.

MODULAR HEX TERRAIN COMPONENTS

Hex terrain systems are usually built from three core components:

  • Base Plates – flat hex-grid foundations that define the play area

  • Terrain Blocks – stackable elements that create elevation

  • Terrain or Color Tiles – visual markers for terrain types, objectives, and hazards

These components work together to create stable, reusable layouts that can be reconfigured between games.

EXPANDABLE BY DESIGN

Modular hex terrain is designed to grow with your collection. Start with a small setup and add more base plates, elevation blocks, or tiles as needed.

Because layouts are modular, you can:

  • Build different maps for each session

  • Adjust elevation without rebuilding the entire board

  • Store terrain efficiently between games

HEX TERRAIN COLLECTIONS

Browse available hex terrain systems below:

1” Hex Terrain Systems
Designed for compact layouts and RPG-focused play.

33mm Hex Terrain Systems
Designed for miniature-scale wargames such as BattleTech.

Each collection includes starter kits and expansion components so you can build the setup that fits your table.

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER

BattleTech and Lancer are trademarks of their respective owners.
This product is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any game publisher.