When it comes to the world of tabletop gaming and miniature collecting, the thrill of holding a character you’ve created is unmatched. This is where Hero Forge steps in, revolutionizing the way we interact with our tabletop heroes. As a passionate gamer and miniatures enthusiast, I recently delved into the world of Hero Forge’s custom 3D printed miniatures, and what I discovered was nothing short of extraordinary.
In this article, I share my experience receiving five Hero Forge 3D printed miniatures. Here, find out what I think about these user-customized miniatures, the quality of the 3D prints, and whether they are worth the cost and effort (as compared with pre-made minis). Whether you’re a tabletop wargamer, an player in a local RPG like Dungeons & Dragons, you may find yourself looking for a way to bring your characters to life on the gaming table.
What is Hero Forge?
Hero Forge stands at the forefront of custom miniature design and printing. Their state-of-the-art 3D modeling software allows for deep customization, transforming your imagination into tangible art. It’s a service that appeals not just to gamers but to anyone who cherishes personalized, detailed miniatures.
Essentially, from their website: Hero Forge is the an online (internet-based) site for “…customizing and 3D printing tabletop miniatures and statuettes”, according to the website. Hero Forge emerged as a crowd-funded venture using Kickstarter, and provides users with a platform to create detailed 3D characters in a web browser.
My journey with Hero Forge began with the order of five miniatures, each representing a unique genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Western, East-Asian, and Modern. The customization process on their website felt akin to character builders in games like Skyrim: intuitive, rich in options, and incredibly fun. The ability to save and share 3D renders added to the excitement, laying the groundwork for future projects.
Personal Experience with Ordering and Customizing
As someone who has always been fascinated by the power of storytelling and the role of characters in narrative universes, my encounter with Hero Forge felt like stepping into a dream. My mission was to create a diverse set of miniatures, each embodying a different genre. The process was akin to being a kid in a candy store – the choices seemed endless, and every tweak felt like a step closer to bringing my imagined characters to life.
Navigating Hero Forge’s website was a breeze. The interface was user-friendly, reminding me of high-profile RPG character-builders. The customization options were vast, from facial expressions to the attire, each choice allowing me to inject a piece of my personality into the miniature. The experience was not just about creating a figure; it was about crafting a story, one detail at a time.
The most captivating part? Seeing the 3D renders of my creations. There’s something magical about watching your imagination take form, even if it’s just on a screen. And with the option to save these renders, I knew I was creating a library of characters that could one day populate my tabletop battles or become central figures in my narratives.
After your customize your miniature on their website you have the choice to have them 3D print your custom render, or download the STL file to 3D print it yourself (see an article about 3D printing a Starcraft Hydralisk). From their end, 3D printing is handled and shipped by Shapeways Inc.
READ MORE: 3D PRINTING MINIATURE BASES: AN OVERVIEW
Unboxing and Packaging (Premium Plastic Option)
The anticipation while waiting for the miniatures to arrive was palpable. When the package finally landed in my hands, it felt like Christmas morning. The packaging was meticulous – each miniature was securely wrapped in bubble wrap, ensuring their safe journey. This level of care in packaging spoke volumes about Hero Forge’s commitment to their product and respect for their customer’s creations.
Upon unwrapping each piece, I was greeted by the sight of my characters transformed from digital renders into tangible figures. It was a surreal moment – the kind that makes you pause and appreciate the marvels of modern technology.
Quality Impression of the 3D Printed Miniatures (
Holding the miniatures, I couldn’t help but marvel at their resemblance to the 3D renders on Hero Forge’s site. The precision in the details was impressive. Even the smallest elements, like the texture of clothing and the expressions on the characters’ faces, were captured with remarkable accuracy.
The packaging of the miniatures was great. Each mini was encased in bubble wrap and labeled. Every delicate part was intact (i.e., the premium plastic material is pretty durable).
Overall, my first impression from the box was excellent.
However, I noticed small bumps along the bottom of a sword, remnants of the support scaffolding used in the 3D printing process. It was a minor issue, easily fixable, and did not detract from the overall quality of the miniature. The build lines were present but subtle, and I anticipated that a bit of primer would make them ready for a detailed paint job.
Detailed Observations and Quality Assessment
Each miniature, from the sniper in a poised position to the mage with her intricate garb, was a testament to the quality of Hero Forge’s work. The sniper, in particular, with its dynamic pose and crisp detailing, stood out. It was evident that Hero Forge’s 3D printing technology has come a long way, making it a viable option for those seeking unique and personalized models for RPG games or other bespoke miniature needs.
The miniatures, especially the mage, boasted well-defined facial features and fine details like buckles on straps. Despite their small size (28mm scale), the level of intricacy was astounding. It was clear that these miniatures would paint up well, rivaling other high-quality detailed miniatures of similar scale.
Comparison with Expectations and Market Competitors
When I first placed my order with Hero Forge, my expectations were high, yet tinged with a hint of skepticism. Could a service truly deliver high-quality, fully customized miniatures that matched my vision? As I examined each miniature, it became clear that Hero Forge had not only met but exceeded my expectations. The color vibrancy, the attention to detail, and the overall quality of the miniatures were impressive.
In the realm of custom 3D printed miniatures, Hero Forge occupies a unique niche. The level of customization they offer is unparalleled, allowing for an almost infinite variety of characters to be created. When compared to competitors, Hero Forge stands out for its user-friendly design interface, the range of options available, and the quality of the final product. While other services provide pre-designed miniatures or limited customization, Hero Forge gives you the reins to design your character down to the finest detail.
Of course, you can search online for pre-made miniatures for your next RPG campaign or custom tabletop mini. But what if you want something truly unique and personalized? Well, your options are generally one of three:
- Compromise your vision with a store-purchased miniature. Of course, you can convert, kit-bash or make modifications. But, there are limits to what you can with a commercial sculpt or miniature kit.
- Hire a commissioned sculptor to 3D model and create a miniature based on your description and need. This has always been an option, and you can find many artists like this on Etsy or Fiverr. However, this is an expensive, often risky way to go, unless you’re already artistically inclined and know exactly what your final miniature should look like.
- Go to Hero Forge and create your personalized 3D printed miniature. You can download a 3D printable version, or have Hero Forge 3D print and ship the miniature directly to your doorstep.
Pricing, Purchasing Experience, and Value
Hero Forge’s pricing structure is tiered based on the material and level of customization. While the cost is higher than some other options on the market, the value lies in the uniqueness and personalization of each figure. The purchasing process was straightforward, and the anticipation of receiving the physical embodiment of my designs added to the overall experience.
The value of Hero Forge extends beyond the physical product. It lies in the joy of creation, the anticipation of the unboxing, and the satisfaction of seeing your vision realized in a tangible form.
Pros and Cons
| Pros of Hero Forge | Cons of Hero Forge |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: User-friendly interface accessible to novices and experienced designers. | Cost: Premium materials and full-color printing can be expensive. |
| Depth of Customization: Extensive customization options allowing for detailed personalization. | No Physical Stores: Cannot see or feel the product before purchase, reliance on photos and digital renders. |
| Quality of Final Product: High-quality miniatures with impressive attention to detail. | Waiting Time: Anticipation for delivery due to production and shipping processes. |
Reflecting on my experience with Hero Forge, it’s clear that the pros significantly outweigh the cons. The ease of use, the depth of customization, and the quality of the final product stand out as major advantages. The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to both novices and seasoned designers alike.
However, quality comes at a price. Hero Forge miniatures, especially those printed in premium materials or full color, can be a significant investment. Additionally, the lack of physical stores means that you can’t see or feel the product before making a purchase, relying solely on photos and digital renders. Finally, the anticipation of delivery, while exciting, is also a waiting game due to the production and shipping process.
Can I paint these 3D printed miniatures to a high quality level?
My guess is that these will paint up just as well as any other high-quality, detailed miniatures of this scale. I am excited to apply my skills to these minis. 3D printing has come a long way.
Just a short time ago, 3D printed objects were blocky objects and the scale things had to be made barred the technology from being applied to our miniature hobby.
Certainly, if you’re looking for a Heroforge alternative because you don’t have a 3D printer or are unsure about the quality of the models, there are conventional miniatures you can find online, such as Reaper miniatures.
However, at the end of the day, I think miniature 3D printing is here to stay. Heroforge is still at the forefront of the custom 3D printing industry for those looking for unique models for their RPG games or other bespoke miniature needs.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, my journey with Hero Forge was more than just about creating and receiving custom miniatures. It was an exploration of creativity, a testament to the advancements in 3D printing technology, and a delightful immersion into a community of like-minded enthusiasts.
Hero Forge stands as a beacon for anyone looking to bring their imagined characters to life, offering a service that is both innovative and deeply personal. Whether you are a gamer, collector, or storyteller, Hero Forge offers a unique way to express your creativity and passion.
If you’re looking to create a one-of-a-kind miniature, to see your characters leap off the page and onto the table, Hero Forge is an adventure worth embarking on.
What do you think? Let us know! Leave a comment below.
Tangible Day on YouTube (Miniatures and More!)
They look great! Are they expensive compared to regular off the shelf figures?
A off-the shelf miniatures is close to $8-20 per miniatures. These custom miniatures that you can design yourself is close to $30. So for $10 more you get to have something unique and personal. I think there are cheaper options for materials (that make the mini cheaper), but they are less detailed prints. Sort of pricey, but it depends on what you’re looking for!
This looks like the “black high-definition acrylate” that Shapeways used to offer. It’s a great material for miniatures in general, but those support artifacts can quickly become a problem for particularly intricate models, I’ve found. A hot knife really comes in handy here. Fine rotary tools might also work.
Hmm, that’s a good tip. I’m prepping these models for painting and clean-up is going to be a part of that process. I have a Dremel with a sander I might try. The nubs aren’t very big, but I need to clean them to get a good blending surface.
The site says they are already primed but it looks like a spray would be a good idea. My pair are arriving tomorrow.
Yeah, another thin layer of primer will help your painting. It’ll fill in the small layer lines you might see and keep your surface easy to paint blend (if you plan to do that) 😀