5 Tips for Playing RPGs on a Budget
Playing tabletop role playing games (RPGs) can be a great way to spend time with friends, but the cost of dice, miniatures, books, and other materials can be daunting. Lucky for you, there are a few helpful ways to get your RPG going on a budget! Here are 5 tips for stretching your precious dollars, and beginning your next quest.
1. Buy Pre-painted Miniatures
Minis are a standard symbol of tabletop RPGs, and can do a lot for your game’s immersion. To start, save yourself some money and go with pre-painted miniatures instead of blank painter’s minis. Even if you want to paint a few yourself, picking up the bulk of your minis from pre-painted sets can still save you big bucks.
2. Shop Second-hand
Sometimes, the best deals come when you’re able to find the materials used. Sites like eBay have countless listings of RPG books waiting to be snapped up, typically at a fraction of the price of their new counterparts. When shopping second-hand, it’s best to search for authenticated sellers, to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
3. Split Supplies with the Group
Having to buy multiple sets of dice, paper, minis, and books can be expensive. See if you and your players can come to an agreement that works for everyone. You can split the cost of books, divide the dice out amongst multiple players, and collaborate with others to reduce the amount of materials you would need to buy individually.
4. Get Creative with Token Alternatives
If you’re in need of minis, but don’t want to pay for pre-painted alternatives, you can still get creative and make token replacements. Use beads, markers, coins, and other small items to designate your characters and monsters. When it comes to the items needed to save your players from a sticky situation, you can even use paper cutouts, or even homemade drawings.
5. Do Your Research
Perhaps the biggest tip for RPG players on a budget is to do their research. Use the internet to your advantage and scour the web for deals on sets, books, and equipment. Search for promotional mailings, discounts, and store sales that can help you save big. Use forums to find out where fellow RPGs get their supplies, and what the best prices for those particular items are.
Playing RPGs on a budget is a great way to use your spare dollars to get the most bang for your buck! With a little ingenuity and a willingness to search, you’ll be able to have the RPG session of your dreams, without breaking the bank.
