Basing D&D Miniatures: Base Sizes, Textures, and Materials Explained

Quick Answer

Most D&D miniatures use 25mm round bases for Medium creatures, 50mm for Large, and 75mm or larger for Huge. Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures come primed and ready to paint, so you can add texture directly to the integral base or glue them to a separate scenic base. Match base size to your game's grid and choose materials based on durability and the look you want.

Base size affects how a miniature sits on the battle map, how stable it feels during play, and how much room you have for texture and decoration. Getting it right matters whether you are building a warband for a campaign or painting a single display piece.

This FAQ answers the most common questions about D&D miniature base sizes, basing Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures, texture materials, and how Heroclix bases compare to standard D&D bases. Use the answers as a quick reference before your next basing project.

What base sizes do D&D miniatures use?

D&D 5e uses a grid where each square represents 5 feet. A Medium creature occupies one square, so its base is typically 25mm round. Large creatures take a 2x2 space and usually use a 50mm base. Huge creatures use a 3x3 space and typically need a 75mm base, while Gargantuan creatures may use 100mm or larger.

These are conventions, not strict rules. Some miniatures have integral bases that are slightly smaller or larger than the nominal size. Always check the footprint against your grid before gluing a miniature to a new base. If the base overhangs the square, it can crowd adjacent figures during play.

• Medium = 25mm, Large = 50mm, Huge = 75mm, Gargantuan = 100mm+
• Measure the integral base first; it may not match the nominal size
• A base that overhangs the grid square can disrupt adjacent figures

How do I base Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures?

Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures come with highly-detailed figures, primed and ready to paint out-of-the-box. Many of these miniatures have integral bases that are already the correct size for their creature type, so you can texture them directly without cutting anything off. If you want a different look, you can glue the integral base onto a larger scenic base.

Start by cleaning any mold lines, then apply texture material to the integral base or the new base. Because the figures are pre-primed, you do not need to prime again before painting the base texture, though a thin layer of primer on the texture itself can help paint adhere. Deep cuts for easier painting mean you can focus on the base without worrying about the figure's details.

• Check whether the integral base already matches your grid size
• Texture the integral base directly or glue it to a larger scenic base
• No need to re-prime the figure; prime the texture if needed

What materials work best for miniature base texture?

The best material depends on whether you want a natural look, a dungeon floor, or something durable for travel. Sand and small gravel give a natural outdoor texture. Cork sheet torn into pieces makes convincing rock. Texture paste or gel medium creates mud, snow, or water effects. For dungeon floors, plasticard or pre-textured resin bases save time.

For durability, avoid loose materials that can flake off. Seal sand and gravel with thinned PVA glue or a matte varnish after painting. Cork and texture paste adhere well to plastic bases. If you plan to transport your miniatures, choose materials that are lightweight and well-sealed.

• Sand and gravel: natural ground, seal after painting
• Cork: rock and rubble, lightweight and easy to shape
• Texture paste: mud, snow, water; dries hard and paintable

How do Heroclix bases differ from D&D bases?

Heroclix figures use a clicky base that contains a dial for tracking stats during play. These bases are typically larger and thicker than standard D&D bases, and they are not designed to be removed or replaced. D&D miniatures, including Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures, use standard round or square bases that you can texture or swap.

If you want to use a Heroclix figure in a D&D game, you can leave it on its clicky base and ignore the dial, but the base size may not match the creature's grid footprint. Some players rebase Heroclix figures onto standard D&D bases for a cleaner look, but this requires cutting the figure off the clicky base. Check the base size before mixing Heroclix into your D&D encounters.

• Heroclix bases contain a dial and are not meant to be removed
• D&D bases are standard and easy to texture or replace
• Rebasing Heroclix is possible but requires cutting and pinning

Do I need to rebase miniatures that come with integral bases?

Not always. Many Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures and Pathfinder Battles Deep Cuts come with integral bases that are already the correct size for their creature type. If the integral base fits your grid and you like the look, you can texture it directly. Rebasing is only necessary if the base is the wrong size, if it is too thin, or if you want a more scenic presentation.

If you do rebase, cut the integral base off carefully with flush cutters or a hobby saw, then pin the figure to the new base using a paperclip or brass rod. This adds stability and prevents the figure from snapping off during play. For plastic miniatures, superglue works well; for resin, use epoxy.

• Rebase only if the integral base is the wrong size or too thin
• Pin large or heavy figures for extra stability
• Use superglue for plastic, epoxy for resin

How do I make bases look consistent across an army?

Consistency comes from using the same materials and color palette for every base. Pick a theme, such as rocky dungeon floor or forest ground, and apply the same texture mix and paint colors to each base. Batch your basing work: texture all bases, then paint all bases, then add tufts or other details.

Keep a reference base or a photo of your finished scheme. If you add new miniatures later, match the existing bases by using the same products and techniques. This is especially useful for warbands or armies where visual cohesion matters on the tabletop.

• Choose one theme and stick to it
• Batch texture, paint, and detail steps
• Keep a reference base for future additions

Basing Quick Reference

Medium creature base size

Use a 25mm round base for one grid square. Check that the integral base does not overhang the square.

Large creature base size

Use a 50mm round base for a 2x2 footprint. Large bases need pinning if the figure is heavy.

Basing Nolzur's miniatures

Texture the integral base directly or glue it to a scenic base. No re-priming needed; the figure is already primed.

Durable texture materials

Seal sand and gravel with thinned PVA or matte varnish. Sealing prevents flaking during transport.

Heroclix vs D&D bases

Heroclix bases contain a dial and are not removable without cutting. Leave Heroclix on its base or rebase carefully.

Product Facts That Affect Basing

• D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures - Carrion Crawler: Comes with highly-detailed figures, primed and ready to paint out-of-the-box. Fully compatible with Acrylicos Vallejo paints, includes deep cuts for easier painting. You can skip priming and paint the base texture directly, and the deep cuts make it easier to reach details around the base.
• D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures: Multiclass Fighter + Wizard Male: Features characters, monsters, and scenery from the Dungeons & Dragons universe, primed and ready to paint out of the box. The integral base is ready for texture without extra prep, so you can focus on matching the base size to your grid.
• Pathfinder Battles Deep Cuts - Bone Devil: Little to no assembly required, primed and ready to paint. Less assembly means the integral base is likely stable and ready for basing right away, saving time on your project.

Base size and texture are small details that make a big difference on the tabletop. Match your base to the creature's grid footprint, choose materials that suit your play style, and keep your basing consistent across your collection. With Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures, you can start texturing right out of the box.