Should You Buy or 3D Print Miniatures?

Buying vs 3D Printing Miniatures: The Big Question

Before you build or expand your miniature collection, you must weigh the pros and cons of how you’ll acquire them. A great way to start is by considering your long-term goals. Do you just want a couple of spare minis to replace those in your favorite board game, or do you want a collection that expands and evolves, showcasing your personal aesthetic and painting skills? This simple question is at the heart of the conundrum of buying vs 3D printing miniatures.

For many, the moment they 3D print miniatures for the first time is a true game-changer. It’s that click in your brain that says “there’s no going back,” similar to the first time you streamed a movie instead of renting a DVD. You go from a hobbyist to a creator. Suddenly, your options explode as you gain access to massive digital file libraries, and you wonder, “Why did I ever pay full price for plastic goblins?”

Everybody Wants the Best Cost-Benefit Printing Miniatures

If you’re thinking about expanding your mini collection, 3D printing minis changes the equation. Sure, there’s an upfront cost in printer, resin, and learning how to handle failed prints, but once you get rolling, the per-mini cost drops fast. A 32mm figure bought ready-made often costs several dollars; when you print it yourself (factoring resin, supports, and cleanup), you may pay only cents. Larger terrain pieces cost more up front, but still often less than store-bought equivalent sets. Over time, you more than make up your investment.

One big win is having control: model designs, themes, scale, you pick! No waiting on restocks. Want something weird, custom, or niche? You can 3D print minis to match exactly what your game or story needs. Gothic castle, alien bounty hunter, horror zombie with extra tentacles, it’s all possible. That freedom to build your own models means your tabletop becomes more personal, more original.

Yes, buying off the shelf is easier. You get consistency, you skip setup, and there are protections when dealing with stores. But if you enjoy creating, modifying, or simply want more minis for less, 3D printing is hard to beat. Once you’ve done a few prints, you realize it’s not just cheaper, it’s empowering.

Detail: Because the Devil Lives There

While injection-molded miniatures favor durability for mass production, resin printing is a game-changer for capturing pure finesse. The process of curing liquid resin with UV light allows for astonishing precision, capturing every intricate detail down to the micron level. This means you can get crisp, clean results on every fold in a cloak, every scale on a dragon, and every minute rune on a sword. When you 3D print miniatures, you’re not just getting a figurine; you’re bringing a high-fidelity sculpture to life. This hands-on process of slicing, cleaning, and curing (while requiring a bit of homework) forges a tangible connection between you and your creations that no boxed set ever can.

What You Gain

We’ve covered cost, freedom, and incredible detail, but here’s the ultimate takeaway: The true value proposition of 3D print miniatures is a return on investment that transforms your entire hobby. For under $400, you can begin a journey of creating dozens of unique, high-quality minis. It’s a modest initial investment that pays for itself in just a few months of hobby-level use. If your campaign requires more firepower, a $600 printer with a larger build plate can output entire squads of figures or massive terrain pieces in a single go. While buying a single mini is faster for an immediate need, for anyone who builds campaigns or an entire collection, the decision to 3D print miniatures is the only one that truly wins in the long run.

Join the Loot Revolution

That little voice telling you to take the plunge into 3D printing? Listen to it. You don’t have to own a machine on day one; you can start by trying a local makerspace or an online print service to get a feel for the process. When you’re ready to make the jump, Loot Studios is here to guide you every step of the way. Our totally free 3D Printing Hero course will teach you everything you need to know, from preparing your files in a slicer to getting your minis cleaned and ready for paint. Once you’re a pro, you can choose a subscription plan for themed STL bundles (wink, wink). Whether your passion is fantasy, sci-fi, or a specific combo from our massive library, we have what you need.

Ready to start printing your own miniatures?

Loot Studios can help you tell your story. Choose your favorite bundle from our previous releases or sign up for Fantasy or Sci-Fi to receive a new bundle every month. You can also check out some tips on our YouTube Channel.