Every Game Master knows that moment when the pace picks up and the players do something completely unexpected. Sure, improvisation is part of the RPG charm, but sometimes it really catches you off guard, and explaining the situation clearly, on the fly, gets tricky. You grab a sheet of paper, try to sketch something out, but space is tight, and what you draw looks more like abstract art than a tactical plan. Moments later, you’re redrawing it all anyway because the party turned in a totally different direction. Roll for artistic ability or visual storytelling? Sadly, that’s not how real life works.
It’s in moments like these that you need a tool that just works with no stress, no scribbled chaos, no rummaging for clean paper. That’s why today we’re talking about something that makes life easier for both GMs and players: dry-erase RPG mats and books.
So what exactly are dry-erase mats and RPG books?
This may shock you, but “dry-erase” means you can erase it dry, no water needed. Who would’ve guessed, right?
Whether you call them wipeable, reusable, or dry-erase, these mats and books work just like a classroom whiteboard where you draw, erase, and draw again. But unlike plain boards, these are made specifically for RPG sessions. Instead of a blank surface, you get grids, square or hexagonal, and in the case of books, often full-color maps with roads, buildings, or obstacles ready to be filled in with story details and turned into epic encounters.
Mats come in many shapes and sizes. At Playmaty, the standard formats are 50×50 cm (20×20 1″ squares or hexes) and 80×80 cm (30×30 grid). That’s plenty of space to build a full encounter, but it’s best to choose your size based on your table and available space. Got a non-standard setup? You can always order a custom-size mat and we’ll make it fit your table and your needs.
The key feature, beyond the obvious dry-erase surface, is that mats are built to last through many sessions. With RPG books, things work a bit differently and they offer a lot more variety. One book gives you a dozen or more different maps, ranging from generic layouts to ones tied to a very specific adventure mood or genre.
These books come in A4 (which unfolds to A3) or A3 (unfolds to A2) format. A signature feature is their sturdy metal spiral binding, making them durable, easy to store, and quick to open flat. Does the spiral get in the way? Some players say yes, others swear by it. What it does give you is flexibility – you can fold the book in half to use just one side when space is tight or you need a quick sketch of a smaller scene. Perfect when you’re gaming in a cozy corner with limited table real estate, or sharing space with snacks and dice towers.
Universal vs. thematic – what should you choose?
Universal mats and books are blank slates with square or hex grids and a neutral texture ready to become anything: a dungeon, a spaceship interior, a city map, or a boss battle arena. They’re ideal for GMs who run different systems and want total control over the setting. Our most popular universal designs are Papyrus and a clean white variant.
Universal RPG books come in two styles: Fantasy (perfect for D&D, Pathfinder, Dragonbane, Warhammer Fantasy) and Future (ideal for sci-fi and post-apocalyptic systems like Cyberpunk, Fallout, or zombie survival games). Both versions include 14 detailed maps you can adapt to countless scenarios.
Thematic versions, on the other hand, offer complete backdrops with distinct vibes like snowy terrain, grassy fields, or even ready-made interiors with buildings, streets, and obstacles. Need a fantasy town square or a steampunk alleyway? Done. The players enter, you drop in the NPCs and encounters, and you’re good to go. No sketching from scratch required.
These books are incredibly handy, especially for one-shots. You don’t have to prep every location in detail, and you can still tweak things live using a marker. Our thematic books include 18 pages, some with prebuilt locations, others blank or minimal to build your own.
Both options have their place at the table. Sometimes you need quick improvisation. Sometimes you want to set the tone instantly. A good GM is always prepared for both.
How to use mats in a TTRPG session? Real table examples
👉 Scenario 1: Combat in a narrow corridor
Instead of describing positioning, you drop a mat, draw the corridor, place the minis or markers, and everyone sees where they stand, where enemies are, and what could collapse. Result? Fewer questions, faster decisions.
👉 Scenario 2: Town exploration
You’ve got a fantasy village map. Add building names, quest points, and NPC locations. Suddenly, the players can plan, strategize, and immerse in the space around them.
👉 Scenario 3: Full-on improvisation
That unexpected dungeon crawl? Grab your universal mat, sketch the first hallway, and start narrating. The rest builds itself.
Also remmember to let your players draw too, add notes, mark spell zones or even doodle traps locations. Table interaction is part of the magic.
What to consider when choosing a mat or RPG book?
From both the GM and player perspectives, the most important things are:
- Design: It should match your system and vibe, without pulling players out of the scene. Some GMs love flexibility, others want speed and clarity. Maybe you’ll want both a universal mat and a thematic book?
- Surface: Can you actually erase it easily? With our mats and books, yes. As long as you’re using a whiteboard marker and not something permanent. Even older marks come off with a bit of water if needed.
- Size: Bigger mats for epic battles, books for quick transport and smaller tables. It depends on whether you mostly host games at home or in different locations.
- Durability – These aren’t for a one-shot. A well-stored mat or book can last for years. Books in particular travel well and handle frequent use.
So is it worth investing in an RPG mat or book?
Dry-erase mats and RPG books don’t scream “must-have”, but once you try them, going back feels rough.
They’re not just “nicer looking paper.” They’re tools that support your storytelling, smooth the pacing, and give your players clearer context. A mat won’t replace imagination but fuels it. And it makes your table feel organized, reactive, and alive. You’ll spend less time explaining, more time playing. And your players? They’ll remember where they stood, what they saw, and how epic that fight felt.
Let’s play together!
