4 Ways to Make Custom 3D Printed Game Pieces (That Actually Look Like a Set)
Ever lost a pawn or wished you had a chess set that was elves vs. goblins? Or maybe your Monopoly board is missing its top hat? If you’re into 3D printing and board games, you’ve probably thought about making your own custom game pieces. The good news? It’s easier than you think.
In this article, I’ll walk you through four different ways to create your own custom board game pieces:
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Designing from scratch
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Converting downloaded models
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Scanning and remixing real-world objects
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Using AI to generate models
And of course, we’ll be printing each one.
Why Cohesion Matters in Custom Game Pieces
Before you dive into designing, there’s one golden rule: keep the pieces cohesive. A pile of random 3D prints doesn’t feel like a set. Whether you’re adding one piece to an existing Monopoly board, designing a full chess set, or creating a completely original game, think about:
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Consistent bases (same size and style)
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Cohesive heights so no piece looks awkwardly tall or short
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Readable shapes so it’s easy to tell what’s what at a glance
If you want to get professional about it, you can even make a style guide for your set with minimum and maximum sizes for length, width, and height. (I’ll have one for Monopoly pieces available on MakerBuildIt.com soon!)
Measuring Existing Game Pieces
The first step to making custom game pieces is knowing the standard sizes. Grab a pair of digital calipers and measure your originals.
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Checkers → About 29–30mm wide and 8mm tall
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Chess pawns → Around 18mm wide at the base and 35–36mm tall
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Monopoly pieces → Highly variable, but generally between 6mm and 38mm in width/depth and 8mm to 20mm tall
By taking these measurements, you’ll know the range you need to stay within so your new pieces don’t feel out of place (or worse—don’t fit on the board).
Download the Game Piece Size Guide
Method 1: Designing From Scratch
For this project, I jumped into Nomad Sculpt. Blender or even Tinkercad would also work, depending on how complex your design is.
I started with a checker piece. By creating a simple cylinder (30mm radius, 8mm height), I had the perfect base. Then I added a little sword model I had already designed, embossed it onto the checker, and mirrored the imprint on the opposite side for when pieces get “kinged.”
The result: a set of checkers with custom sword details. They didn’t snap together perfectly (next time I’d make the negative imprint slightly larger), but overall they looked awesome on the board.
Method 2: Converting Downloaded Models
There are tons of free models online—Thingiverse, Cults3D, MyMiniFactory, etc. The trick is converting them into usable game pieces.
You’ll often need to:
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Add a base to make the model stable
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Scale the piece to match the game
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Thicken fragile parts so they survive gameplay
For example, I printed Bilbo and Gandalf (from the 1977 Hobbit cartoon) found on Thingiverse. Bilbo came out the perfect size for Monopoly, and Gandalf looked right at home in a chess set.
⚠️ Pro tip: Always check the license. Many files are Creative Commons, but some don’t allow commercial use.
Method 3: Scanning Real Objects
Want something unique? Scan it.
I used a Creality Ferret Pro 3D scanner to digitize a small elephant figurine. After patching up a few holes in the model, I printed it, and it fit beautifully into a Monopoly set.
You could do this with practically anything—kitchen utensils, trinkets, even toys—making your game deeply personal. Some newer phones even have built-in 3D scanning apps, so you might not need special hardware.
Method 4: Using AI to Generate Models
This is where things get futuristic.
I asked ChatGPT to generate a goblin illustration, then converted it into a black-and-white height map. From there, I uploaded it into Maker Lab, which generated a 3D file I could slice and print.
The first version was a little fragile at Monopoly scale (tiny legs don’t survive long), but scaled up to chess size it worked beautifully. Resin prints gave incredible detail, while FDM prints were sturdier but less crisp.
The real power here is consistency: once you generate a style you like, you can keep reusing it for multiple pieces so your set looks unified.
Final Tips for Making Your Own Pieces
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Keep things consistent → Same base, same height range, same style
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Think about safety → Round sharp edges for younger players, avoid tiny parts
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Test durability → Thicken fragile details so they hold up to actual play
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Go the extra mile → Make a custom storage tray or holder for your set
Ready to Print Your Own?
Those are the four best ways to make custom 3D printed game pieces: design, download, scan, or AI. Whether you’re replacing a lost pawn or creating an entirely new fantasy chess set, the possibilities are endless.
🛠 Gear & Software Used in This Video and Affiliate Links
3D Printers:
• Elegoo Mars (Resin Printing) → https://amzn.to/4o4qZZV
• Bambu Lab X1 Carbon → https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon
3D Modeling Software:
• Nomad Sculpt → https://nomadsculpt.com/
• Blender → https://www.blender.org/
• Tinkercad → https://www.tinkercad.com/
Devices: 3D Scanner:
• Creality Ferret Pro 3D Scanner→ https://amzn.to/4gVohDH
• Apple iPad→ https://amzn.to/429eaVA
Measuring Tools:
• Fowler Digital Calipers → https://fowlerprecision.com/collections/calipers-electronic/products/fowler-6-150mm-xtra-value-cal-electronic-caliper-with-regular-display?variant=45861318820093
Resin / Filament Used:
• AmeraLabs TGM-7 Tabletop Gaming Resin → https://amzn.to/46QP6Fi
• PLA Filament → https://amzn.to/46t8yXn