Tired of drawing grids on dry-erase mats? A mini projector can display dynamic battle maps directly onto your table. Change terrain mid-combat, reveal fog of war, and run encounters with cinematic scale — all for £60-£150.
Why Use a Projector for D&D Battle Maps?
Projector vs Traditional Battle Maps
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Paper/Vinyl Maps | Tactile, no tech needed | Static, expensive, storage bulk |
| Dry-Erase Mats | Reusable, affordable | Time to draw, smudging, limited detail |
| TV Flat on Table | Bright, clear grids | Heavy, permanent setup, size limits |
| Mini Projector | Scalable size, portable, dynamic maps | Brightness dependent, needs calibration |
What You Need
1. The Right Projector
For tabletop projection, prioritize:
- Brightness: 200+ lumens minimum. Brighter = visible in normal lighting.
- Short throw: Can project large images from close distances (ideal for tables).
- Keystone correction: Lets you square the image when projecting at an angle.
- Battery power: Optional, but useful for portable game nights.
Recommended: XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro (£300-£400)
400 ISO lumens, auto-keystone, Android TV built-in. Bright enough for lit rooms, easy setup. See full gear guide.
Budget Option: Generic 1080p Mini Projector (£60-£100)
150-200 lumens, manual keystone. Works in dim rooms. Turn off overhead lights for best visibility. See comparison.
2. Virtual Tabletop Software
You need software to generate and display battle maps:
- Owlbear Rodeo (free, browser-based, no account needed — best for beginners)
- Roll20 (free tier, huge asset library, full VTT features)
- Dungeon Alchemist (paid, gorgeous procedural maps)
- Dungeon Scrawl (free, fast sketching)
3. Projection Surface
Options:
- White tabletop: Simplest. Works great if your table is light-colored.
- White poster board: £5 from craft stores. Tape down for a flat surface.
- White bedsheet: Stretch over table, clamp edges. Cheap and portable.
- Projector screen fabric: High-contrast, but overkill for most games.
Setup Steps
Step 1: Position the Projector
Two approaches:
- Overhead mount: Attach projector to ceiling or a boom arm above the table. Projector faces down. Requires mounting hardware but gives cleanest setup.
- Angled from table edge: Place projector on a stack of books at table edge, angle down. Use keystone correction to square the image. Easier for renters.
Step 2: Connect and Display
- Connect projector to your laptop (HDMI) or use built-in Android/apps.
- Open your VTT software in fullscreen mode.
- Load a test grid (most VTTs have a "blank grid" option).
Step 3: Calibrate the Grid
This is critical for accurate movement:
- Display a 5x5 grid in your VTT.
- Use keystone correction to make squares perfectly square (not trapezoids).
- Measure a grid square with a ruler. Standard D&D uses 1 inch = 5 feet.
- Adjust projector distance or zoom until grid squares = 1 inch (to match physical minis).
Pro Tip: Save Your Settings
Once calibrated, mark the projector's position with tape. If you move it, you'll need to recalibrate.
Step 4: Run Your Encounter
- Load your battle map in the VTT.
- Use physical minis on the projected map, or use virtual tokens.
- Reveal fog of war as players explore.
- Change maps mid-session (switch from tavern brawl to street chase).
Tips for Better Battle Map Projection
Lighting
- Dim overhead lights for brighter projection.
- Use side lamps for ambient light (so players can see character sheets).
- If using a budget projector (<200 lumens), play in a darkened room.
Physical Minis
- Use minis with clear bases (not opaque) so the map shows through.
- Magnetic bases + metal sheet under the projection surface keeps minis from sliding.
- Alternatively, use tokens in the VTT software and skip physical minis entirely.
Dynamic Effects
- Use animated map files (WebM or MP4) for water, fire, or magical effects.
- Dynamic Dungeons offers animated battle maps for $5/month.
- Layer spell effects (Fireball, Wall of Fire) on the map using VTT drawing tools.
Common Issues & Fixes
Image is dim/hard to see
Fix: Dim room lights, or upgrade to a brighter projector (300+ lumens). XGIMI MoGo 2 or Anker Nebula Capsule work in lit rooms.
Grid squares are distorted (trapezoid shape)
Fix: Use keystone correction in projector settings. If your projector lacks this, you need to mount it directly overhead (perpendicular to table).
Players' hands cast shadows
Fix: Position projector higher or angle it so players sit opposite the projector beam. Or use virtual tokens instead of physical minis.
Minis slide around on smooth surface
Fix: Use a textured cloth (like a bedsheet) or magnetic bases with a metal sheet underneath.
Budget vs Premium Setup
| Component | Budget (£100 total) | Premium (£400 total) |
|---|---|---|
| Projector | Generic 1080p (£60-£80, 150 lumens) | XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro (£350, 400 lumens) |
| VTT Software | Owlbear Rodeo (free) | Roll20 Plus (£4/mo) or Dungeon Alchemist (£25 one-time) |
| Surface | White poster board (£5) | Projector screen fabric (£30-£50) |
| Mounting | Stack of books | Adjustable boom arm (£20-£40) |
Alternatives to Projectors
If projection doesn't fit your setup:
- TV flat on table: Old 32" TV (£50 used) + plexiglass over screen. Heavier, but brighter.
- Monitor at table edge: 24" monitor angled toward players. Not as immersive but functional.
- Tablet/iPad: For small groups (2-3 players). Pass the tablet around or use AirPlay to a TV.
Should You Project D&D Battle Maps?
Use a projector if:
- You run complex combat with lots of terrain features.
- You want to switch maps mid-session (chase scenes, multi-room dungeons).
- You already own a mini projector or plan to use it for other purposes (movie nights, window ambience).
- You host games at different locations and need a portable setup.
Stick with dry-erase mats if:
- Your combats are simple (open fields, basic rooms).
- You prefer analog tools and tactile drawing.
- Your play space has harsh overhead lighting (projectors struggle).
- You don't want to manage VTT software during sessions.
Free Resources
- 2-Minute Tabletop — Free battle maps and tokens
- r/battlemaps — Free community maps
- D&D 5e Quick Reference — Combat rules cheat sheet
Final Thoughts
A mini projector turns your D&D table into a dynamic battlefield. For £60-£100, you get infinite maps, fog of war, and cinematic combat — without the bulk of a TV or the tedium of drawing grids by hand.
Start with a budget projector and free VTT software (Owlbear Rodeo). If you love it, upgrade to a brighter model later. Your players will remember the moment the tavern brawl transitions to a burning street — all without you lifting a marker.