Setting aside digital map projection, the two most popular reusable RPG mapping solutions out there are dry-erase boards and wet-erase mats.

The former come in a variety of sizes, from commercial white boards to options designed specifically for RPGs, like the unbelievably awesome Tact-Tiles. The latter most commonly come in the form of gaming-specific flexible mats, offered with a wide range of grid and hex options.

I got my start with reusable gaming maps using one of those giant wet-erase battlemats, and have since switched to Tact-Tiles. I much prefer dry-erase maps to their wet-erase counterparts — here’s a point-by-point comparison of dry-erase vs. wet-erase mapping options.

Dry-erase

  • Options: Dry-erase boards come in tons of sizes, from versatile hand-held boards to wall-mounted monsters. Tact-Tiles offer a modular solution unlike any other mapping tool. (+)
  • Portability: With the exception of small boards, dry-erase maps are less portable than their flexible wet-erase counterparts. ()
  • Cleaning: Easier to clean off, and require fewer tools (just markers and an eraser, vs. markers, water and something to wipe with for wet-erase). (+)
  • Messiness: No water means dry-erase boards are a lot less messy. (+)
  • Stains: Dry-erase boards rarely stain, and when they do the stains are easy to remove. (+)
  • Grids and Hexes: Unless you like blank surfaces or 1″ grids, you’re out of luck — no hexes, no other grid sizes. ()
  • Price: Somewhat more expensive than comparably-sized wet-erase mats. ()

Wet-erase

  • Options: Wet-erase mats come in a wide range of sizes, from mini-mats to mats that will cover your whole table and then some. No modular option, though. ()
  • Portability: Flexible mats are easier to transport than all but the smallest dry-erase boards. (+)
  • Cleaning: More tools required, since you not only need markers and something to erase with, you also need water on hand. ()
  • Messiness: Not so tidy, because of the wet paper towels and soggy sponges involved. ()
  • Stains: Retain certain colors, particularly red and orange, unless you wipe them off shortly after use. (Stains can be eliminated, but that can be a pain in and of itself.) ()
  • Grids and Hexes: Different grid sizes and hex options available, including double-sided mats with both hexes and squares. (+)
  • Price: Generally cheaper than dry-erase, especially in larger sizes. (+)

Conclusions

Dry-erase wins on options, cleaning, messiness and stains; wet-erase wins on portability, grids and hexes and price.

If toting your map board/mat isn’t a problem and you’re willing to throw a bit more money at a good mapping solution, there’s no question that a dry-erase board or a set of Tact-Tiles will be easier to use and stay clean longer.

If you don’t have a permanent gaming space available, if you travel to run games or if price is your main concern, then a wet-erase map may be a better option overall.

Different options may also matter more to you than they might to other GMs. For example, I’m pretty anal about cleanliness, so the messiness of wet-erase mats bothers me more than it might bother most GMs.

Knocking over the water, having sopping paper towels to deal with and getting to see the dungeon I stupidly drew with a red marker a year ago drove me up the wall — your mileage, of course, may vary.