Making More Engaging RPG Encounter Maps

If you're anything like me, it's all too easy to make a basic map for your game without much thought on the narrative and mechanics of the environment. Let's talk about what elements you can think about that will improve your combats.
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Welcome to the info paragraph, this is a place to feed the great algorithm, and if you've made it here you have probably scrolled too far! Icarus Games is dedicated to helping TTRPG players and game masters improve their experience in roleplaying games. For RPG players, there are videos on learning games rules, as well as on character building, roleplaying, and optimization. For Game Masters, there are videos on making maps, improving your worldbuilding for your RPGs, and for creating homebrew TTRPG content.

[@IcarusGames]

Do you use these tips when making maps for your campaigns? Let me know if I missed any tips in the comments! Also, the SIDEQUEST Year 2 Annual is live now on Kickstarter! Get 148 pages of best-selling 5e content in print for the first time: www.kickstarter.com/projects/icarusgames/sidequest-annual-year-2?ref=7xgqcc

[@joshuaradford2566]

I'd like to add weather effects to this as well. It can make a big difference. A rainy day gives off a different feeling than a bright, sunny day. Mechanically speaking, rain can affect perception. Another example would be snowfall. Tracks are easy to follow after even a light snowfall. Blizzards can be an environmental challenge to deal with as well. Or an Avalanche.

[@IcarusGames]

Weather will absolutely impact the map and encounter! I track weather in my campaign but rarely think to factor it into the encounters.

[@fredericjaquet3729]

I like to put totally unuseful though funny details in my maps, some kind of easter eggs. As an example, my DM asked me to create my character's house map. I placed a bath tub in the house and, in the bath tub, a very small duck (like a toy for kids to play with). It could only be seen if zoomed very closely. As my character had multiple personalities, and one of them was the one of a small kid, I thought it was a neat idea to put this as a reminder of this personality.

[@FamBoren]

Great tips! I make my maps in Inkarnate and print them on a color laser printer. In that way I get high quality maps with a lot of features. For effects I print like fire on transparent film to use as an overlay. In that way you can, for instance, make a part of the floor collapse.

[@betterrpg]

Improve terrain by adding Levels, areas of the combat field that are higher, or lower, then the players. Also, lighting, obstacles (both moving and stationary), interactive terrain (such as tables and torches, as you've mentioned). Limiting or expanding entrances and egresses can allow both players and enemies access to tactical advantages. Windows and doors can facilitate escape, or provide an opportunity for reinforcements to join the fray. Many, many options with the creative use of terrain.

[@dylanhyatt5705]

Some great tips here - thanks.

[@IcarusGames]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@kennethfrye5928]

You might have collapses too. How did they miss, and what they hit after the miss? Maybe enough damage to such objects like... ceiling, floor, bridges, walls.... The fight might make a scene causing a large crowed. Might end up hitting the wrong "on looker". Starting a whole beehive of things. Now more is involved...causing concentration, running, charging, and attacking more difficult. Perhaps jumping over fallen bodies and such... Get fun with it. falling on a swarm ants, knocking over a hornets nest, splitting open a spider sack, bat's coming or going Then of course you have the natural. Like Rain (slick mud) lghtning strikes, rising waters, mountain slides. It's just so much fun on constant change. Makes players say "anything could go down"... Great game. The reason being. Nothing is more graphic than the human mind. Enjoy PC'ers Side note Love your ideas too. If something is not addressed, then all my go down in history.... also love the offer