Hero Forge is widely regarded as the best tool for quickly creating a personalised, custom miniature for TTRPGs like Dungeons and Dragons, Middle Earth SBG, and Warhammer. Read on for our review of 5 services.
All of these services offer similar features; base models in different races with adjustable outfits and optional effects. This selection is based on apps that offer downloadable models. These are files that can be imported into virtual tabletops or other programs.
Cheepest Alternative: Desktop Hero 3D
https://desktophero3d.com/ $0-50* ★★★☆☆
Desktop hero is interesting because it works on a freemium model. There is a pile of free content to add to your design. If you want to pick a premium item (a particular shirt for example) there’s a small fee. Alternatively, you can purchase an item package and use as many of those components as you like, with an unlimited number of STLs. This makes it the most affordable option if you’re the kind of person who wants to populate a village or play multiple games in the same system.
In terms of the interface, we have an odd combination of too much and not enough. prebuilt options are ok but don’t adapt for items like bows very well. You then have the option of going in and manually changing the “bones” and joints.
When it comes time to make those characters you also have more than a few options. With over 60 costumes to choose from your options aren’t as expansive as other platforms, it’s a good start and will get most people on their way.
Best Detail: Eldrich Foundary
https://eldritch-foundry.com/ $4-50 ★★★★☆
If you’re after the Hero Forge experience with a different style then Eldritch Foundry is for you. The options are similar to what you’d be getting with other services and there’s more detail on many components. The clothing options here are all relatively light, which cuts down on the bulky loos of many items found on other services.
There are also some limitations here in the number of options. Notable bases and poses. Hero Forge recently branched out into a few more dynamic bases, and we’re still waiting for others to catch up. The poses are less of an issue as they can be heavily customised albeit with a good effort.
STL Only: Anvl.co
https://anvl.co/ $7 ★★☆☆☆
Anvl.Co is a new player and has a need for some more development. It has a simple design, and unfortunately, this is reflected in its options. Compared to the other options explored it’s just a bit too fresh and raw to recommend. It is free to try, scope out if you can get the look you’re after, and give it a go. Hopefully, in the future, we’ll see some design improvements.
There is one major saving grace though, and that is unique races. Want a frog person, here you go. Need sentient crystals? Go right ahead. It’s worth experimenting with them just for the interest.
The Middle Earth SBG Niche: The Printing Goes Ever On.
https://www.theprintinggoeseveron.com/customizer-app/ $35* ★★★☆☆
This is a bit of a newcomer with a unique model style and purpose. Where most of these character generators are charged by the file, this one seems to be charged by the “pack”. If you’re working on a party of dwarves, elves, or something ugly there’s a pack for that. Supported through Patreon and now MyMiniFactory tribes, the poses and options are the least flexible of the character creators. That’s partly because its goal isn’t to just create unique NPCs. As the name suggests these are inspired by the Middle Earth SBG and work well to bulk out armies with out of print miniatures, and expansions to the range. The other great use is to quickly create a visually coherent pile of characters quickly. Great for NPCs and groups of monsters. Worth checking out.
The Leader: Hero Forge
https://www.heroforge.com/ $10 ★★★★★
Hero Forge is the “OG” character designer. Since it launched on Kickstarter and became available in 2014 it hasn’t stopped increasing its offerings. Regular updates with new functionality and components mean that it has the largest offering to date. The biggest limitation with Hero Forge is the visual style. Most components will work together but some are very chunky. This appears to be a result of the flexibility and a compromise to ensure any design will be printable, and any awkward joins will be absorbed into other components. As they’re using the WebGL standard rather than a live editor like Blender the components are warped by changes in the body shape, but can’t self adjust and will often overlap.
The Not an Option: Dragom.ca
Dragom.ca ☆☆☆☆☆ $85
Dragom.ca has produced 2 pieces of software: Hero Mini maker and Printer Forge 3D. We can not recommend either of these products. Even if you’re into the style, for this price you can probably get a commissioned mini.
Once you’ve made your next hero of legend you can use our print service to make it a reality. If you’re not sure where to start why not try these test models available from Hero Forge.
Paladin Warrior in Full Plate Example Download
Explorer Ranger with Torch and Tome Example Download
One reply on “4 alternatives to Hero Forge for creating your own custom minis”
[…] mentioned this same designer in our article on alternatives to Heroforge. But where they started was creating packages of minis with a consistant style that could be used […]