Top Prototyping Supplies for Game Designers (On Any Budget)

If you’re designing your own board game, prototyping is where the magic begins. Whether you’re building a quick-and-dirty version to test mechanics or preparing a polished version for blind playtesting, the right tools will save you time and help your game shine.

Here are the top prototyping supplies for board game designers, broken down by category and budget level. Everything listed is easy to find so you can get started right away.

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1. Blank Cards – The Backbone of Game Prototypes

Why You Need Them: Whether you’re designing a card game, deck builder, or just need custom event or item cards, blank cards allow you to quickly write or print new ideas and revise them as needed.

Solid Recommendations:

• Blank Playing Cards (100+ Pack): Easy to shuffle and write on with permanent marker.
• Dry Erase Index Cards: Great for reusable testing without wasting paper.
• Printer paper: Perfect for making cards on your computer.

Pro Tip: Use card sleeves with a backing card and printed insert to create inexpensive, easily swappable cards. Or take the extra time and learn how to make easily updatable cards using Nandeck (tutorial).

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2. Items For Boards and Player Mats

Why You Need Them: These items mimic the feel of game boards and player mats.

Great Picks to Have on Hand:

• DIY Board Game Kit: All inclusive with blank game board and prototyping pieces.
• 22pt Chipboard Sheets: Lightweight but sturdy for prototyping.
• Foam Core Board: Offers more durability for larger boards or layered components.
• Self-Adhesive Laminate Sheets: Protects printed boards and tiles for repeated use.

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3. Printable Tokens and Game Pieces

Why You Need Them: Tokens can represent almost anything in a game—resources, characters, currency, and more. Having a flexible set on hand speeds up testing.

Useful Options:

• Colored Game Tokens and Chips: Ideal for tracking various in-game items.
• Blank Player Stands: Colored player markers to track character movement.
• Wooden Cubes and Meeples: Great for resource management or action selection games.
• Blank Sticker Labels: Use on tokens or pawns to add custom icons.

DIY Option: Punch out circles from thick paper laying around using a 1-inch hole punch and glue them onto cardboard or the foam board listed previously.

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4. Dry Erase Supplies – For Reusable Prototypes

Why You Need Them: Perfect for games that evolve rapidly during playtesting. You can tweak numbers, abilities, or effects mid-game without reprinting or rewriting.

Top Picks:

• Dry Erase Pockets or Sleeves: Perfect for making a roll and write game.
• Dry Erase Markers: Essential for writing on the D.E. pockets.
• Dry Erase Index Cards: Reusable and convenient for game design notes and more.
• Blank Board Game Board – Draw your own board for your game.
• Role Playing Mats with Grids – For those wanting a blank RPG style board

(Additional Read: 20+ Board Game Types to help brainstorm your next game idea.)

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5. Game Components for Fast Prototyping

Why You Need Them: Having extra dice, pawns, stands, and other parts on hand lets you mock up game elements without delay.

Useful Items to Stock Up On:

• Assorted Dice Sets: Includes D6s and specialty dice for variable mechanics.
• Plastic Pawns and Stands: Use with custom cutouts or tokens.
• Miniatures Storage Box: Good if using expensive game pieces from other games you own.

(Additional Read: Board Game Storage Solutions)

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6. Paper Tools and Cutting Gear

Why You Need Them: Clean edges and accurate sizing go a long way in creating a professional-looking prototype.

Amazon Tools to Consider:

• Rotary Paper Trimmer or Guillotine Cutter: Speeds up card cutting.
• Corner Rounder Punch: Gives your cards a polished finish.
• Thermal Laminator: For sturdy boards, tokens, and reusable sheets. Typically used only once prototype is more polished and needing few to no changes.

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7. Prototyping Kits and Starter Bundles

Why You Need Them: These kits give you a variety of common components in one box, making them a cost-effective choice for newer designers.

Top Amazon Picks:

• Board Game Pieces Starter Kit: Includes meeples, cubes, dice, pawns, and boards.
• Design & Print Your Own Game Kit: Great for kids, classrooms, or first-time designers.

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Final Thoughts

Great game design begins with iteration. You don’t need a big budget—just the right tools. Whether you’re scribbling ideas on index cards or building your next Kickstarter-ready prototype, these supplies will help you test, revise, and improve faster.

Want to go deeper? Check out these related articles:

• How to Make a Board Game Prototype
• 11 Popular Board Game Pieces for Prototyping
• Great Board Game Accessories to Have in Your Gaming Lair

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