Custom DnD Miniature Options: Every Way to Get Your Character Printed
Your bard is a dragonborn with a lute and a rapier. Your barbarian wields two hand axes and has a pet owl on her shoulder. Your warlock looks nothing like any pre-made miniature you've ever seen. When standard minis don't cut it, you need custom options.
This guide covers every way to get custom D&D miniatures - from design-your-own tools to commission services to full custom sculpting. We'll compare costs, quality, and turnaround times so you can choose the best path for your character.
Custom Miniature Options at a Glance
| Option | Customization | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Forge | High (predefined options) | $8-45+ | Most custom characters |
| Eldritch Foundry | Medium-High | $5-25 | Budget-conscious players |
| TitanCraft | Medium-High | $5 or $10/month | DMs needing many characters |
| Design Tool + Print Service | High | $13-20 | Best value for custom |
| Existing STLs | Low (pre-made) | $0-5 + printing | Common character types |
| Custom Sculpting | Unlimited | $50-500+ | Truly unique designs |
Option 1: Online Character Creators
The most popular approach for custom D&D minis. Design your character using a web-based tool, then either buy directly or export the STL for third-party printing.
Hero Forge
The industry standard for custom miniatures. Unmatched customization options including poses, facial features, equipment, mounts, familiars, and more.
- + Best customization options
- + Huge pose library
- + Color printing available
- + Mounts and familiars
- - Most expensive STLs
- - Direct prints pricey
- - Personal use license only
Eldritch Foundry
A strong alternative to Hero Forge with lower prices. Fantasy-focused with good customization options, though not quite as extensive.
Best for: Budget-conscious players who can work within slightly fewer options. The $3 savings per STL adds up.
TitanCraft
Offers subscription pricing with unlimited STL exports. Great value for DMs who need lots of characters.
Best for: DMs building NPC collections or anyone needing 3+ characters per month.
Option 2: Design Tool + Third-Party Printing
The best value approach: use a character creator for design, then get the STL printed by a third-party service at lower cost than direct printing.
Why This Approach Wins
| Approach | Per Mini | Party of 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Hero Forge Direct (Premium) | $29.99 | $149.95 |
| Hero Forge STL + Print Service | $8 + $8 = $16 | $80 |
| Eldritch Foundry Direct | $24.99 | $124.95 |
| Eldritch STL + Print Service | $5 + $8 = $13 | $65 |
Print service costs estimated at $8/mini average. Savings: 40-50% vs direct printing.
How It Works
Option 3: Find Existing STL Files
Not every character needs full customization. For common archetypes, you can often find pre-made STLs that match your concept - sometimes for free.
Free STL Sources
Paid STL Sources
Search Tip
Search "[race] [class] miniature STL" - e.g., "dragonborn paladin miniature STL". You might be surprised how often someone has already designed something close to what you need.
Total cost: Free STL + $5-12 printing = as low as $5-12 per miniature for characters that match existing designs.
Option 4: Commission Custom Sculpting
When character creators can't capture your vision, hire a 3D sculptor to create something entirely unique. This is the premium option for truly custom work.
When Custom Sculpting Makes Sense
Expected Costs
Where to Find Sculptors
Fiverr and ArtStation have many 3D sculptors who specialize in miniatures. Look for portfolios showing character work, and expect 1-4 weeks turnaround depending on complexity.
Option 5: Digital Kitbashing
A middle ground between character creators and custom sculpting: combine parts from different STL files to create something unique.
How It Works
Using free software like Blender or Meshmixer, you can:
- Swap weapon from one STL to another
- Change heads between models
- Add accessories from various sources
- Resize elements to fit together
- Combine torsos, legs, and arms from different sources
- + More unique than character creators
- + Cheaper than custom sculpting
- + Can use free STL parts
- - Requires some 3D software skill
- - Can be time-consuming
- - Results vary with experience
Not tech-savvy? Some makers on 3D Print Bounty offer kitbashing services - describe what you want and they'll combine parts for you before printing.
Decision Guide: Which Option is Right for You?
Standard Player Character
Common race/class, want customization
Hero Forge or Eldritch Foundry STL + Print Service
$13-20 per mini
DM Building NPC Collection
Need many characters, variety important
TitanCraft subscription + Print Service
~$5-8 per mini after subscription
Common Monster/NPC Types
Goblins, skeletons, guards, etc.
Free STLs (mz4250, Thingiverse) + Print Service
$5-12 per mini
Long-Term Main Character
Campaign centerpiece, budget available
Consider custom sculpting commission
$50-200 for unique result
Homebrew/Unusual Race
Not in character creators
Custom sculpting or kitbashing
$30-150 depending on approach
Want Color Without Painting
Ready to play immediately
Hero Forge color printing
$45+ but saves painting time
Complete Cost Summary
| Approach | 1 Mini | Party (5) | Army (20) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Forge Direct (Premium) | $29.99 | $149.95 | $599.80 |
| Hero Forge STL + Print Service | $16 | $80 | $320 |
| Eldritch STL + Print Service | $13 | $65 | $260 |
| TitanCraft Sub + Print Service | $18* | $50* | $170* |
| Free STLs + Print Service | $8 | $40 | $160 |
| Custom Sculpting + Print | $60-210 | $300-1000 | N/A |
*TitanCraft costs include $10/mo subscription amortized. Print service estimated at $8/mini. Shipping not included.
Get Your Custom Mini
Whatever approach you choose, custom D&D miniatures are more accessible and affordable than ever. Whether you use Hero Forge, find existing STLs, or commission something entirely unique, there's a path that fits your budget and vision.
For most players, the sweet spot is using a character creator for design and a print service for production. You get full customization at 40-50% less than direct printing costs, with quality that matches or exceeds what you'd get from the platform directly.