How to Choose the Right Board Game Accessories: Metal Coins, Playmats, and More

Quick Answer

When choosing board game accessories, start by identifying the problem you want to solve: component durability, table comfort, or storage. For tactile upgrades, metal coins like the 80 Metal Coins for Scythe & Expeditions offer a premium feel that enhances gameplay. For storage, consider modular organizers like the wingspan-nesting-box-cb02ef51a2ec4c8b91b8f480-625918">Wingspan Nesting Box or Scythe Legendary Box. Always check compatibility with your specific game and expansions before purchasing.

Board game accessories can transform your gaming experience, but with so many options, it's easy to overspend on items you don't need. Whether you're a casual player looking to upgrade components or a collector aiming to preserve your games, this guide helps you make smart choices.

We'll cover metal coins, playmats, storage solutions, and other upgrades, focusing on practical decision rules. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for—and what to skip—based on your gaming habits and budget.

Start with Your Gaming Habits

Before buying any accessory, ask yourself: How often do you play this game? If a game hits the table weekly, premium upgrades like metal coins or a playmat are worth the investment. For games played occasionally, a cheaper alternative or no upgrade may suffice.

Also consider your group's preferences. Some players enjoy tactile upgrades, while others prefer minimal table clutter. If you're unsure, start with one versatile accessory, like a set of metal coins that works across multiple games, and see how your group responds.

• Frequency of play is the #1 factor in accessory value.
• Versatile accessories (e.g., generic coins) offer more bang for your buck.

Metal Coins: Feel the Difference

Metal coins replace cardboard tokens with satisfying weight and durability. They're among the most popular upgrades because they enhance the tactile experience without changing gameplay. When choosing metal coins, consider denominations, artwork, and compatibility with your game's theme.

For example, the 80 Metal Coins designed for Scythe and Expeditions feature custom artwork by Jakub Rozalski and include denominations from $1 to $20. A key detail: the $5 coins have a distinct red hue to differentiate them from $10 coins—a thoughtful design for quick recognition. If you already own the original Scythe metal coins, you can buy just the new $5 coins separately.

Metal coins are not one-size-fits-all. Some packs are game-specific, while others are generic. Check if the denominations and sizes fit your game's economy. Also, consider storage: metal coins are heavier and may require extra trays or bags.

• Look for denominations that match your game's currency.
• Game-specific coins often have better artwork and functionality.
• Consider weight and storage if you travel with your games.

Playmats and Table Protection

Playmats serve dual purposes: they protect cards and components from table surfaces and reduce card slipping. When selecting a playmat, consider size, material, and portability. A mat that's too small for your game area is useless; one that's too large may not fit your table.

For games with many cards, a neoprene mat with a non-slip backing is ideal. If you play at different locations, a roll-up mat is more portable than a rigid one. Also, consider the artwork: a busy design can distract, while a subtle pattern keeps focus on the game.

Note that some games have specific mat requirements (e.g., for card placement zones). If a game includes a board, a mat may not be necessary unless you want extra padding or a larger play surface.

• Measure your table and play area before buying.
• Neoprene mats offer good grip and cushioning.
• Portable mats are better for gamers on the go.

Storage Solutions: Organizers and Boxes

Storage accessories like organizer boxes help manage expansions and sleeved cards. They reduce setup time and protect components. When choosing a storage box, consider its capacity, modularity, and whether it fits your existing collection.

The Wingspan Nesting Box, for example, is designed to hold all Wingspan content, including sleeved cards, and is modular to fit future expansions. It's a premium accessory that doesn't include the game itself, so you need to own the base game and expansions. The Scythe Legendary Box similarly holds the core game plus all three expansions and accessories, with tuckboxes for loose pieces.

Before buying, check if the organizer fits your edition of the game, as revised editions may have different component sizes. Also, note any purchase limits (e.g., one per order) that may affect your decision.

• Modular organizers are future-proof if you plan to buy expansions.
• Check compatibility with your game's edition and sleeved cards.
• Storage boxes add weight and bulk; consider shelf space.

Other Upgrades: Promos and Fan-Made Content

Beyond physical upgrades, promo cards and fan-made expansions add variety and collectibility. They can refresh a game you've played many times. However, not all promos are balanced or necessary; research their impact before purchasing.

For instance, the Wingspan Fan-Designed Bird Promo Packs include 150 new birds across six packs, designed with official cooperation. They add replayability but require the base game and may integrate with existing expansions. If you're a completionist, these are appealing, but casual players might skip them.

When considering promos, check if they are compatible with your game version and whether they introduce new mechanics or just more of the same. Also, consider storage—extra cards need sleeves and space.

• Promos are best for players who want more variety.
• Check compatibility with your game and expansions.
• Consider the cost per play if you're on a budget.

Decision Rules for Buying Board Game Accessories

• Rule 1: Match Accessories to Play Frequency: If you play a game more than once a month, invest in premium upgrades like metal coins or an organizer. For occasional play, stick to lower-cost options or skip upgrades entirely. High play frequency justifies premium accessory costs.
• Rule 2: Prioritize Compatibility: Always check that an accessory fits your specific game edition, including expansions and sleeved cards. For example, the Wingspan Nesting Box is designed for all Wingspan content, but you must own the game separately. Incompatible accessories waste money and space.
• Rule 3: Think Long-Term Storage: If you plan to buy expansions, choose modular storage that can grow with your collection. The Scythe Legendary Box holds core game plus expansions, but be aware it doesn't include game components. Future-proof storage saves money and hassle later.

Featured Products at a Glance

• 80 Metal Coins (Scythe & Expeditions): These 80 custom metal coins are designed specifically for Expeditions and Scythe by artist Jakub Rozalski. They include denominations of $1, $3, $5, $10, and $20. The only difference between this pack and the original Scythe metal coin pack is that the $5 coins now have a distinctly red hue to better differentiate them from the $10 coins. You can buy just the new $5 coins (x15) here. If you already own the original Scythe metal coins, you can upgrade just the $5 coins instead of buying the full set, saving money. The color differentiation improves gameplay readability.
• Wingspan Nesting Box: The Wingspan Nesting Box is an organizer/storage box for all Wingspan content and cards (sleeved or unsleeved). This product does not include the Wingspan game or any expansions--they are available separately. This modular box is designed to fit all past, present, and future content. There is a limit of 1 Nesting Box per order. If you own multiple Wingspan expansions and sleeved cards, this box keeps everything organized and future-proof. The limit of one per order means you should plan your storage needs in advance.
• Scythe Legendary Box: The Scythe Legendary Box is designed to hold the Scythe core game plus all 3 expansions (components, not the boxes), the various accessories, promos, and a custom insert. While the Legendary Box does not include any game components, it contains 3 large tuckboxes to fill unused space and store tokens, cards, and other loose pieces. Because the Legendary Box has the same length and width of all other Scythe boxes, it stacks neatly with your collection. If you own all Scythe expansions and accessories, this box consolidates everything into one convenient package, saving shelf space and setup time. The tuckboxes help keep loose components organized.

Who Should Buy What?

Best for

• Collectors who own multiple expansions and want to keep everything organized.
• Frequent players who value tactile upgrades like metal coins for enhanced immersion.

Not for

• Casual players who rarely replay the same game and prefer minimal table clutter.
• Budget-conscious buyers who don't mind using cardboard tokens or basic storage.

Choosing the right board game accessories comes down to understanding your play habits, storage needs, and budget. Focus on items that solve a real problem—whether that's component durability, setup time, or game variety. Start with versatile upgrades like metal coins or modular organizers, and always verify compatibility before buying. With these decision rules, you'll make purchases that enhance your gaming sessions for years to come.