Expeditions Metal Mechs: Care, Storage, and Table Use Tips

Quick answer

Treat the five metal miniatures and six silicon base snaps as two separate care jobs. Wipe the metal with a dry, soft cloth after play, keep the snaps matched to their colors, and store everything in a padded box so the mechs do not knock against each other. That routine takes a minute and prevents the most common problems: fingerprints, lost snaps, and chipped paint.

Why metal mechs need a different routine than plastic

Metal miniatures are heavier and denser than the plastic pieces that come in the Expeditions core game, so they behave differently on the table and in storage. They will not tip as easily during play, but they can scratch each other or dent a thin box if they are tossed into a bag. The silicon base snaps are the flexible part of the set, and they are the pieces most likely to go missing because they are small and easy to leave on the table.

The goal is not to baby the mechs. It is to keep them looking and feeling consistent from session to session. A dry wipe, a dedicated container, and a quick count before the box closes cover almost everything.

Cleaning without damaging the finish

Most marks on metal miniatures are skin oils and dust, not permanent damage. A dry microfiber cloth removes both without introducing moisture. If a mech feels tacky, breathe on it lightly and wipe again rather than reaching for a wet wipe. Avoid paper towels, which can leave lint in the fine details, and avoid abrasive pads, which can dull the metallic surface.

The silicon base snaps can be rinsed in lukewarm water and left to air dry if they pick up dust or sticky residue. Do not use hot water, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners on them, because those can degrade the silicon over time. Once dry, snap them back onto the mechs or store them flat.

Storing the set between sessions

Store the mechs so they cannot slide into each other. A small padded case, a compartmented box, or the original packaging with a soft cloth between layers all work. If you keep the snaps attached, make sure the mech stands upright and is not resting its full weight on the snap, which can stretch the silicon.

Keep the set away from direct sunlight and heat. Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, and repeated swings are harder on any painted or inkwashed finish than a stable indoor shelf. A closet or a game shelf out of the sun is enough.

Using the mechs and base snaps at the table

The six base snap colors exist to help you identify and customize your mechs during play. Assign a color to each player before the game starts and keep that assignment consistent across sessions. That way the color does the identification work, and players are not handling the metal pieces to check which one is theirs.

Place mechs on the board rather than passing them around. Metal miniatures are durable, but repeated handling across a long game is what causes most wear. If a mech needs to move, lift it by the base rather than the sculpted top.

Your five-step care routine

1. Wipe each mech after play: Use a dry microfiber cloth on the metal body and base. Common mistake: grabbing a paper towel, which leaves lint in the details. Checkpoint: the mech should feel dry and smooth, not tacky.
2. Remove and inspect the base snaps: Pop off the silicon snaps and check for dust, stretching, or cracks. Common mistake: leaving snaps attached while the mech lies on its side, which can deform the silicon. Checkpoint: every snap should still grip the base firmly.
3. Clean snaps only when needed: Rinse in lukewarm water and air dry. Common mistake: using hot water or alcohol, which can degrade the silicon. Checkpoint: snaps are fully dry before they go back on a mech.
4. Store mechs so they cannot touch: Use a padded case or compartmented box, or wrap each mech in a soft cloth. Common mistake: dropping all five into one bag, where they scratch each other. Checkpoint: shake the container gently; you should hear no metal-on-metal contact.
5. Count and assign before the next game: Confirm all five mechs and six snaps are present, then set a color for each player. Common mistake: waiting until setup to discover a missing snap. Next step: store the set with the color assignments noted so setup is faster next time.

Product facts

• Expeditions Metal Mechs (core game): Contains 5 metal mech miniatures for use with the Expeditions core game and includes silicon base snaps in 6 different colors. Five mechs and six snap colors mean you can assign a distinct color to each player and still have a spare, which simplifies table setup and cleanup.