Once players understand what terrain footprints are, the next question usually comes fast:
How big should terrain footprints actually be?
There isn’t one single perfect size for every piece of terrain, but there is a practical range that works well for most tables, missions, and real-world play conditions.
The Short Answer
Terrain footprints in Warhammer 40K should be large enough to clearly define the playable area, but small enough to keep movement and placement clean.
Most commonly used terrain footprints fall into a few reliable size ranges depending on the type of terrain they represent.
Common Terrain Footprint Sizes
While exact shapes can vary, many players and events use footprints roughly in these ranges:
- Small ruins or scatter terrain: around 4" × 4"
- Medium ruins: around 5" × 8" or similar
- Large ruins or buildings: around 6" × 10" or larger
These sizes give models room to move, fight, and interact with terrain without constantly bumping into awkward edges.
Why Size Matters More Than Exact Shape
In 10th Edition, terrain is about clarity and flow, not perfect geometry.
A good footprint:
- Makes it obvious when a unit is inside terrain
- Leaves enough space for models to stand comfortably
- Keeps movement predictable and consistent
This is especially important on busy tables where things get bumped, nudged, or shifted mid-game. Well-sized footprints help the game keep working even when conditions aren’t perfect.
Too Small vs Too Large
Footprints that are too small can cause problems fast.
- Models spill outside the terrain area
- Placement becomes fiddly
- Arguments creep in
On the flip side, oversized footprints can choke movement lanes and make the board feel cramped.
The goal is a footprint that supports the terrain’s role without dominating the table.
How Terrain Size Connects to Overall Board Setup
Footprint size works hand-in-hand with terrain quantity.
If you are still dialing in how much terrain should be on the table in the first place, this guide covers that side of the equation: How Much Terrain Do You Actually Need for Warhammer 40K?
Good terrain size plus the right amount of terrain is what creates balanced, interesting games.
Why Players Use Pre-Defined Terrain Footprints
Many players prefer terrain footprints that are clearly defined and consistent from game to game.
Well-designed footprints:
- Clarify movement and positioning
- Reduce rules debates
- Speed up gameplay
- Hold up to real-world play, crowded tables included
It’s the same mindset as spill-resistant engineering. The setup works even when the table doesn’t stay pristine.
How This Fits Into a Complete Setup
Terrain footprints are just one part of a clean game setup.
If you want a broader look at the core components most players need to get started, this guide ties everything together: What Do I Actually Need To Play Warhammer 40K?
The Bottom Line
Terrain footprints should be sized to clearly define playable space while keeping movement smooth and intuitive in Warhammer 40K 10th Edition.
There’s flexibility, but staying within common, practical ranges helps games run faster, cleaner, and with fewer interruptions.
If you want terrain setups that hold up to real tables and real games, footprint size is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.