How to Get the Most Out of Your Board Game Inserts

Quick Answer

To get the most out of your board game inserts, start by assessing the original insert's strengths and weaknesses, then modify or supplement it to speed up setup and protect components. Focus on reducing setup time, keeping pieces organized, and ensuring everything fits securely in the box.

Board game inserts can be a double-edged sword. A well-designed insert speeds up setup, keeps components organized, and protects your game. But a poorly thought-out one can lead to baggie chaos, lost pieces, and a frustrating pre-game scramble. Fortunately, you don't need to be a woodworking expert to improve your insert game.

Whether you're dealing with a tight Eurogame like Imperial Steam or a sprawling adventure, these practical steps will help you evaluate, modify, and even replace your inserts for a smoother gaming experience. The goal is simple: get to the table faster and keep your components safe.

Why Inserts Matter for Setup and Storage

A good insert does more than just look nice. It reduces setup time by giving every component a designated home, so you don't have to hunt for the right tokens or cards. It also protects components from shifting during storage, which can prevent bent cards, scratched boards, and spilled bits.

For games with many small pieces, like Imperial Steam with its workers and railroad tracks, a thoughtful insert can mean the difference between a 10-minute setup and a 30-minute one. It also makes packing up easier, so you're more likely to get the game to the table again.

• Consider how often you play a game: if it hits the table frequently, investing time in insert optimization pays off.
• If you store games vertically, ensure the insert holds components snugly to avoid shifting.

Assess What You Have

Before you start reorganizing, take a hard look at the original insert. Does it actually hold everything? Are there wasted spaces or components that don't fit well? Some inserts are designed for a specific game version or include expansions, which can leave gaps if you don't own them.

For example, if you have the boonlake-artifacts-expansion-c6ca544dab38e79c5f9ea59c-947584">Boonlake: Artifacts Expansion, you might find that the base game insert lacks space for the new artifact tokens. In that case, you'll need to decide whether to modify the insert or use alternative storage for those extra pieces.

• Check if your insert accommodates expansions you own; if not, plan for extra storage.
• Identify components that are hard to remove or put away—these are prime candidates for improvement.

Modify or Supplement Your Insert

You don't always need to buy a new insert. Simple modifications like adding foam core dividers, using small plastic containers, or even just using resealable bags can dramatically improve organization. For cards, consider using deck boxes or sleeves to keep them tidy.

If you're handy, you can create custom inserts from foam board or use 3D-printed designs. But for many players, the easiest solution is to supplement the existing insert with cheap organizers that fit the specific components you have.

• Use small craft boxes or bead containers for tokens that don't have a designated spot.
• For card-heavy games, consider card sleeves and a card box to keep decks separate.

Optimize for Setup Speed

The ultimate test of an insert is how quickly you can get from box open to playing. Arrange components in the order you'll need them during setup. For instance, if you set up the board first, keep the board on top. If you deal cards early, have them accessible without digging.

Think about the flow of your game night. If players frequently need to access a shared supply, make sure that supply is easy to reach. In Imperial Steam, you'll want quick access to workers, goods, and contracts, so arrange those trays near the top or in labeled sections.

• Test your setup: time yourself from box open to ready to play. If it's over 10 minutes, look for bottlenecks.
• Consider using a 'setup order' checklist and arrange your insert to follow that sequence.

Consider the Box and Storage

Your insert also needs to work with your storage situation. If you store games on a shelf, make sure the insert keeps components from shifting when the box is upright. If you transport games, a snug fit is crucial to prevent damage.

For games with playmats or large boards, like Wandering Towers with its optional playmat, you might need to rethink how you store these items. The playmat can be rolled and placed on top of the insert, but make sure it doesn't get crushed or cause the box to bulge.

• If your box doesn't close flat, your insert is too tall or components are sticking up—fix that.
• Use a small piece of foam or a bag to fill empty spaces and prevent shifting.

Step-by-Step Insert Optimization

1. Step 1: Inventory Your Components: Take everything out of the box and list all components. Note which ones are used most often and which are prone to getting lost. Checkpoint: If you find components that don't fit well in the original insert, flag them for modification.
2. Step 2: Evaluate the Original Insert: Place each component type in its designated spot. Identify areas where the insert is inefficient, such as wasted space or hard-to-reach compartments. Checkpoint: If setup still feels slow, consider removing or modifying the insert to better suit your needs.
3. Step 3: Decide on Modifications or Replacements: Choose whether to modify the insert (e.g., add dividers) or use alternative storage like bags, boxes, or foam core inserts. For expansions, plan extra space. Checkpoint: Ensure your solution fits the box and doesn't add significant setup time.
4. Step 4: Test and Refine: Put everything back and do a trial setup and teardown. Time yourself and note any frustrations. Adjust the layout until it feels smooth. Checkpoint: If certain components are still hard to access, reorganize or add labels.
5. Step 5: Maintain and Adapt: As you acquire expansions or new components, revisit your insert setup. Keep a small supply of bags and containers handy for future adjustments. Checkpoint: Regularly check that the insert still fits and protects your game, especially if you store it vertically.

Products That Can Help

• Imperial Steam: The Industrial Age is starting to boom. You are in need of more workers for your factories, and you also need more workers to build railroad tracks to expand your railway network. This, in turn, will enable you to deliver the goods from your factories to cities with high demand. But do not forget to earmark goods for fulfilling profitable public contracts, because when the connection to Trieste is made, your net... With many components like workers, goods, and contracts, a well-organized insert is essential for keeping track of everything and speeding up setup.
• Wandering Towers: Playmat: The official playmat for Wandering Towers! The playmat features locations for all 8 spells, draw card and discard stacks, and locations around the game map in a charming fantasy landscape. Constructed of thick 2mm neoprene with stitched edges, this playmat will stand the test of time. Sized at 19.7x19.7-inches, the playmat comes in a cardboard display box. If you use a playmat, consider how to store it with your game. This playmat's size and thickness may require adjusting your insert or box storage to keep everything safe.

Optimizing your board game inserts is a small investment that pays off every time you play. By assessing, modifying, and testing, you can cut setup time, protect your components, and make game night more enjoyable. Start with one game, and you'll soon have a system that works for your whole collection.