The first in this pair of mapping-related pages detailed resources for building your own maps. But no matter how good the available tools are, for most people it’s just not realistic to expect to have the time, energy, and inspiration to custom-build every map every time.
So this page is intended to be an updated-as-needed catalog of good sources of downloadable battle map images, whether for VTT or tabletop. As with other pages in this series on Supers resources, since Superhero genre can encompass just about anything, the focus here will be on non-fantasy material – simply because fantasy maps are so plentiful and easy to find, and all the rest… well.. aren’t.
The Freebies
The first results of a Google search for something like “space battle maps” will often be a collection of Pinterest pages hosting images the page’s owner has gathered. I’m leery of using these unless there’s a link back to the source of the original image, and I’m not really familiar enough with Pinterest itself to know if there’s any mechanism to control terms-of-use violations beyond waiting for someone to click “Report this image”.
Searching for maps for specific games – not necessarily the one you’re playing, but any popular one from a similar genre, will also sometimes yield useful results. For instance, this PDF of deck plans for starships is based on classic ships from the Traveller universe, but these can certainly be used as vehicles in a myriad of other games.
Wizkids offers a few free downloadable battle maps originally designed to be printed for use in their Heroclix game, but which should be usable in a VTT setting with appropriate resizing/scaling.
A number of moderated groups on Reddit are excellent sources of free maps. Many individuals post their own creations there, and many professional creators post free versions of some of their wares as well. This makes them not only good sources for free-for-personal-use items, but also excellent places to learn about and sample the work of some of the active Patreon projects and other sources of purchasable maps. The group /r/battlemaps is the most active not-just-fantasy SubReddit I’m aware of; /r/Star_Wars_Maps has SF themed maps that are often generic enough to be used outside a pure Star Wars setting. Even /r/dndmaps and /r/FantasyMaps, despite their names, include a smattering of other genres.
On Facebook, groups like Modern RPG Maps, Sci Fi/Outer Space RPG Mapping, RPG Maps, and RPG Battle Map Emporium also get posts from map creators sharing their work or giving out their free samples.
Maps can be found on DeviantArt as well, though non-Fantasy ones are sparse.
Arthos Library is the site of an artist sharing maps from his personal campaigns and advertising his commission-based custom map services. In particular there are a lot of excellent maps here of modern military bases and encampments, as well as modern houses and shops.
Keep in mind that many of the stores and Patreon pages, etc. below also have some free options available, so they’re still valid sources to search even if you’re not ready to start spending cash. Miska’s Sci Fi Maps in particular offers an archive of free releases on a dedicated page, and at least one CartographyAssets user maintains a page of free versions of their maps, and a filtered search by price there will reveal other free maps.
Online Stores
When you’re ready to look beyond the free stuff, there’s a world of maps available for purchase from a number of online sources.
DriveThruRPG sells lots of maps across many genres, from many different creators. At the time of this writing a search on “modern battlemap” returned 566 results! Prices start at free and go up from there, with most individual maps being 1 to 4 dollars and lots of bundles available.
The Roll20 Marketplace has a large collection of maps as well. The caveat here is that purchases might work only inside Roll20, unless they’re marked by the creator as downloadable for use in other systems… which you can’t tell before purchase without contacting the creator.
A search for “battlemaps” on Etsy returned some results, but you’ll need to browse past a lot of physical products to find them, and most are fantasy oriented.
Ebay might even be a potential source; I had trouble finding any with a search but there’s at least one creator who showcases his wares on a Facebook page and lists map packs on eBay.
Patreon and Kickstarter
There are a number of Patreon creators who include or even specialize in non-fantasy genres, and from time to time a Kickstarter project offers map packs as well. Due to the… ephemeral nature of these offerings, I’ll be listing them below as individual comments for each.
Cthulu Architect
A Patreon creator focused on maps for Call of Cthulu, so generally with a 1920s feel. Some tiers include VTT-specific files and pre-configured scenes for Foundry VTT. Older maps from this creator are also available from https://cthulhuarchitect.com.
Kidney Boy
A Patreon creator releasing 1 to 2 monthly map packs with modern, post-apocalyptic, SF, horror, and superhero themes. Access to prior releases is included.
Galaxy Compass
A Sci-fi map Patreon featuring a mix of isometric maps in addition to traditional overhead views. Releases 3 map packs per month.
Fragmaps
An SF map creator Patreon offering 1-3 new map packs monthly and access to the full back catalog.
Miska’s Sci-Fi Maps
Releasing as many as 5 SF themed maps per month. All tiers unlock the back catalog of files released for that tier; some include maps pre-configured as Foundry VTT modules and even include subscriptions to the Miska’s Mythos Patreon page.
Miska’s Mythos Maps
From the creator of Miska’s Sci-Fi maps, this one is Call of Cthulu based, releasing 2-4 maps per month with an early 20th century look. Previously released tier rewards are available to all subscribers, and some tiers include Foundry VTT scenes with pre-configured lighting.
Star Maps
Releasing 2 map packs per month each built around a specific SF theme or alien world.
Animated Sci-Fi Maps
Exactly what the name suggests; includes static versions of each animated map as well. Number of maps released depends on tier, with up to 3 per month at the highest level.
Faroth the Random NPC
Promising 1-3 map packs per month, this one is multi-genre but most of what has been released so far has been post-apocalyptic.
Pepsy’s Maps
Mixed genre but most recent posts have been modern styled. Details on release schedules don’t seem to be available but new maps seem to come out regularly. The highest tier offers back catalog access.
RPG Drone Maps
A Kickstarter targeting August 2021 delivery promising hundreds of maps in multiple formats derived from drone camera images taken above real-world locations.
Previous work can be seen and purchased at https://www.apurpleturkey.com/copy-of-rpg-drone-maps.
Solution Maps
Releasing two cyberpunk/SF maps per month plus more for patrons who stay for multiple months. Animated and static versions offered in different resolutions up to 4K based on tier. Also includes useful background images for theater-of-the-mind play.
Lovemaps
Patreon with a Lovecraftian theme, producing about 2 maps a month with Patreon costs set to per-purchase instead of a monthly fee.
Faeriedae
Modern and SF map Patreon with a smattering of Western themes as well. Subscription grants access to the back catalog; doesn’t currently give specifics on targeted # of maps per month. Foundry VTT map packs available at some tiers.
Scribbles in Space
A Patreon artist targeting 2 map releases per month, free even for non-subscribers. Paid subscriptions are available and there are lots of posts for paying members only, but it’s not really clearly spelled out what the benefits of paid subscription are. Maps are mostly SF, with lots of starships and airships.
Heroic Maps
A battle-maps Patreon that does mostly fantasy but the higher of its two tiers ($8 vs $5) adds a monthly SF themed map.
Cybermaps
Animated SF and Cyberpunk maps Patreon promising 3 animated maps per month; map resolution increases by tier.
Many Maps
Battle map Patreon with a mix of genres but focused mainly on SF/Cyberpunk. Targeting 2-3 map packs per month, which can include animation, tokens, map assets, etc. as well, depending on tier.
Star Maps
Patreon promising 2 map packs per month, varying in contents by tier and including animated maps in some tiers.
Hologrounds
Promising 2 maps per month in non-fantasy settings, some animated. Examples so far include modern roads and old west scenes.
Droid Cartographer
Per-map-pack Patreon specializing in Star Wars and cyberpunk maps which can easily be used in other SF-themed settings.
Summit Games Maps
Modern, sci-fi, post-apoc maps. Two a month with some animated at higher tiers.
UPDATE: The old Patreon page still exists but the owner has created a new, per-map-basis one and recommends moving to that. Link above has been updated to the new location.
Beyond the Blue Nebula
A Kickstarter ending Dec 6, 2021, featuring an assortment of both maps and assets in digital form.
Moonlight Maps Sci-Fi
Moonlight Maps has been around for a while as a popular Patreon source for fantasy maps. The creator has opened a second Patreon page dedicated to SF themed maps. Depending on subscription level, maps come in multiple versions. and pre-built Foundry VTT scenes are available.
Hyperdrive Fleet
From the creators of the Cze and Peku fantasy battlemap Patreon, this one will focus on starship maps. Per-map purchases can include animations, multiple versions, Foundry and Encounter VTT ready versions, depending on membership level. Free access to all prior maps on signup.
Map Alchemists
Indoor and outdoor modern, post-apoc, and cyberpunk maps.
Gimmie Pig’s Map Emporium
SF, CyberPunk, and Fantasy maps.
Cybermaps
Cyberpunk and SF, including animated maps.
Amatsu Maps
Post-Apoc maps on a per-map basis.
Tyger Purr
Two maps per month from the creator of the popular Tyger series of DungeonDraft assets.
RPGXNihilo
SF and Cyberpunk maps along with assets, adventures, etc.
TC Modern
Modern maps on a per-map basis, along with assets and pre-configured Foundry VTT scenes.