Open Basing System (OBS)

Welcome to the comprehensive guide to Open Base Systems (OBS)! In this extensive article, we'll dive deep into the world of 3D printable wargaming bases, exploring their design, compatibility, and usage. Whether you're a seasoned wargamer or new to the hobby, this guide has something for everyone.

To help you navigate this wealth of information, we've provided a table of contents below. Feel free to jump to the section that interests you most by clicking on the corresponding link. Let's embark on this journey to elevate your tabletop gaming experience with OBS!

Open Basing System Modules: Comprehensive Product Specifications

The Open Basing System (OBS) offers two primary modules, each designed to provide extensive options for miniature basing enthusiasts. Below are the detailed specifications for both modules:

OBS CORE 1.0:

• Product Version: OBS CORE 1.0
• Total Designs: 745 unique files
• File Size: 23 MB
• Price per Design: £0.012 (1 pence)

OBS CONVERTERS 1.0:

• Product Version: OBS CONVERTERS 1.0
• Total Designs: 315 unique files
• File Size: 11.5 MB
• Price per Design: £0.031 (3 pence)

Both modules feature instant digital delivery, eliminating the need for physical shipping. This allows for immediate access to the files upon purchase.

In total, the OBS system provides 1,060 unique designs across both modules, offering a comprehensive range of options for various basing needs. The compact file sizes ensure efficient storage and quick downloads, while the competitive pricing structure offers significant value for both hobbyists and professional modelers.

These specifications underscore the OBS system's commitment to providing a diverse, accessible, and cost-effective solution for miniature basing requirements.

The Fundamentals of OBS

At the heart of the Open Basing System lies a commitment to versatility and geometric precision. OBS leverages basic geometric shapes as the foundation for its extensive range of miniature bases, ensuring compatibility across various tabletop gaming systems and miniature scales.

Geometric Base Designs

The core of OBS consists of several fundamental shapes:

1. Round
2. Square
3. Rectangle
4. Oval
5. Pill
6. Hexagon
7. Octagon
8. Triangle
9. Flying Bases Stems System

These geometric base designs form the building blocks of the system, allowing for a wide array of applications in different game settings. Whether you're fielding an army of rank-and-file troops or showcasing a unique hero miniature, OBS has a shape to suit your needs.

Diverse Base Types

Beyond the basic shapes, OBS offers a variety of specialized base types to cater to different gaming and modeling requirements:

1. Plain Bases: Standard, solid bases for general use
2. Hollow Base Designs: These ingenious bases allow for the use of resin, creating the illusion that the miniature is standing in liquid. This opens up a world of creative possibilities, from swamp-dwelling creatures to characters wading through water or other substances.
3. Slotted Bases for Miniatures: Perfect for models with integrated base tabs
4. Reinforced Miniature Bases: Extra sturdy for larger or heavier models
5. Flying Bases: Ideal for airborne units or dynamic poses
6. Wide Lip Bases: Offering extra stability and a distinct aesthetic

This diversity ensures that whatever your basing needs, OBS likely has a solution ready to be 3D printed.

Tabletop Gaming Base Compatibility

One of the key strengths of the Open Basing System is its focus on compatibility. OBS bases are designed with the dimensions and requirements of various popular wargaming systems in mind. This attention to detail means that whether you're playing historical wargames, sci-fi skirmishes, or fantasy battles, you can find OBS bases that fit seamlessly into your chosen game system.

Moreover, the system's flexibility allows for easy customization. Need a specific size that's not standard in your game? OBS likely has it, or you can easily request it as part of the system's community-driven development process.

By providing this wide range of options, the Open Basing System ensures that gamers are no longer constrained by the limited choices of traditional manufacturers.

Instead, OBS empowers hobbyists to find or create the perfect base for every miniature in their collection, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and gaming functionality of their models.

In the next section, we'll explore why this level of versatility and customization matters so much to tabletop gamers and how it's changing the hobby landscape.

The Open Basing System isn't just another product in the miniature gaming market; it's a revolutionary approach that addresses longstanding challenges and opens up new possibilities for hobbyists. Let's explore why OBS is making waves in the tabletop gaming community.

Unparalleled Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of OBS is its flexible miniature base options. Traditional manufacturers often focus on producing the most popular base sizes and shapes, leaving players of niche games or those with unique requirements struggling to find suitable bases. OBS changes this paradigm entirely.

With its vast array of shapes and sizes, OBS caters to virtually every tabletop game system on the market. Whether you're playing a mainstream game like Warhammer 40,000 or a lesser-known indie title, you're likely to find the exact base you need within the OBS catalog. This flexibility extends to scale as well, accommodating everything from 6mm micro-scale games to larger 54mm display pieces.

Cost-Effective Basing Alternative

In the world of miniature gaming, costs can quickly add up. OBS offers an affordable wargaming bases solution that can significantly reduce your hobby expenses. By providing STL files for 3D printing, OBS allows gamers to produce exactly the number of bases they need, when they need them.

This on-demand production eliminates the need to buy in bulk or pay for shipping on physical products. For those with access to a 3D printer, whether personally owned or through a local makerspace, the cost per base can be dramatically lower than traditional retail options.

Unleashing Creativity with DIY Miniature Bases

OBS empowers gamers to become creators. The system's open nature and 3D printable files allow for unprecedented levels of customization. Whether you're looking to add intricate textures, incorporate custom unit insignia, or design elaborate multi-level display bases, OBS provides the foundation for your creative vision.

This DIY approach to miniature bases opens up a new dimension of hobby enjoyment. Gamers can experiment with different designs, modify existing bases to suit their needs, and even create entirely new base types. This level of creative freedom is particularly valuable for diorama builders, display painters, and those who enjoy pushing the boundaries of miniature presentation.

Adapting to Evolving Game Systems

Game systems evolve, and with them, basing requirements can change. OBS's community-driven model means it can rapidly adapt to these changes. When a new game is released or an existing one updates its base sizes, the OBS community can quickly develop and share new designs to meet these needs.

This responsiveness ensures that OBS users are never left behind when rules change or new games emerge. It's a level of agility that traditional manufacturing simply can't match.

Supporting a Sustainable Hobby

By embracing 3D printing technology, OBS promotes a more sustainable approach to the hobby. Users can print only what they need, reducing waste. The ability to create bases on-demand also reduces the need for shipping, further lowering the environmental impact.

Moreover, many 3D printing materials used for bases are recyclable or biodegradable, offering an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional plastic bases.

In essence, the Open Basing System matters because it democratizes base production, reduces costs, fosters creativity, and adapts quickly to the changing needs of the gaming community. It's not just a product; it's a paradigm shift in how we approach this fundamental aspect of tabletop gaming.

At the heart of OBS's success lies its innovative open system approach. This methodology sets OBS apart from traditional basing solutions and contributes significantly to its versatility and ongoing evolution.

Community-Driven Basing Solution

The Open Basing System thrives on the collective creativity and expertise of its user base. Unlike closed systems where development is limited to a small team, OBS harnesses the power of its community. This approach ensures that the system remains responsive to the diverse and ever-changing needs of tabletop gamers worldwide.

Hobbyists, 3D modeling enthusiasts, and game designers all contribute to the growth of OBS. Whether it's suggesting new base designs, refining existing ones, or creating entirely new concepts, the community plays a crucial role in shaping the system's development.

Continuous Growth and Expansion

One of the most exciting aspects of OBS is its potential for endless expansion. The expandable base collection grows not just in quantity but in diversity and sophistication. As new games emerge or existing ones evolve, OBS adapts and expands to meet these changing requirements.

This continuous growth means that OBS users always have access to cutting-edge basing solutions. Whether it's a new base shape for an upcoming game release or an innovative design that pushes the boundaries of miniature presentation, OBS is at the forefront of basing technology.

Feedback Integration Process

The strength of OBS lies in its ability to rapidly incorporate user feedback. The system has established a streamlined process for collecting, evaluating, and implementing community suggestions. This iterative approach ensures that OBS remains relevant and continues to meet the needs of its users.

Users can submit their ideas through various channels, including dedicated forums, social media platforms, and direct communication with OBS developers. These suggestions are then reviewed, refined, and, if approved, integrated into the system. This process not only improves existing designs but also leads to the creation of entirely new base types and accessories.

Collaboration and Innovation

The open system approach fosters a spirit of collaboration within the tabletop gaming community. Hobbyists from different game systems and modeling backgrounds come together to share ideas, solve common problems, and push the boundaries of what's possible in miniature basing.

This collaborative environment has led to numerous innovations. From novel ways to integrate magnets into bases for easier transport to designs that accommodate LED lighting for dramatic effect, the OBS community continually finds new ways to enhance the hobby experience.

Accessibility and Transparency

While OBS is a paid system, it maintains a high level of transparency. Subscribers have full access to all designs, allowing them to understand, modify, and build upon existing work. This openness not only accelerates innovation but also ensures that the system remains user-friendly and adaptable to individual needs.

By balancing an open system approach with a sustainable business model, OBS has created more than just a product line; it has fostered a dynamic ecosystem that continuously evolves to meet the needs of tabletop gamers. This approach not only ensures the longevity of OBS but also contributes to the overall growth and innovation within the miniature gaming hobby.

The heart of the Open Basing System lies in its comprehensive Core Pack, a foundational collection of STL files for miniature bases that caters to a wide range of gaming needs. Let's delve into what makes this pack an essential starting point for any OBS user.

Extensive Range of Designs

The OBS Core Pack boasts an impressive array of base designs, covering the most common shapes and sizes used in tabletop wargaming. This includes:

1. Rounds: From small 25mm bases perfect for infantry to larger 60mm and beyond for vehicles or monsters.
2. Squares: Various sizes to accommodate different game systems and miniature scales.
3. Rectangles: Ideal for cavalry or elongated models.
4. Ovals and Pills: Great for dynamic poses or specific game requirements.
5. Hexagons and Octagons: Offering unique options for special units or alternative game systems.
6. Triangles: Perfect for unique unit formations or specialized game mechanics.

Each of these basic shapes comes in multiple variants, such as plain, slotted, and hollow designs, providing users with a versatile toolkit for their basing needs. The inclusion of triangle shapes adds another dimension to the possibilities, allowing for even more creative unit arrangements and distinctive army presentations.

This comprehensive range ensures that whether you're fielding a traditional army, creating a unique skirmish warband, or designing an eye-catching display piece, you'll find the perfect base shape in the OBS Core Pack.

Affordable Pricing Structure

One of the most attractive aspects of the OBS Core Pack is its cost-effective pricing model. At just £0.01 per file, the pack offers exceptional value for money. This pricing structure makes it accessible to hobbyists of all levels, from casual painters to dedicated wargamers and even small businesses.

The low per-file cost allows users to acquire a vast library of base designs for a fraction of the cost of traditional physical bases. This affordability encourages experimentation and creativity, as users can freely explore different base options without significant financial investment.

Compatibility with Additional Modules

The Core Pack is designed as the foundation of a modular basing system. All bases in this pack are fully compatible with OBS's expanding range of additional modules and accessories. This compatibility ensures that investing in the Core Pack opens up a world of possibilities for future expansions and customizations.

For instance, bases from the Core Pack can be easily used with:

1. Size converters: Allowing you to adapt bases for different game systems.
2. Decorative rims: To add unique aesthetics to your bases.
3. Movement trays: For easy maneuverability of multiple miniatures.

This forward-thinking design philosophy means that your Core Pack investment continues to provide value as you explore more advanced basing techniques and accessories.

Regular Updates and Additions

The OBS Core Pack is not a static product. As part of the open system approach, it receives regular updates and additions. New base designs, refinements to existing models, and compatibility updates are periodically added to the pack, ensuring that it remains current with the evolving needs of the tabletop gaming community.

Subscribers to the Core Pack receive these updates at no additional cost, continually expanding their basing options and keeping their collection fresh and relevant.

Easy-to-Use STL Files

All bases in the Core Pack come as ready-to-print STL files. These files are optimized for a wide range of 3D printers, from entry-level FDM machines to more advanced resin printers. Clear printing guidelines and support options are included, making it easy for users of all experience levels to successfully produce high-quality bases.

The OBS Core Pack stands as a testament to the system's commitment to providing a comprehensive, affordable, and flexible basing solution. Whether you're new to the hobby or a seasoned veteran, this pack offers the foundation you need to elevate your miniature basing game.

While the OBS Core Pack provides an excellent foundation, the true power of the Open Basing System lies in its expandability. OBS offers a range of expansion modules that enhance and extend the capabilities of the core system, allowing hobbyists to take their miniature basing to the next level.

Converters and Movement Trays

One of the most popular expansions in the OBS lineup is the set of base size converters and movement trays for wargaming. These accessories address common challenges faced by tabletop gamers and offer innovative solutions:

1. Base Size Converters: These clever add-ons allow you to adapt miniatures to different game systems without rebasing. For example, you can easily convert a 25mm based miniature to fit a 32mm base requirement, saving time and preserving your original paint job.
2. Movement Trays: Designed to fit seamlessly with OBS bases, these trays make it easy to move multiple units at once, speeding up gameplay and protecting your carefully painted miniatures. Available in various configurations, they cater to different unit sizes and formations.

Specialized Base Types

Beyond the standard shapes, OBS expansions include specialized base types for specific gaming needs:

1. Display Bases for Miniatures: Larger, more detailed bases perfect for showcasing special characters or competition pieces.
2. Miniature Plinth Designs: Elevate your heroes or centerpiece models with these striking multi-tiered bases.

Terrain Integration Systems

OBS expansions also include innovative systems for integrating your bases with terrain pieces:

1. Magnetized Base Inserts: Allow easy attachment and detachment of miniatures from terrain pieces or vehicles.
2. Modular Terrain Connectors: Enable bases to connect directly with terrain pieces, creating seamless, integrated dioramas

Future Development

The OBS team is constantly innovating and expanding the system's capabilities. While we have numerous exciting ideas in the pipeline, we prefer to keep our future developments under wraps until they're ready for release. This approach allows us to remain flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of the tabletop gaming community.

What we can say is that our development process is heavily influenced by community feedback and emerging trends in the miniature gaming hobby. We're always listening to our users and observing the industry to identify areas where OBS can provide innovative solutions.

Rest assured that as new modules and expansions become available, they will be designed with the same attention to detail, compatibility, and user-centric approach that defines the current OBS offerings. Our goal is to continually surprise and delight our users with new basing possibilities that enhance their hobby experience.

Stay tuned to our official channels for announcements about new releases. We're excited about the future of OBS and can't wait to share our upcoming innovations with the community when the time is right.

The Open Basing System's versatility makes it an invaluable resource for a wide range of users in the tabletop gaming community. Let's explore how different groups can benefit from OBS:

Hobbyists and Individual Gamers

For the average tabletop enthusiast, OBS offers an unprecedented level of customization and flexibility:

1. Versatility: Access to a wide range of base shapes and sizes allows hobbyists to easily switch between different game systems or create unique display pieces.
2. Cost-effectiveness: The ability to 3D print bases on-demand reduces overall hobby expenses and eliminates the need for large inventory.
3. Creativity: OBS empowers gamers to experiment with base designs, creating unique and personalized armies that stand out on the tabletop.
4. Compatibility: With OBS, it's easy to maintain a consistent basing style across multiple game systems and miniature ranges.

3D Printing Enthusiasts

For those already invested in 3D printing technology, OBS presents an exciting opportunity:

1. Quality Designs: OBS provides professionally designed STL files, optimized for a range of 3D printers.
2. Continuous Learning: Regular updates and new designs offer ongoing challenges and opportunities to refine 3D printing skills.
3. Community Engagement: OBS's open system approach allows 3D printing enthusiasts to contribute ideas and potentially see their designs implemented.
4. Cost-effective Hobby: By printing bases at home, enthusiasts can significantly reduce the cost of their tabletop gaming hobby.

Small Businesses and Resellers

OBS offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs in the tabletop gaming space:

1. Low Initial Investment: With a commercial license, businesses can start offering a wide range of base options without the need for expensive manufacturing equipment.
2. Print-on-Demand: OBS allows businesses to offer customized bases without maintaining large inventories.
3. Diverse Product Range: The extensive OBS catalog enables businesses to cater to a wide range of gaming systems and customer preferences.
4. Regular Updates: As OBS expands, businesses automatically gain access to new designs, keeping their product offerings fresh and relevant.

Game Designers and Publishers

For those creating new tabletop games or expanding existing ones, OBS provides valuable resources:

1. Ready-made Basing Solutions: Game designers can easily incorporate standardized base sizes and shapes into their rule sets.
2. Custom Options: If a game requires unique base designs, OBS offers a platform for creating and distributing these specialized bases.
3. Community Support: The OBS community can provide valuable feedback on basing needs for new game systems.

Painting Studios and Commission Painters

Professional painters can leverage OBS to enhance their services:

1. Diverse Options: Offer clients a wide range of basing options to complement their painted miniatures.
2. Consistent Quality: Ensure a high standard of base quality across all projects.
3. Custom Projects: Easily create unique display bases for competition pieces or dioramas.

By catering to these diverse user groups, OBS has positioned itself as a versatile and indispensable tool in the tabletop gaming ecosystem. Whether you're a casual hobbyist, a dedicated 3D printing enthusiast, or a business owner in the gaming industry, OBS offers solutions that can enhance your experience and expand your possibilities in the world of miniature basing.

Embarking on your journey with the Open Basing System is straightforward and rewarding. Here's a guide to help you get started:

How to Purchase and Download

1. Visit the Official OBS Website: Navigate to the OBS official website to browse available packages and options.
2. Choose Your Package: Select the Core Pack or any additional modules that interest you. Remember, the Core Pack is an excellent starting point for most users.
3. License Selection: Choose between a personal or commercial license, depending on your intended use.
4. Complete the Purchase: Follow the checkout process to complete your purchase.
5. Download Files: Once your payment is processed, you'll gain access to download the STL files. These are typically provided as a compressed file for easy downloading.

Tips for 3D Printing OBS Bases

1. Printer Settings: It is recommended to print OBS on an FDM printer with a 0.2mm layer height and a 0.4mm nozzle. These settings provide a good balance between print quality and time for most OBS components.
2. Material Choice: While most filaments work well, consider using PLA for FDM printers or standard resin for resin printers for best results.
3. Orientation: Generally, printing bases flat on the build plate yields the best results. However, experiment with different orientations for hollow bases or those with intricate details.
4. Support Structures: Many OBS bases are designed to print without supports, but always check the printing guidelines for each specific design.
5. Post-Processing: Light sanding or priming can help smooth out any layer lines, especially on FDM-printed bases.

Experimenting with Your First Prints

1. Start Simple: Begin with basic, flat bases to get a feel for the printing process and how the bases look and feel.
2. Explore Variants: Once comfortable, try printing hollow bases or those with integrated slots or details.
3. Test Fit: Print a variety of sizes and test fit your miniatures to ensure compatibility.
4. Painting Practice: Use your initial prints as an opportunity to practice your base painting techniques.

Expanding Your OBS Experience

1. Join the Community: Engage with other OBS users on social media platforms and forums to share ideas and get inspired.
2. Provide Feedback: OBS thrives on user feedback. Don't hesitate to share your experiences and suggestions for improvement.
3. Explore Expansions: As you become more comfortable with the core system, consider exploring OBS expansion modules to enhance your basing options.

Remember, getting started with OBS is just the beginning of an exciting journey in miniature basing. With its vast array of options and supportive community, OBS offers endless possibilities for creativity and customization in your tabletop gaming hobby.

As the tabletop gaming industry continues to evolve, the Open Basing System is poised to grow and adapt alongside it. While we don't disclose specific future plans, we can discuss the general direction and potential impact of OBS on the miniature gaming landscape.

Adapting to Emerging Technologies

The world of 3D printing is rapidly advancing, and OBS is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments. As new printing technologies emerge and become more accessible to hobbyists, OBS will continue to optimize its designs to take advantage of these advancements. This may include:

1. Higher resolution designs for more detailed bases
2. Exploration of multi-material printing for integrated texture and details
3. Adaptation to faster printing methods as they become available

Responding to Gaming Trends

The tabletop gaming industry is dynamic, with new games and systems constantly emerging. OBS aims to remain responsive to these changes by:

1. Quickly developing bases for new game systems as they gain popularity
2. Adapting to shifts in preferred base sizes or shapes within existing game systems
3. Creating innovative base designs that complement emerging gameplay mechanics

Expanding Compatibility

While OBS already offers a wide range of compatible designs, the future will likely see even greater emphasis on universal compatibility. This could include:

1. Developing more conversion options to allow easy switching between different game systems
2. Creating bases that integrate seamlessly with a wider range of terrain and gaming mat styles
3. Exploring compatibility with digital tabletop platforms for virtual gaming experiences

Community-Driven Innovation

The open nature of OBS means that its future is intrinsically tied to its community. As the user base grows and diversifies, we can expect to see:

1. More community-suggested designs being incorporated into the core system
2. Increased collaboration between OBS and independent game designers
3. The potential for community-led expansions or specialized modules

Long-term Impact on the Industry

As OBS continues to grow and evolve, it has the potential to significantly impact the wider tabletop gaming industry:

1. Encouraging more open and standardized approaches to miniature basing across different game systems
2. Potentially influencing how miniature manufacturers design their models to be compatible with a wider range of base options
3. Fostering a more interconnected and collaborative hobbyist community

While the specific future developments of OBS remain to be seen, one thing is certain: the system will continue to prioritize flexibility, user-centric design, and community engagement. By doing so, OBS aims to remain an invaluable resource for tabletop gamers, helping to shape the future of miniature basing for years to come.

As we've explored throughout this article, the Open Basing System (OBS) offers a revolutionary approach to miniature basing in the tabletop gaming world. Let's recap the key reasons why OBS stands out as the premier choice for hobbyists, gamers, and small businesses alike:

Unparalleled Versatility

OBS provides an extensive range of base shapes and sizes, catering to virtually every tabletop game system and miniature scale. From standard rounds and squares to more specialized shapes like triangles and ovals, OBS ensures you'll always have the right base for your needs.

Cost-Effective Solution

With its affordable pricing structure and 3D printable files, OBS offers significant cost savings compared to traditional physical bases. This makes it an attractive option for both casual hobbyists and those managing larger armies.

Customizable Miniature Bases

The open nature of the system encourages creativity and personalization. Whether you're looking to create unique display pieces or tailor your bases to a specific game setting, OBS provides the flexibility to bring your vision to life.

Community-Driven Development

OBS thrives on user feedback and contributions, ensuring that the system continually evolves to meet the changing needs of the gaming community. This collaborative approach keeps OBS at the forefront of miniature basing innovation.

Future-Proof Investment

As a constantly updating and expanding system, OBS offers long-term value. Your initial investment continues to grow as new designs and features are added, keeping your basing options fresh and relevant.

Compatibility and Integration

OBS is designed with compatibility in mind, not just within its own ecosystem of bases and accessories, but also with a wide range of miniatures and game systems. This universal approach simplifies your hobby experience and opens up new possibilities for army building and display.

Support for Businesses

For small businesses and entrepreneurs in the tabletop gaming space, OBS provides a platform to offer a diverse range of basing options without the need for significant upfront investment in manufacturing.

Quality and Reliability

Each OBS design is professionally crafted and thoroughly tested, ensuring high-quality results whether you're printing at home or through a professional service.

By choosing OBS, you're not just selecting a basing system; you're joining a dynamic community and embracing a flexible, forward-thinking approach to miniature basing. Whether you're a veteran wargamer, a newcomer to the hobby, or a business owner looking to expand your product line, OBS offers the tools, flexibility, and support to elevate your miniature basing experience.

As the tabletop gaming hobby continues to evolve, OBS stands ready to adapt and grow, ensuring that your basing needs are met both now and in the future. With its combination of versatility, affordability, and community-driven development, the Open Basing System truly represents the future of miniature basing.