Last week we discussed alternative miniatures. Now, let's talk about alternative terrain. It's not as controversial question as papercraft models, since not all the official manufacturers make terrain. So, often it's not a cheap and phony alternative to the existing model - it's the only way to build terrain for your wargame.
For example - paper terrain from these photos. The most obvious drawback - it's fragile. It's not likely to bear any trips and replacement. Again - there's always a risk to smash paper buildings while absorbedly playing.
From the other hand - it looks really elegant and has a lot of small details. Well, also it's OK to use unpainted - if the drawing is on the same level as on these photos - it can create a special atmosphere.
Another advantage is cost. It's available for everyone - no matter if you play at home or in your gaming club.
If you can't rely on the paper - you can try thick carton. Such models are much more solid and not likely to be broken by the random dice roll. However, it's still not very good for transportation.
Details are still perfect, but sometimes you have to pay for easy construction - some connectors stick out and can spoil the whole impression.
Such terrain usually comes pre-painted, so it brings a great atmosphere and can create a solid game space quick, easy and cheap.
Such fairy-medieval houses might not fit the brutal Warhammer 40k or futuristic Infinity. However, they are great for Age of SIgmar and especially for Malifaux, since skirmish wargames have their own table-building criteria.
And such creations are great for Infinity. They can be made either of the same carton or of plastic sheets. Of course, plastic is more expensive, but it brings more complicated structures and variety to rebuild your terrain.
Such multi-level table will make your game unforgettable. BTW, why not to use it for Zone Mortalis from Warhammer40K?
Now - the most durable and the most popular type - laser-cut terrain from MDF. The durability of this material lets you create constructions with any number of floors and mke them as big as you want.
Again - the whole city made in this style can look great even unpainted. But, it's better to paint it anyway.
As you can see, such constructions can really be complicated, are easy to assemble, re-build, and transport. They can even have mobile parts. However, they have a big drawback - insufficient details. Such terrain often lack small details, that's why it looks poor and rough.
With such buildings you can easily imitate official ruins or create something new. Durable floors make it perfect for Warhammer 40K.
And you can play skirmish even inside of such house. BTW, imagine, how it would look on the proper gaming mat...
It's also great for Zone Mortalis - it has all the advantages of plastic, but it's much cheaper.
So, there are plenty of terrain concepts. As you can see - there are some drawbacks in each one. But even the official plastic terrain from Games Workshop isn't perfect. So, the choice depends on your possibilities and needs.