Quick Answer

If you play Glory and Empire First Victories regularly and want a map that resists wear and lies flat, the premium canvas map is a worthwhile upgrade. If you're on a tight budget or play only occasionally, the standard map that ships with the game is perfectly fine.

Why the Map Material Matters

The map is the most-used component in any wargame. It gets folded, rolled, leaned on, and occasionally spilled on. The standard paper map is functional but shows creases and wear over time, especially at fold lines. The premium canvas map is designed to handle that abuse without showing permanent damage.

Canvas also changes the tactile experience. It has a slight texture that keeps counters from sliding as easily as they do on glossy paper, which can reduce accidental shifts during a tense turn. The trade-off is that canvas maps are heavier and cost more, so you need to decide if those benefits justify the price.

Durability and Maintenance

Standard paper maps are prone to creasing and tearing at the folds, and spills can ruin them permanently. The premium canvas map, on the other hand, is tear-resistant and water-resistant. If a drink gets knocked over, you can wipe the canvas clean without worrying about staining or warping.

Canvas also handles storage better. You can roll it up between sessions and it will come out without a crease anywhere. Paper maps often need to be stored flat or folded carefully to avoid permanent creases that can obscure the artwork and make it harder to read the terrain.

Cost and Value

The premium canvas map costs USD 57.59, compared to the standard map that comes with the game. That's a significant add-on, but if you play the game often, the canvas map can outlast multiple paper replacements. If you're a casual player who only brings the game out occasionally, the standard map may be all you need.

Consider how much you value the visual and tactile experience. Canvas maps have a more premium feel and can make the game more immersive. But if you're happy with the standard map and prefer to spend your budget on expansions or other games, sticking with the included map is a sensible choice.

Canvas vs Standard: Trade-offs at a Glance

  • Durability: Canvas is tear-resistant and water-resistant, so it withstands spills and rough handling. Standard paper is prone to creasing and tearing. If you play in a busy environment or with drinks nearby, canvas is the safer choice.
  • Storage and Creases: Canvas rolls up and comes out crease-free. Standard paper must be stored flat or folded carefully to avoid permanent creases. If you have limited table space and need to pack the game away between sessions, canvas simplifies storage.
  • Cost: Canvas costs USD 57.59 extra. Standard paper is included with the game, so no additional cost. If budget is tight, the standard map is adequate; if you play often, the canvas pays off over time.

Product Facts

  • Glory and Empire - First Victories Premium Canvas Maps: The Glory and Empire - First Victories Premium Canvas Maps are printed on a canvas paper that is tear resistant, water resistant, and wipes clean. This means the canvas map can survive spills and rough handling that would ruin a standard paper map, making it a durable investment for frequent players.

    Glory and Empire - First Victories Premium Canvas Maps

    Glory and Empire - First Victories Premium Canvas Maps

  • Glory and Empire - First Victories Premium Canvas Maps: The canvas maps roll up between sessions and come out without a crease anywhere. You can store the map rolled instead of folded, avoiding permanent creases that can obscure terrain details and detract from the game experience.

  • Glory and Empire - First Victories Premium Canvas Maps: These canvas maps are an accessory that replaces the game maps included in the board game edition. You are not buying a new game; you're upgrading an existing component, so the cost is purely for the improved map experience.

Which Map Should You Choose?

Best for

  • Frequent players who want a map that lasts and resists wear
  • Players who value a premium feel and want to avoid creases

Not for

  • Casual players who rarely play and are happy with the included map
  • Budget-conscious buyers who prefer to spend on expansions or other games