Quick answer
A line laser pointer projects a straight red beam across your tabletop, letting you instantly check line of sight (LOS) and measure straight distances without guesswork or ruler slips.
Why a line laser beats a tape measure for LOS
Tape measures and rulers can bend or shift, especially over terrain. A line laser gives a rigid straight line from base to base, removing the ambiguity of whether a model's shoulder or gun barrel blocks the shot. It also speeds up pre-measurement in games that allow it, like Warhammer 40k or Star Wars Legion.
Limitations to keep in mind
Line lasers work best on flat or gently sloped tables. Dense forests, tall ruins, or multi-level boards can break the beam. Also, the red dot may be hard to see under bright overhead lighting. A quick dimming of room lights or using a laser with a higher mW rating helps, but check your local regulations on laser power.
How to use a line laser pointer in your wargame
- 1. Place the laser on the firing model's base edge: Hold the laser so its tip touches the front edge of the attacker's base. Aim the beam toward the target model's base. Keep the laser level and steady. If the beam hits the target's base or any part of the model, LOS is clear. If it hits terrain first, LOS is blocked.
- 2. Check for partial obstructions: Slowly sweep the beam side to side along the attacker's base edge. If the beam is blocked at some angles but clear at others, you may have partial cover. Many games apply a cover save in that case. Don't assume a single point check is enough—sweep to confirm the full firing arc.
- 3. Use the beam for straight-line measurement: When measuring movement or weapon range, place the laser on the starting point and read the distance along the beam to the target. The straight line eliminates the chance of a curved tape measure. For very long ranges (over 36 inches), mark the beam's endpoint with a token before measuring to avoid losing the spot.
- 4. Store and carry the laser safely: Clip the laser to your bag or case using the key-chain attachment. Always turn it off when not in use to preserve battery life and avoid accidental beams in opponents' eyes. Check the battery before each game session—a dim beam is harder to see and less accurate.
Product used in this guide
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FLG Line Laser Pointer: The FLG Line Laser Pointer features a key-chain attachment and projects a straight beam red laser light, designed for tabletop games like Warhammer, Star Wars, Pathfinder, or any board game with LOS rules. Its compact size and clip mean you can attach it to your carrying case or backpack, so it's always ready when a LOS dispute comes up.
FLG Line Laser Pointer
