Two dry mats, two different toolkits

Shattered Soil and Parched Earth both give you cracked, arid ground for your tabletop. But they are built for different jobs. Shattered Soil is a general-purpose wargaming mat with a wide range of sizes and optional overlays. Parched Earth is a dedicated fantasy football pitch with orientation and game-mode choices. Your first decision is whether you need a flexible battlefield or a ready-made pitch.

What each mat offers

  • Mats by Mars: Shattered Soil Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat: Shattered Soil is available in sizes from 22"x30" up to 48"x72", with overlay options including Blank, RPG Grid, 1" Hex, 3" Grid, 3" Hex, and Bushido. If you play multiple game systems or want a mat that adapts to different rule sets, these size and overlay choices let you match the mat to your table and game.

    Mats by Mars: Shattered Soil Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat

    Mats by Mars: Shattered Soil Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat

  • Mats by Mars: Parched Earth Fantasy Football Play Mat / Pitch: Parched Earth comes in Lateral or Endzone alignment and BB 11s, BB 7s, or Dual Pitch game modes. These options are specific to fantasy football. They let you choose a pitch orientation and a rules format without needing a separate overlay.

    Mats by Mars: Parched Earth Fantasy Football Play Mat / Pitch

    Mats by Mars: Parched Earth Fantasy Football Play Mat / Pitch

When Shattered Soil is the better fit

Choose Shattered Soil if you want one mat for several games. The range of sizes covers small skirmish tables up to large 48"x72" battlefields. The overlay options add measurement guides for RPGs, hex-based games, or grid-based skirmishes. The mat is described as wet-erase compatible, easy to clean, and waterproof, so you can mark it during play and wipe it down afterward. It is also cut to exact dimensions for home and tournament play, and the material is designed not to stretch or shrink over time.

When Parched Earth is the better fit

Choose Parched Earth if you mainly play fantasy football and want a pitch that looks and feels like a stadium. The lateral and endzone alignments match different league preferences, and the BB 11s, BB 7s, and Dual Pitch options let you pick the format you play most. The mat is made from heavy-weight matte banner material with a slight texture that helps keep models from sliding, and it is anti-curl so it lays flat and rolls up for storage. It is also wet-erase compatible, easy to clean, and waterproof.

Size, overlays, and pitch format at a glance

  • Shattered Soil: Sizes from 22"x30" to 48"x72"; overlays include Blank, RPG Grid, 1" Hex, 3" Grid, 3" Hex, and Bushido. Best for varied wargaming and RPG tables.
  • Parched Earth: Pitch alignments: Lateral or Endzone. Game modes: BB 11s, BB 7s, or Dual Pitch. Best for fantasy football leagues.

Price and value

At catalog prices, Shattered Soil starts at USD 13.31 (compared to USD 18.75), while Parched Earth starts at USD 16.45 (compared to USD 23.50). If you need a single mat for multiple games, Shattered Soil gives you more configuration options for less. If you want a dedicated pitch with fantasy football-specific markings, Parched Earth is the more specialized choice.

Shared durability and care

What the listings don't tell you

The supplied information does not include specific cleaning instructions, drying times, or storage recommendations beyond the general care notes. It also does not confirm whether the mats are compatible with specific markers or paints. If you need precise care steps, check the product pages or contact the store before purchasing. Neither listing states a warranty or lifespan, so treat the durability claims as general guidance rather than a guarantee.