Prusa Research, the Czech company best known for its popular line of 3D printers, is venturing into new territory with the launch of its first-ever tabletop board game: Crash Derby. Designed to be entirely 3D printable, this game combines the creativity of 3D printing with the excitement of competitive tabletop gameplay.
3D Printable Board Game: What is Crash Derby?
Crash Derby is a modular, turn-based board game where players control customizable vehicles in a chaotic demolition derby-style arena. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players and features a variety of 3D printable components, including cars, obstacles, and modular track tiles. All parts are available as downloadable STL files, allowing users to print the entire game at home using their own 3D printers.
The game’s objective is simple: outmaneuver and outlast your opponents by crashing into them, pushing them into hazards, or using special abilities. The modular board design means that each game can be different, with players able to rearrange tiles to create new arenas and challenges.
Designed for Makers and Hobbyists
Prusa’s entry into tabletop gaming is a natural extension of its maker-focused philosophy. Crash Derby is not just a game—it’s a project. Players are encouraged to print, paint, and even modify the game pieces to suit their preferences. The STL files are open and customizable, aligning with the open-source ethos that Prusa is known for.
According to Prusa, the game was developed in-house by a team of designers and engineers who are passionate about both 3D printing and board games. The result is a product that not only showcases the capabilities of desktop 3D printing but also offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.
Gameplay Mechanics and Customization
Each player starts with a vehicle that can be upgraded with different parts, such as bumpers, spoilers, and wheels—all of which are 3D printed. These upgrades affect the vehicle’s performance in the game, adding a layer of strategy to the otherwise chaotic gameplay. Players take turns moving their vehicles, using action points to steer, accelerate, or activate special abilities.
Hazards like oil slicks, ramps, and barriers add unpredictability to the game, while power-ups and bonuses keep the action dynamic. The modular board system allows for endless replayability, as players can rearrange the tiles or even design their own using the provided templates.
How to Get Crash Derby
Prusa has made the Crash Derby files available for free on Printables.com, the company’s own 3D model sharing platform. Users can download the STL files, print them on any FDM 3D printer (though naturally optimized for Prusa machines), and assemble the game at home. The company also provides a detailed rulebook and assembly instructions to help users get started.
For those who want to dive deeper, Prusa encourages community involvement. Users can share their own custom car designs, new board tiles, or even house rules on Printables.com, fostering a collaborative ecosystem around the game.
Why This Matters for the 3D Printing Community
With Crash Derby, Prusa is demonstrating how 3D printing can go beyond prototyping and into the realm of consumer entertainment. This project highlights the potential of additive manufacturing to create fully realized, interactive products that are both functional and fun. It also serves as a great entry point for newcomers to 3D printing, offering a tangible and rewarding project that showcases the technology’s capabilities.
Moreover, it reflects a growing trend in the 3D printing world: the fusion of digital fabrication with DIY culture and gaming. As desktop 3D printers become more accessible, projects like Crash Derby show how users can leverage their machines for more than just parts and prototypes—they can create entire experiences.
Source: All3DP
