Buying GuideHeroClixMiniaturesStorage

HeroClix Collection Storage: Protecting Painted Figures and Click Dials

HeroClix figures are unlike most other collectible minis, since every piece is really two parts working together: a painted sculpt and a rotating click dial base that tracks stats during play.

That combination creates two separate storage problems most generic miniature storage advice doesn't fully address.

Here's how to protect both the sculpt and the dial mechanism as a HeroClix collection grows from a starter set into hundreds of pieces.

Why Click Dials Need Their Own Consideration

The click dial base is a mechanical part, not just a stand, and it can jam or crack if stored under pressure from stacked boxes or tight bins.

Dials are also more prone to sticking after long storage in humid conditions, since the plastic ring can swell slightly against the base.

Keeping dials in a stable, moderate environment matters more for HeroClix than for static figures with no moving parts.

Protecting Painted Sculpts From Chipping

Factory paint on HeroClix figures is thin compared to a hand-painted miniature, and it chips easily if pieces rub against each other in a bag or drawer.

Foam-cut storage that holds each figure in its own slot prevents this kind of contact damage far better than loose bins.

Figures with raised weapons or capes are especially vulnerable, since those thin details take the brunt of any jostling.

Foam Trays vs. Open Bins for a Growing Collection

A customizable foam tray case lets each figure sit in its own carved slot, which is the safest option for painted pieces and delicate poses.

Open bins are faster to load but rely entirely on padding between pieces, which tends to shift during transport.

Collectors who play regularly tend to prefer foam trays specifically because they double as an organized loadout for game night.

Organizing by Set, Team, or Rarity

Some collectors sort by set release, which keeps a chronological record of the game's history but scatters team-based armies across multiple boxes.

Sorting by team or faction instead makes assembling a themed force for a match much faster.

A hybrid approach, foam trays labeled by team with rarity noted on each slot, tends to work best for collectors who both play and display.

Transporting HeroClix to Game Night

A carry case with a locking or magnetic-tray design keeps figures secure during the trip to a store or a friend's table.

Loose figures rattling around in a backpack pocket is one of the most common causes of chipped paint reported by regular players.

Choosing a case with a handle built for regular transport, not just home storage, pays off quickly for anyone playing weekly.

Storing Rare and Chase Figures Separately

Limited-edition and convention-exclusive HeroClix figures are worth pulling out of the general rotation case and storing individually.

A dedicated slot or small display case for these pieces reduces the handling they get during regular game setup and teardown.

Building a Case for Both Play and Display

Many HeroClix collectors want a setup that works for both weekly games and casual display between sessions.

A tiered foam case with removable trays lets a collector pull an army for game night while keeping the rest displayed at home.

This dual-purpose approach avoids owning two separate storage systems for essentially the same collection.

Cleaning and Maintaining Older Figures

Dust buildup on older HeroClix figures is common in open storage, and a soft brush handles most of it without risking the paint.

Avoid liquid cleaners on painted sculpts, since factory paint can react poorly to solvents even in small amounts.

A quick dusting pass every few months keeps a display-ready collection looking sharp with minimal effort.

Labeling a Large HeroClix Collection

Small printed labels inside each foam slot make it easy to spot a specific figure at a glance without digging through the whole case.

This habit pays off most for collectors with hundreds of pieces spanning many different sets and teams.

Common Mistakes

  • Stacking loose figures in a drawer without any padding between pieces.
  • Storing click dials in high-humidity spaces like a garage or basement.
  • Mixing rare chase figures into the general playing rotation case.
  • Using a bag without individual slots for transport to game night.

Starting a HeroClix Storage System From Scratch

New players building a collection from a starter set can begin with a small foam case and expand as sets accumulate.

Buying storage slightly ahead of current needs, rather than exactly matching today's collection size, avoids an early upgrade.

This approach keeps the whole system consistent as a first small collection grows into a serious one over a year or two of regular play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do HeroClix click dials need special storage?

Yes, stable humidity and low pressure help prevent sticking dials.

Is foam tray storage better than open bins?

Yes, individual slots prevent paint-chipping contact between figures.

Should rare HeroClix figures be stored separately?

Yes, keeping them out of regular play rotation reduces handling wear.

What causes most HeroClix paint damage?

Loose figures rubbing together during storage or transport.

Build a Storage System That Travels With You

Keep your figures organized with EVORETRO's customizable foam storage case.

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