Gaslands on Petroland: Set Up a Compatible Play Mat

By Mats by Mars - Print-On-Demand Wargaming and Role | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: Anleitungen

Set up the Petroland mat for Gaslands with a clear step-by-step process, from size and overlay choices to terrain placement and post-game care.

Quick answer

Use the Petroland mat as the fixed racing surface for Gaslands: pick the size that fits your table, decide whether the overlay helps your track layout, then place terrain and gates around the printed roads rather than over them.

Why the printed surface changes your setup order

Most wargaming mats are neutral ground you dress with terrain. Petroland already shows a racing environment, so your job is to work with what is printed instead of covering it. Lay the mat first, then build terrain and gates around the visible roads and features.

This order matters because moving terrain after the mat is fixed often means lifting the mat and losing your alignment. Decide the table orientation and the direction of play before anything else goes down.

Size and overlay: the two choices that affect play

The Petroland mat is offered with Size and Overlay options. Size determines whether the full track fits your table and how much room remains for vehicle templates and dice. Overlay is a layout decision: check how it interacts with the printed design before you commit, because an overlay that fights the printed roads makes the track harder to read.

There is no single correct combination. A larger surface gives more racing room but needs a bigger table; a tighter surface keeps the action close but leaves less space for off-track terrain.

Step-by-step Petroland setup for Gaslands

Clear and measure the table: Remove everything from the table and measure the usable length and width. Compare that to the Size options before ordering or unrolling, leaving room for vehicle templates, dice and a starting area. If the mat leaves no margin for templates, go down a size or move the game to a larger table.
Choose the overlay with the printed roads in mind: Look at the Petroland design and decide whether the Overlay option adds useful track structure or obscures the printed layout. Pick the overlay that keeps the racing line readable at a glance. A busy overlay on a busy printed surface is the most common readability mistake.
Unroll and flatten the mat: Lay the mat printed side up and let it settle before placing anything on it. If it was stored rolled, give it time to flatten or weight the corners lightly rather than forcing it flat. Never crease or fold the mat to speed flattening; roll it instead.
Fix the direction of play: Decide which edge is the start line and which way vehicles travel. Mark this with gates or tokens at the edges, not across the middle of the printed track. Agree the direction with your opponent before placing terrain so neither player repositions mid-game.
Place terrain around, not on, the racing line: Put Petroland-appropriate scatter and obstacles at the track edges and in open areas, keeping the printed roads clear for movement. Use terrain to create hazards and shortcuts rather than to block the design. Leave at least one clear lane through every printed road section.
Set gates and checkpoints on stable ground: Place gates on flat parts of the mat and keep them light so they do not scratch the print. Check that each gate is reachable from the previous one without crossing terrain. Walk the route once with a vehicle template before the first turn.
Roll up and store after play: Shake off loose debris, then roll the mat printed side out and store it away from heat and heavy objects. Keep drinks and sharp tools off the surface during play. Store rolled, not folded, to protect the printed design between sessions.

Product facts

Mats by Mars: Petroland - Gaslands Compatible Play Mat: The Petroland mat is a Gaslands-compatible racing design with Size and Overlay options and a scratch-resistant printed surface. You can match the mat to your table and track plan, and the printed surface is built to survive regular play without delicate handling.
Mats by Mars: Petroland - Gaslands Compatible Play Mat