How to Use the Tales from the Loop Map in Your Campaign

By Modiphius US | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn practical ways to use the Tales from the Loop map in your campaign, from orienting players to creating mysteries. Includes tips for both Mälaren and Boulder City settings.

Quick Answer

Use the Tales from the Loop map as a shared visual anchor for your campaign, orienting players to locations and seeding mysteries that connect to the setting's iconic places.

Why the Map Matters for Your Campaign

The Tales from the Loop RPG map isn't just a pretty visual—it's a tool that helps players feel grounded in the world. By placing the map on the table (or sharing it digitally), you give players a tangible sense of place, making it easier for them to imagine their kids biking between locations and exploring the Loop's mysteries.

The map's design supports the game's theme of childhood adventure: it's large, colorful, and full of interesting details that can spark ideas for scenes and encounters. Whether you're running a mystery in the Swedish Mälaren Islands or an alternative US setting in Boulder City, the map helps you and your players stay on the same page about where things are happening.

Trade-offs: Physical vs. Digital Use

A physical map is great for in-person play: you can point to locations, mark them with tokens, and let players trace routes with their fingers. But it can be tricky to keep it clean and readable over multiple sessions. Using a digital version (like a PDF or image) lets you zoom in, hide spoilers, and update markers easily, but it requires a screen and may reduce the tactile feel.

Consider using the physical map for the initial reveal and then a digital copy for detailed exploration. This way, you get the best of both worlds without sacrificing clarity or immersion.

Steps to Use the Map Effectively

Introduce the Map Early: Show the map during your first session, letting players see the overall layout. Point out key locations like the Loop facility, residential areas, and the lake. This helps players imagine their characters' daily routes and gives them a mental model of the setting. Check that every player has had a chance to see the map clearly.
Mark Locations as They Discover Them: Use sticky notes, tokens, or digital markers to indicate places the players have visited or heard about. This creates a living record of the campaign and makes players feel their progress matters. Avoid marking secret locations prematurely—let them be discovered organically. Keep a list of unmarked locations to avoid accidentally revealing secrets.
Use the Map to Seed Mysteries: Choose a location on the map that you haven't explored yet and build a mystery around it. For example, an abandoned building near the shore might hide a secret entrance to the Loop. The map's details can inspire plot hooks: a strange symbol, an unusual landmark, or a route that seems to go nowhere. Ensure the mystery location is accessible and logically connected to the rest of the setting.
Let Players Plan Routes: Encourage players to plan their travel routes on the map, considering distance, time, and potential dangers. This adds a strategic layer to the game and makes the world feel more real. Remind them that the Loop's influence can affect certain areas, making some routes riskier than others. Check that players understand the relative distances and travel times.
Switch Sides for a New Campaign: If you're starting a new group or a fresh campaign, flip the map to the other side to introduce a different setting. This is a great way to reuse the same product and keep the game fresh. Explain the differences between Mälaren and Boulder City to set expectations. Make sure players know which side you're using and why.

Map Details

Tales from the Loop RPG Map: The map measures 538 x 395mm and features the Mälaren Islands on one side and a Boulder City, Nevada setting on the other. This dual-sided design lets you run campaigns in either the core Swedish setting or the US alternative, giving you flexibility without needing a second map.
Tales from the Loop RPG Map