Common Myths About Board Game Component Upgrades

Quick answer

Upgraded components are not just bling. They can improve handling, durability, and table presence, but only if they match how you play. Metal coins and acrylic tokens are worth it when you want better feel and easier pickup; they are not necessary if you prefer lighter boxes or lower costs.

You have probably heard that component upgrades are a waste of money, or that they magically make you a better player. Both claims miss the point. Upgrades change how a game feels in your hands, how quickly you can sort pieces, and how much you enjoy setup and teardown.

This article looks at common board game upgrade myths and gives you clear verdicts based on real product details, not hype. We will cover metal coins, acrylic tokens, and the broader question of whether deluxe components are worth it for your group.

Myth: Metal coins are only for show

Verdict: False. Metal coins add weight and a satisfying feel that cardboard cannot match. For example, Luthier Metal Coins replace cardboard coins in the Standard Edition of the game. The set includes 65 coins in three sizes (20mm, 25mm, and 30mm) and three colors (gold, silver, and bronze), all made of a zinc alloy. That variety helps you distinguish denominations by touch, which can speed up transactions during play.

The practical benefit is not about winning; it is about reducing fiddliness. Heavier coins are easier to pick up and slide across a table. They also resist the wear that can fray cardboard edges over many sessions. If you often play with people who have difficulty handling small cardboard pieces, metal coins can be a genuine accessibility upgrade.

• Check whether your game already includes metal coins before buying a set.
• Store metal coins in a small cloth bag or compartment to prevent scratches.

Myth: Acrylic tokens are just prettier cardboard

Verdict: Partly true, but they offer more than looks. Distilled Cocktails Acrylic Mixer Tokens are described as vibrant and tasty looking, and they go clickety-clack in your hands. They upgrade the basic cardboard tokens found in the Cocktails expansion. That click and weight make them easier to pick up and move without bending or peeling.

Acrylic tokens also hold their color and shape better than cardboard over time. However, they are not indestructible. They can scratch if stored loosely with metal pieces. The real upgrade is tactile: you can feel the difference when drawing from a bag or stacking them on a player board. If you play in low light or with players who prefer chunky pieces, acrylic tokens reduce fumbling.

• Keep acrylic tokens in a soft pouch or original insert to avoid scratches.
• Do not use acrylic tokens as coasters or leave them in direct sun.

Myth: Upgrades are only for collectors

Verdict: False. Upgrades serve players who value durability and ease of use. Distilled Metal Recipe Cubes replace wood cubes in the main game. The set includes 37 solid metal cubes in three buffed colors (9 gold, 14 silver, and 14 bronze), each about 10mm cubed and made from a solid zinc alloy. That weight makes them stay put on a player board and easy to pinch.

Even a small upgrade like the Distilled Metal First Player Token can matter. It is a solid metal token designed to sit atop your glencairn glass. That design makes the first-player marker harder to knock over and easier to spot across the table. These are not collector-only items; they solve small, everyday annoyances.

• Prioritize upgrades for pieces you handle most often during a game.
• If you often play on a table with a slight tilt, heavier pieces stay in place.

Myth: Deluxe components always improve the game

Verdict: False. Upgrades only improve your experience if they fit your habits. Metal coins and tokens add weight, which is great for feel but can make a game box heavier to carry. Acrylic tokens are thicker than cardboard and may not fit in a tight insert. If you value portability or have limited storage, these tradeoffs matter.

Also, some upgrades duplicate what you already own. Luthier Metal Coins come with the Luthier Deluxe Edition, so buying them separately would be redundant. Before you buy, check what is in your box. The best upgrade is the one that replaces a piece you actually dislike using, not the one that looks best in photos.

• Check your game edition to avoid buying duplicates.
• Measure your box insert if you plan to store upgraded components.

Myth verdicts at a glance

• Metal coins are only for show: They add weight, make pickup easier, and resist wear compared to cardboard. Worth it if you handle coins often or want better accessibility.
• Acrylic tokens are just prettier cardboard: They offer a tactile click, easier handling, and better durability, but can scratch if stored poorly. Worth it if you dislike flimsy cardboard and will store them carefully.
• Upgrades are only for collectors: Upgrades solve practical issues like sliding pieces and hard-to-see markers. Worth it if a specific piece annoys you during play.
• Deluxe components always improve the game: They add weight and thickness, which can affect portability and storage. Some upgrades are already included in deluxe editions. Check your edition and storage space before buying.

Product facts that clarify the myths

• Luthier Metal Coins: A set of 65 custom metal coins in three sizes (20mm, 25mm, 30mm) and three colors (gold, silver, bronze), made of a zinc alloy. Note: a set of these coins already comes with Luthier Deluxe Edition. The size and color variety helps distinguish denominations by touch, but Deluxe Edition owners should not buy them again.
• Distilled Cocktails Acrylic Mixer Tokens: Vibrant acrylic tokens that upgrade the basic cardboard tokens in the Cocktails expansion. They go clickety-clack in your hands. They make tokens easier to pick up and more durable than cardboard, but they need careful storage to avoid scratches.
• Distilled Metal Recipe Cubes: 37 solid metal cubes in three buffed colors (9 gold, 14 silver, 14 bronze), roughly 10mm cubed, made from a solid zinc alloy. The weight keeps cubes from sliding on player boards and makes them easier to grip, which reduces fiddling during resource management.

Upgrades are tools, not magic. Match them to how you play, check what you already own, and ignore the myths that say they are either pointless or essential. When a metal coin or acrylic token makes your game smoother, it has earned its place on the table.