So im thinking of creating 4 different playing mats, ones with small planets and moons on. i think they will be cool and fun to play on, now here is my Q, Will they be able to be played on in tournaments, or can only flat areas with the pre-made asteroids be used? Does anyone know this?

In tournaments, it should be fine as long as it is 3'x3'.  Asteroids are placed during setup of the game by the players.  So I think in tournaments its probably best to use the asteroids from the game that can be put in different places at the beginning of each game.  I have seen that some people are making 3D asteroids.  Unfortunately, this wouldn't work in tournaments because ship bases need to be able to overlap the asteroids.  But I love the idea of mats that make you feel like you're in space.  Just my 2 credits.

Roy

 I saw a batrep here or on BGG where someone had a 3D roid with the cardboard one under it.  That way you have the 3D, but can move it and leave the flat one for base overlap

 Interesting. Such a simple, elegant solution I never would have thought of it…

I agree.  Its a perfect solution!

Roy

 Not my solution, so I can't take any credit.

Here's the battle report.  Worth a look, since it's 42 ships, 800 total points.  Some other useful tips in it, like tracking pilots on a whiteboard

frogimus said:

that was awesome… makes me want to create 3d scenarios… i'm so blaming you guys when my wife yells at me…