Everything You Need to Know About RPG Dice
Dice are the heart of tabletop roleplaying games. Whether you're rolling for initiative in D&D, making skill checks in Pathfinder, or determining fate in any RPG, quality dice make every moment more exciting. But with so many options—metal, stone, resin, acrylic—how do you choose? This comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect dice for your gaming style.
Understanding Polyhedral Dice
The Standard 7-Piece Set
Most RPGs use a standard set of seven polyhedral dice:
- d4 (four-sided): Often used for small damage or minor effects
- d6 (six-sided): The classic cube, used for many game mechanics
- d8 (eight-sided): Medium damage and various checks
- d10 (ten-sided): Percentile rolls and specific mechanics
- d12 (twelve-sided): Large damage dice
- d20 (twenty-sided): The iconic RPG die for most rolls
- d100 (percentile): Usually a second d10 marked 00-90
Browse our complete dice collection to see all available sets.
Specialty & Unusual Dice
Some games require unusual dice:
- Dungeon Crawl Classics: d3, d5, d7, d14, d16, d24, d30 - Check out our DCC Special 7 Rainbow set
- Star Wars RPG: Custom symbol dice - See our Star Wars RPG Dice Pack
- Fudge/Fate: d6 with +, -, and blank faces
Dice Materials: Pros & Cons
Acrylic & Resin Dice
Best for: Budget-conscious players, variety seekers, everyday gaming
Pros:
- Most affordable option ($5-15 per set)
- Huge variety of colors and styles
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable for regular use
- Available in translucent, opaque, glitter, and swirl patterns
Cons:
- Less premium feel than metal or stone
- Can chip or scratch over time
- Lighter weight may feel less satisfying
Popular Styles: Shattered glass effect like our Wendigo Shattered Glass set, galaxy swirls, glitter inclusions, layered colors
Metal Dice
Best for: Players who want premium quality and satisfying weight
Pros:
- Substantial, satisfying weight and sound
- Premium feel and appearance
- Extremely durable
- Beautiful finishes (antique, polished, plated)
- Make a statement at the gaming table
Cons:
- More expensive ($25-60+ per set)
- Can damage tables and other dice (use a dice tray!)
- Heavier to transport
- May dent if dropped on hard surfaces
Materials: Zinc alloy, aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel
Stone & Gemstone Dice
Best for: Collectors, special occasions, luxury gaming
Pros:
- Genuine semi-precious stones
- Each set is unique with natural patterns
- Luxurious feel and appearance
- Collectible and display-worthy
- Substantial weight
Cons:
- Most expensive option ($50-150+ per set)
- Can chip or crack if dropped
- Require careful handling and storage
- Natural variations mean no two sets match exactly
Popular Stones: Blood jasper with Celtic dragon design, obsidian, amethyst, tiger's eye, jade, opalite
Wood Dice
Best for: Natural aesthetic, druids and rangers, eco-conscious gamers
Pros:
- Unique natural grain patterns
- Warm, organic feel
- Lighter than metal or stone
- Eco-friendly option
Cons:
- Can wear or dent over time
- May not roll as true as other materials
- Limited availability
Dice Styles & Aesthetics
Sharp-Edged vs Rounded
Sharp-Edged (Precision):
- More accurate, balanced rolls
- Premium appearance
- Popular with serious gamers
- Can be harder on surfaces
Rounded (Tumbled):
- Gentler on tables and dice trays
- More forgiving if dropped
- Traditional feel
- Slightly less precise rolls
Color & Theme Matching
Match your dice to your character:
- Wizards: Purple, blue, or mystical galaxy patterns
- Rogues: Black, dark purple, or shadowy designs
- Paladins: Gold, silver, or white with metallic accents
- Druids: Green, brown, wood, or natural stone
- Warlocks: Dark colors with red or purple accents
How Many Dice Do You Need?
Minimum: One 7-Piece Set
Enough to play any RPG, though you'll share or re-roll for multiple dice.
Recommended: 2-3 Sets
Allows for multiple damage dice without re-rolling. Different colors for different purposes.
Enthusiast: 5+ Sets
Different sets for different characters, backup dice, and collection building.
Collector: Sky's the Limit!
Many gamers have dozens of sets. It's called "dice goblin syndrome" for a reason!
Dice Accessories You Need
Dice Trays
Protect your table and contain rolls. Essential for metal and stone dice! Browse our dice towers, jails, and boxes.
Dice Bags
Store and transport your collection. Check our dice bags collection with leather, velvet, or themed designs.
Dice Towers
Ensure random rolls and add flair to your gaming setup.
Dice Jails
Punish dice that roll poorly! (Mostly for fun, but some swear by it.)
Buying Tips & Recommendations
For Your First Set:
Start with quality acrylic dice ($8-15). Choose colors you love—you'll use these for years!
For Upgrading:
Try metal dice for your main character. The weight and sound are incredibly satisfying.
For Collecting:
Explore stone dice and limited editions. Each set tells a story!
For Gifts:
Metal or stone dice make impressive presents. Include a dice tray for complete package!
Dice Care & Maintenance
Storage:
- Keep sets separated to prevent scratching
- Use soft dice bags or compartmented boxes
- Store stone dice individually or with padding
Cleaning:
- Acrylic/Resin: Mild soap and water, soft cloth
- Metal: Gentle polish for tarnish, avoid abrasives
- Stone: Dry cloth only, avoid water on porous stones
Rolling:
- Always use a dice tray for metal and stone dice
- Avoid hard surfaces that can damage dice or tables
- Roll gently—dice don't need to be thrown hard!
Popular Dice Collections at Open Gaming Store
Budget-Friendly ($5-15):
- Standard acrylic sets in dozens of colors
- Translucent and opaque options
- Perfect for starting or expanding collections
Premium ($20-50):
- Metal dice sets in various finishes
- Specialty resin with unique effects
- DCC unusual dice sets
Luxury ($50+):
- Genuine gemstone dice like Celtic Dragon Blood Jasper
- Limited edition metal sets
- Collector's editions with display cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are expensive dice worth it?
A: If you game regularly, premium dice enhance the experience. Start with one quality set for your main character!
Q: Do metal dice roll fairly?
A: Yes! Quality metal dice are well-balanced. The weight actually helps with random rolls.
Q: Can I use any dice for any game?
A: Standard 7-piece sets work for D&D, Pathfinder, and most RPGs. Some games need specialty dice.
Q: How do I know if dice are balanced?
A: Quality manufacturers test for balance. The float test (salt water) can check, but isn't perfect.
Start Your Dice Collection Today!
Whether you're buying your first set or adding to an extensive collection, the perfect dice are waiting for you. Browse our collections:
Need help choosing? Contact us—we're dice enthusiasts too and happy to help you find the perfect set!