How to Choose Dice for Tabletop RPGs: A Buyer's Guide

Quick answer

Buy one readable seven-piece polyhedral set first, then add a second set or loose d6s once you know what your table actually rolls. Prioritize contrast and size over finish; a $10 plastic set you can read across the table beats a heavier metal set that disappears under tavern lighting.

Readability beats finish every time

The fastest way to slow a session is a die nobody can read. Look for high contrast between the numbers and the base color, and check that the highest faces (d20, d12) use a font large enough to see from across the table. Dark numbers on dark resin, or thin etched numerals on a busy swirl, force players to pick up and squint.

Size matters too. Standard 16mm dice fit most hands, but if your group includes younger players or anyone with limited dexterity, slightly larger dice are easier to grab and read. If you play on a dark table or in a dim room, matte or lightly frosted finishes cut glare better than polished, mirror-like surfaces.

Metal vs plastic: weight, feel, and table damage

Metal dice feel substantial and land with a satisfying thud, which many players love. The trade-offs are real: they cost more, they are heavier to carry, and they can dent soft wood tables or chip paint if rolled directly on the surface. If you go metal, roll into a tray or on a mat.

Plastic and resin dice are lighter, cheaper, and easier to replace when one goes missing. They are the practical default for most groups, especially when you need multiple sets for loaner dice. Resin can be more brittle than standard acrylic, so avoid dropping resin sets on hard floors.

Neither material is objectively better; the decision comes down to how much you value feel versus portability and price.

How many dice do you actually need

One standard seven-piece set (d4, d6, d8, d10, d10 percentile, d12, d20) covers a single player for most sessions. But some classes and games roll handfuls of dice at once: sneak attack damage, fireball, or a great weapon fighter's damage dice can call for four to eight d6s in one roll.

A practical rule: start with one seven-piece set per player, then add a second set or a brick of d6s if your character regularly rolls multiple dice. Sharing one d20 around the table is the single biggest cause of slow turns. If you are the GM, keep a spare set behind the screen for NPCs and monsters.

Storage and table protection

Dice get lost, scratched, and mixed up. A compact deck box or dice bag keeps a set together and protects the finish. If you use metal dice, a padded tray or a playmat prevents dents and keeps rolls contained. Game mats also define a rolling area, which cuts down on dice flying off the table.

When you store dice, avoid tossing metal and plastic together loose in a bag; metal edges can scuff softer dice. A box with separate compartments or a cloth bag with individual slots solves this.

Decision rules for buying RPG dice

• If you are buying your first set: Choose a seven-piece plastic or acrylic set with high-contrast numbering in a standard 16mm size. Skip metal until you know you will use it regularly. One readable set is enough to start.
• If your character rolls multiple dice: Add a second set or a brick of d6s. Count your most common damage roll and buy enough dice to make it in one grab. Match dice count to your actual rolls, not to the prettiest set.
• If you play in dim light or on a dark table: Pick light numbers on a dark base or dark numbers on a light base, and favor matte finishes over polished ones to reduce glare. Contrast and finish matter more than the material.
• If you use metal dice: Budget for a tray or mat to protect the table and contain rolls. Metal dents soft wood and chips paint. Metal without a rolling surface is a table hazard.

Products that support dice play at the table

• Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Celestial Realms: Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Celestial Realms details the overlapping layers of the world beyond mortal perception, expanding the setting for games that use polyhedral dice. A setting book gives your dice rolls context and stakes, which is what keeps a campaign going after the first session.
• Arkham Horror: Game Mat - Blood Ward: Arkham Horror: Game Mat - Blood Ward is a 2mm thick, softly cushioned mat that protects cards and components from rough or dirty surfaces. A mat gives dice a consistent, slightly soft surface that reduces bounce and protects both dice and table edges.
• Bastion 50+ XL Black/Clear: Bastion 50+ XL Black/Clear is a compact deck box that holds up to 45 double-sleeved cards and also fits Mini Snap and Slide Card Cases as well as Cube Pockets. If you carry dice plus cards, a box that holds both keeps your bag organized and your dice from scattering.

Who should buy which dice

Best for

• New players who need one dependable, readable set
• Groups that share dice and want a few spare sets for loaners
• Players who roll multiple d6s and want to speed up their turn

Not for

• Collectors seeking rare or handcrafted dice as display pieces
• Players who need engraved, custom, or personalized dice
• Tables that only use digital dice rollers