At the heart of Dungeons & Dragons lies a set of polyhedral dice that guide the fates of characters, shape epic quests, and create unforgettable moments. But with a plethora of dice sets available, each boasting unique colours, materials, and designs, how do you choose the perfect set for your adventures?
In this guide, we'll delve into the things you should consider when purchasing D&D dice, ensuring that the dice you select not only complement your character but also enhance your overall gaming experience.
What makes a good set of dice?
A good set of D&D dice encompasses several crucial factors that can significantly enhance your gaming experience. These factors include: the material of the dice, the colours, the quality, the readability of the numbers, the size of the dice, the theme they represent, and the consideration of your budget.
Things to consider when buying your next dice set
When embarking on the journey to purchase your next set dice, there are several factors that can significantly influence your gaming experience. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Material
The choice of material for your dice is an essential decision. Metal dice are known for their durability and satisfying heft, offering a tactile satisfaction and a resonant jingle when rolled. On the other hand, glass dice are prized for their captivating aesthetics, often coming in various colours and designs.
There are lots of different dice available, so we’ve made a handy guide explaining what materials D&D dice are made of, so you can learn the difference between resin, acrylic, metal, and other types of dice. Seeing as plastic and metal dice are the most commonly-purchased dice, we’ve also written a guide explaining the differences between metal and plastic dice.
Colour
The colour of your dice can reflect your character's personality or theme, adding a unique touch to your tabletop adventures. Consider whether you prefer bold, eye-catching hues, subtle and understated colours, or even translucent dice that catch the light in different ways or have things within them.
Above: our glow in the dark dice.
If you're not sure which colour to pick, check out our guide that explores the most popular colours for D&D dice. Or, try your luck with one of our Mystery Dice Bags.
Quality
The quality of your dice set is paramount, as it can affect not only the dice's longevity but also the fairness of the rolls. If you are looking to purchase your dice from a physical store, you can inspect the dice for imperfections or inconsistencies in shape and balance, ensuring that they are up to the standards you desire.
Check out our guide that explains the saltwater test, which is the best way to check if your die are fair and balanced.
Readability
Clear and legible numbers on your dice are essential for smooth gameplay. Consider opting for dice with well-etched, bright numerals that can be quickly identified. Dark numbering or poorly marked numbers can lead to confusion and disruptions in the flow of your game. It also means you may have to re-ink your dice earlier than necessary.
Above: our dragon eye rolling dice.
Size
The size of your dice can impact your gaming experience. Standard-sized dice are common and comfortable to roll, while mini dice offer portability and unique aesthetics. Larger dice can provide a tactile satisfaction, but they may take up more space on the tabletop and might not fit in certain dice storage options such as dice folders. Choose a size that suits your preferences and gaming environment.
Theme
Consider whether your dice set complements your character's persona, your campaign's theme, or your personal style. Some dice sets feature thematic designs that evoke specific settings or moods, enhancing the role-playing experience. Whether you're delving into a high fantasy adventure or a gritty cyberpunk world, there's likely a dice set that matches your chosen theme.
Budget
Finally, your budget is a crucial factor to consider. Dice sets vary in price, from affordable options to high-end, artisanal creations. Determine how much you're willing to spend on your dice and explore sets that align with your budget while still meeting your desired criteria.
Where are the best places to buy D&D dice?
When you're on the hunt for the perfect set of D&D dice, you have a variety of sources to explore, each offering unique advantages. Here are some of the best places to acquire your dice:
- Local hobby shops: supporting your local hobby shop not only connects you with a vibrant gaming community but also provides an opportunity to physically examine and select dice sets. It's a great way to shop locally and engage with fellow enthusiasts.
- Kickstarter: Kickstarter campaigns can be a treasure trove for discovering unique or one-of-a-kind dice sets. They often showcase innovative designs, new start-ups, and limited-edition creations.
- Etsy: Etsy is a fantastic online marketplace for dice crafted by artisans and customised to your preferences. It's an excellent platform to find beautifully handcrafted dice sets, often with distinct themes and aesthetics.
- Dice Dragons: at Dice Dragons we are proud to offer a range of dice to suit adventurers of all backgrounds. We’re the place where dice and dragons meet, offering not just a range of metal dice sets and D&D dice, but also dragon-themed tabletop accessories.
Looking to buy new D&D dice?
If you're looking to acquire your next set of D&D dice, look no further. As a UK-based retailer, we offer an array of options to cater to your gaming needs. Even if you’re looking for a touch of whimsy, our duck dice set has you covered.
What accessories should I get with my dice?
Enhancing your D&D dice collection with accessories can not only elevate your gaming experience but also help you keep your dice safe and organised. Here are some accessories you might want to consider:
- A dragon-themed dice bag adds flair to your collection and provides a convenient and stylish way to carry your dice to gaming sessions.
- A square folding dice tray not only keeps your rolls contained but also adds an elegant touch to your tabletop setup. It minimises the chance of your dice scattering and disappearing during your game.
- Our scroll of rolling combines the portability of a dice bag with the functionality of a dice tray. It unrolls into a convenient rolling surface, ensuring that your dice rolls are kept safe.
- A dragon dice box serves as a secure storage solution for your precious dice collection, protecting them from wear and tear while adding a touch of fantasy to your shelf or display.
Above: our dragon DND dice holder.
For a selection of these and more accessories, including unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship, explore our tabletop accessories.
