Dice are the heart of Dungeons & Dragons. Every roll shapes the story, from landing a critical hit to narrowly escaping danger. But not all dice are the same. They come in different shapes, materials, and designs, each affecting gameplay, durability, and aesthetics.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about D&D dice. You’ll learn about the standard polyhedral set, specialty dice, and the pros and cons of materials like plastic, metal, and gemstone. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide will help you choose the perfect dice for your adventures.
What are D&D Dice?
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) dice are a set of seven polyhedral dice used to determine outcomes in the game. The set includes D4, D6, D8, D10, D00 (percentile), D12, and D20, each serving different roles like attack rolls, damage, and skill checks. The D20 is the most important, used for determining success or failure in most actions.
Types of DND Dice
The basic Dungeons & Dragons dice set includes the following:
- D4: Four-sided die.
- D6: Six-sided die.
- D8: Eight-sided die.
- D10: Ten-sided die.
- D00: Percentile die (marked in tens: 10, 20, etc.).
- D12: Twelve-sided die.
- D20: Twenty-sided die.
These dice are used for various rolls in the game, determining outcomes based on probability.
D&D Dice Materials: Pros and Cons
Dungeons & Dragons dice come in different materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Whether you prefer something lightweight and affordable or heavy and luxurious, choosing the right material can make a difference in your gaming experience. Below is a breakdown of the most common dice materials and what to expect from each.
Plastic Dice (Acrylic & Resin)
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Durable and resistant to chipping
- Comes in many colors and designs
Cons:
- Lighter weight, which some players don’t prefer
- Cheap sets may have balance issues
Plastic dice are the most common choice for D&D players. They’re easy to find, roll well, and hold up over time. Acrylic dice are simple and durable, while resin dice allow for more creative designs like swirls and glitter effects.
Metal Dice
Pros:
- Heavyweight feel, making rolls more satisfying
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Unique, premium look
Cons:
- Can scratch tables without a dice tray
- Heavier to carry and may dent softer surfaces
Metal dice add a sense of drama to every roll. Their weight gives a solid, noticeable impact, but they require careful handling to avoid damaging surfaces.
Gemstone & Stone Dice
Pros:
- Beautiful and unique, with natural patterns
- Heavy but not as dense as metal
- Feels cool to the touch
Cons:
- Can break if dropped on hard surfaces
- Expensive compared to other materials
Gemstone dice are collector’s items, offering a stunning aesthetic. However, they are fragile and best suited for careful play.
Wooden Dice
Pros:
- Lightweight and quiet when rolling
- Unique grain patterns for a natural look
- Warm, smooth feel in hand
Cons:
- Less durable than plastic or metal
- May not be as perfectly balanced
Wooden dice provide a rustic feel, making them great for thematic play. They are lightweight but require proper storage to avoid warping.
Glass Dice
Pros:
- Visually striking with a smooth finish
- Feels premium and high-quality
- Rolls smoothly
Cons:
- Fragile and can crack or shatter
- Typically expensive
Glass dice are eye-catching and great for display, but they require careful handling. They’re best for special occasions rather than everyday play.
Which Dice Material is Right for You?
Choosing the right dice depends on your priorities. If you want affordability and durability, plastic is a solid choice. If you prefer weight and a premium feel, metal is ideal. For those looking for artistic or rare designs, gemstone, wood, or glass dice offer something unique. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your style and how you like to roll
Top 5 Dice Sets on TabletopDominion.com for D&D Players
For Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts, the right dice set can enhance every roll. TabletopDominion.com offers a vast array of high-quality dice, from cutting-edge liquid-core designs to luxurious gemstone sets. Below are the top five dice products on Tabletop Dominion, ranked by popularity, price, and standout features – each an excellent choice for a D&D adventurer.
1. Celestial Shadow (Liquid Core 7-Piece Set)
Celestial Shadow liquid core dice set showcases a black resin base with a mesmerizing mica-infused center and gold iridescent flakes.
This fan-favorite set features an innovative liquid core, meaning there’s a tiny liquid-filled sphere inside each die that creates a dynamic swirling effect on every roll. The dice are crafted from dark resin with cosmic gold flakes and deep pink numerals, evoking the vastness of space in your hand. Priced around $29.95 GBP for the full set, Celestial Shadow offers a captivating blend of visual flair and reliable roll performance that’s perfect for any D&D campaign.
2. Crimson Abyss (Geode “Crystalline Ruby” Set)
Crimson Abyss geode dice set features a cracked-geode design with fiery red cores and golden accents.
Also known as the “Crystalline Ruby” set, this 7-piece set is designed to resemble a cracked geode, with brilliant red translucent cores and hand-painted gold accents that look like molten lava veining through each die. The exterior is a sharp-edged black resin, giving a striking contrast to the vibrant ruby-like interior. At roughly $39.95 GBP for the set, Crimson Abyss stands out for its craftsmanship and eye-catching design – a slightly premium price that reflects the artful detailing and unique geode aesthetic loved by many D&D players.
3. Cosmic Veil (Sharp-Edged Resin 7-Piece Set)
Cosmic Veil sharp-edged dice set in hand-poured resin, with swirling blue, green, and clear hues that create a nebula-like effect.
The Cosmic Veil set offers an otherworldly color palette in a classic sharp-edge form factor. Each die is made from hand-poured resin in a vibrant mix of blue, green, and clear swirls, giving the impression of a miniature galaxy trapped inside. The crisp edges not only look sleek but also appeal to those who prefer the rolling characteristics of sharp-edged dice. With a price tag around $24.95 GBP, Cosmic Veil is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on style – delivering shimmering cosmic beauty and solid build quality for everyday D&D sessions.
4. Glittering Nebula / Starlight Reverie (Acrylic 7-Piece Set)
This set – nicknamed Glittering Nebula – is a vibrant acrylic dice collection that proves you can get great quality on a budget. Each die is crafted from clear acrylic in a mesmerizing blend of red, blue, and deep purple, and they shimmer like distant galaxies with every tilt. A subtle hint of gold glitter runs through the dice, adding a touch of celestial elegance without overwhelming the colors.
As an acrylic set, it’s typically more affordable than resin or metal, making Glittering Nebula an excellent entry-level choice for D&D players. Despite the lower price, it still offers sturdy construction and dazzling looks, perfect for newcomers or as a spare set that catches the eye at the gaming table.
5. Yooperlite (Natural Gemstone 7-Piece Set)
Yooperlite gemstone dice set, carved from natural stone with earthy brown tones and glowing qualities under UV light.
For those seeking an exquisite, premium dice set, Yooperlite delivers something truly special. Carved from real Yooperlite stone (rich in sodalite mineral), these dice have a unique grayish-brown appearance with earthy patterns – each die is one of a kind. Under normal light, they have a smooth, matte stone finish with engraved gold numbering, but under UV light, they come alive with a vibrant orange luminescent glow, thanks to the stone’s natural fluorescence.
This set carries a higher price (about £55 GBP for seven dice), reflecting its status as a collector’s piece. D&D players love Yooperlite dice for their otherworldly glow and solid heft; they not only serve as functional dice but also as stunning conversation pieces that bring a touch of magic to any roll.
These top-tier dice sets from Tabletop Dominion offer something for every kind of player, whether you're looking for an affordable set, a stylish showpiece, or a premium collector's item.
FAQs about DND Dice
How many types of D&D dice are there?
There are seven types of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) dice in a standard set. These include:
- D4 – Four-sided die.
- D6 – Six-sided die.
- D8 – Eight-sided die.
- D10 – Ten-sided die.
- D00 – Percentile die (10–100).
- D12 – Twelve-sided die.
- D20 – Twenty-sided die, used for most game mechanics.
Each die serves a specific function in determining outcomes in the game.
What are D12 dice used for?
A D12 die in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is primarily used for high-damage weapons, such as a barbarian’s greataxe. It is also used in some hit point rolls and certain spell effects. While less common than other dice, the D12 plays a crucial role in dealing heavy damage.
What is a 1d20 dice?
A 1d20 die in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a twenty-sided die (D20) used for attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks. The result determines success or failure, with a natural 20 often indicating a critical success and a natural 1 a critical failure. It is the most important die in the game.
What is a 12-sided dice called?
A 12-sided die is called a D12 in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). It is primarily used for high-damage weapons, such as a greataxe, and for certain hit point rolls. The D12 is one of the seven standard polyhedral dice in the game.
What is a d100 used for?
A D100 die in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is used for percentile rolls, determining results on a scale of 1 to 100. It is often rolled as two ten-sided dice (D10 and D00), where one represents tens and the other ones. It is commonly used for random tables, loot generation, and special ability outcomes.
What are d4 dice used for?
A D4 die in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is used for small damage rolls, such as daggers or magic missile spells. It has four triangular faces and is read from the number appearing upright. The D4 is also used in some healing effects and minor randomized outcomes.
Why does a d10 have a 0?
A D10 die in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has a 0 instead of a 10 because it is used in percentile rolls when paired with a D00 (percentile die). In this case, the 0 represents 10 when rolled alone and 00 when used for percentile rolls, indicating 100 when combined with another 0.
How to roll a d100?
To roll a D100 in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), roll two ten-sided dice (D10 and D00). The D00 represents tens (10, 20, etc.), and the D10 represents ones (1–9). A roll of 70 and 4 equals 74, while 00 and 0 equals 100. Some players use a physical D100 die instead.
