Choosing Dice for Tabletop RPGs A Practical Guide to Rolling

Updated on: 2025-11-26

Table of Contents

1. Standout dice for tabletop roleplaying games
2. How to choose dice for tabletop roleplaying games: a step-by-step guide
3. Personal experience with dice for tabletop roleplaying games at the table
4. Summary and recommendations for dice for tabletop roleplaying games
   1. What dice do I need for tabletop role-playing games?
   2. Are polyhedral dice necessary for tabletop RPGs and where to buy them?
   3. How many RPG dice sets should I bring to a session?

If you’ve ever wondered how to pick the right dice for tabletop roleplaying games, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re just starting out or growing a collection, the right tabletop RPG dice can make your sessions smoother, more readable, and a lot more fun. In this guide, we’ll break down your options in plain language, explain what makes a reliable RPG dice set, and help you decide which polyhedral dice fit your style and system. We’ll also share where to buy dice for tabletop RPGs that balance quality, durability, and eye-catching design.

Standout dice for tabletop roleplaying games

Let’s highlight a few sets that balance function and flair. These picks offer strong readability at the table and a satisfying roll feel, while bringing character to your setup.

• Gemstone and glass appeal: If you love tactile weight and crisp edges, consider a gemstone or cut-glass set. A piece like the green glass gemstone set offers bright faces and a solid hand-feel, great for players who want dice that feel premium without sacrificing usability.
• Liquid core drama: For a little table magic, liquid core dice add mesmerizing motion while you roll. The blood-red liquid core set brings high-contrast numerals and striking swirl effects, which makes it both functional and show-stopping under overhead lighting.
• Browse by material: If you’re still exploring materials and finishes, it’s helpful to view a broader range in one place. You can browse collections to compare resin, metal, glass, and gemstone sets side by side and filter by style, color, and finish.
• Category deep-dive: Want that animated micro-glitter core effect across styles? Check out the curated category for liquid core dice to find options with bold numerals and vivid cores designed for visibility and table presence.

Whether you go with a shimmering liquid core or a polished gemstone look, each of these options delivers what matters most for dice for tabletop roleplaying games: readable numbers, consistent edges, and a satisfying roll.

How to choose dice for tabletop roleplaying games: a step-by-step guide

If you’re shopping for the best dice for tabletop roleplaying games, use this simple checklist. It’s system-agnostic and works whether you’re gearing up for your first session or upgrading your bag.

1. Confirm the dice your system needs

   Most fantasy games use a standard polyhedral dice set (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, plus a percentile d10). Some systems lean on a single die type (like d6 pools) or a different combination. Check your core rules, then build from there.

2. Pick a material for durability and feel

   Resin is lightweight and affordable, glass or gemstone brings weight and polish, and metal adds heft and crisp edges. If you like a bolder roll with table presence, heavier materials shine. For a portable kit, resin is great and easy to replace.

3. Choose edge style and precision

   Sharp-edge dice show crisp facets and often feel more precise, while rounded-edge dice roll softly and are more forgiving on delicate tables. Neither is objectively “better,” so pick the feel that suits you and your rolling surface.

4. Prioritize numeral readability

   High-contrast inks make a real difference. Light numbers on dark dice or dark numbers on light dice will be easier to read across a table. Avoid designs where glitter or inclusions hide the numerals.

5. Check size and ergonomics

   Standard sets work for most players. If you prefer chunkier rolls, “chonk” or oversized d20s feel great in the hand and make results easy to spot. Small hands or travel kits might benefit from standard or slightly smaller dice for comfort.

6. Evaluate fairness and consistency

   Roll a few dozen times on a flat surface and watch for obvious streaks. While absolute randomness is tricky to measure at home, you can still spot outliers. Consistent edge finishing and even weight distribution are good signals.

7. Plan backups and organization

   Bring at least two full sets so you’re not passing dice every roll. A small pouch or tray helps keep your dice safe and reduces table clutter. If your game needs lots of d6s, a block of six or twelve is handy.

8. Match aesthetics to your character and campaign

   Theme your polyhedral dice to your character’s vibe—stormy glass for a tempest mage, verdant tones for a druid, or ominous reds for a warlock. That personal touch makes every roll feel special.

This workflow keeps you focused on what matters: solid readability, a comfortable roll feel, and the right components for your ruleset.

Personal experience with dice for tabletop roleplaying games at the table

I still remember the first time a table mate asked to borrow my d20 and then rolled two back-to-back critical hits. I half-joked that the die had a “hot streak,” but what really stood out was how easy those results were to see across the table. The numerals were thick and high-contrast, so when the second critical landed, everyone noticed at once. It changed how I think about tabletop RPG dice. A gorgeous finish is great, but if your friends can’t read the result, the moment loses energy.

Since then, I’ve tried resin sets, heavy gemstone d20s, and liquid core showpieces. I love the tactile weight of glass and gemstone when I’m at a sturdy table, and I carry a resin backup for travel or softer surfaces. For long campaigns, I now bring two complete RPG dice sets and a spare d20. The second set saves time, and the extra d20 helps with advantage rolls without breaking my rhythm. In short, the best dice for tabletop roleplaying games are the ones you can read at a glance, roll confidently, and love enough to bring every week.

Summary and recommendations for dice for tabletop roleplaying games

Here’s the quick takeaway. Start with one complete polyhedral set that meets your system’s needs. Prioritize readability, then pick a material and edge style that match your roll feel and your table surface. Add a second set for speed and a spare d20 for advantage or quick rerolls. If you want flair, liquid core and gemstone options elevate the experience without sacrificing function—just be sure numerals remain crisp and high-contrast.

• For practical everyday play: Choose a resin set with bold, contrasting ink and standard sizing.
• For premium feel: Go with a glass or gemstone d20 paired with a standard resin set for the rest.
• For table drama: Pick a liquid core set with clear numerals that pop under ambient light.

When you’re ready to compare hands-on options, explore curated selections and filter by material and finish to find a set that fits your play style and your table’s vibe.

What dice do I need for tabletop role-playing games?

Most games that use polyhedral dice call for one standard RPG dice set: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, plus a percentile d10 (marked 00–90). Many tables recommend two full sets so you aren’t waiting on shared rolls. Systems that use dice pools (like multiple d6s) may benefit from an extra block of d6s. Check your rulebook’s core mechanic, then choose at least one full set that covers those needs.

Are polyhedral dice necessary for tabletop RPGs and where to buy them?

For games built around multi-die mechanics (d20 systems, percentile systems, and many fantasy settings), yes—polyhedral dice are necessary because the rules reference specific die types. If your system uses only one die type (like d6 pools), you can skip the full set. For a broad selection by material and style, you can browse collections. If you love animated cores, the category for liquid core dice is a great place to start. For a single standout pick, try the green glass gemstone set or the dramatic blood-red liquid core set.

How many RPG dice sets should I bring to a session?

Two complete sets cover most tables. You can roll advantage or damage without pausing, and you have a backup if one goes missing. If your character rolls lots of the same die (like multiple d6s for sneak attack), add a small handful of that die type to speed things up. A spare d20 is also handy, especially for saving throws or initiative.

Friendly note and simple disclaimer

Dice outcomes are random by nature and vary with surface, roll style, and manufacturing. Always roll on a safe surface to protect your table and your dice, and follow your group’s etiquette for fairness and handling.

Runic Dice Dice Smith www.runicdice.com

I love Dice!