Dice Towers vs. Dice Trays: Which one do you need?

In the world of tabletop gaming, every roll of the dice carries weight. A single throw can decide the fate of a hero, the success of a daring plan, or the outcome of a climactic battle. While dice themselves are central to the hobby, the accessories we use to roll them can make just as much of a difference. Dice towers and dice trays are two of the most popular tools at the table, each with its own strengths and unique style.

This guide compares the two, exploring their pros and cons, aesthetics, and how they fit different gaming styles. Whether you’re building your first setup or considering an upgrade to match your growing collection of DND dice sets, you’ll walk away knowing which accessory best suits your needs.

The Majesty of Dice Towers

Dice towers are striking accessories that add drama and reliability to every roll. Standing tall on the table, they transform a simple action into a small spectacle.

Pros of Dice Towers

• Randomization: Towers are designed with ramps and platforms that force dice to tumble unpredictably. This eliminates bias and ensures that every outcome is fair.
• Theatrical Presentation: Watching dice rattle down through a tower and emerge into a tray or landing area adds flair to each roll. It’s fun for both the roller and the audience.
• Noise Reduction: Compared to rolling directly on a wooden table, towers create a softer, more contained sound, ideal for groups who prefer quieter sessions.

Cons of Dice Towers

• Space Considerations: Towers can be bulky, taking up precious table space. In crowded games, this may be a drawback.
• Assembly and Disassembly: Many towers are collapsible for portability, but setting them up can take extra time.
• Limited Personalization: While there are beautifully themed towers, they don’t always allow the same degree of customization as trays.

For players who love spectacle and fairness, dice towers shine. They also pair beautifully with premium dice like gemstone dice, where the extra weight makes their tumble feel even more satisfying.

The Versatility of Dice Trays

Dice trays are compact, practical, and endlessly customizable. They provide a defined rolling space while protecting both dice and tables.

Pros of Dice Trays

• Portability: Lightweight and easy to store, trays can be folded or packed in a bag for travel. Perfect for players who game at different locations.
• Customization: Trays come in leather, wood, fabric, and more. Many can be personalized with custom artwork, class symbols, or themes that match your dice bag or character.
• Multi-Use Functionality: Trays can double as storage for dice, miniatures, or small game pieces, keeping everything organized between rolls.

Cons of Dice Trays

• Potential for Bouncing: Strong throws may still send dice flying out of the tray. This can be minimized with larger or deeper trays.
• Less Visual Drama: Rolling in a tray is practical but lacks the theatrical feel of a tower.
• Surface Dependence: Uneven or unstable tables can reduce the tray’s effectiveness.

Resin dice and lightweight dice sets pair especially well with trays, as the soft surfaces protect the dice while still offering plenty of roll clarity.

Aesthetics and Theme Integration

Both dice towers and dice trays provide an opportunity to enhance the overall aesthetic of your gaming experience. Let's explore how these accessories can complement the theme of your tabletop adventures.

Dice Tower Aesthetics:

• Sculptural Appeal: Dice towers often take the form of intricate sculptures or thematic structures. These designs can add an artistic element to the gaming table, serving as a conversation piece.
• Thematic Integration: Some dice towers are specifically designed to match certain themes or settings, whether it's a medieval castle tower for fantasy campaigns or a futuristic structure for sci-fi games.
• Collectible Designs: Enthusiasts may appreciate the collectible nature of unique and artisanal dice towers, creating a curated collection that aligns with their gaming interests.

Dice Tray Aesthetics:

• Material Variety: Dice trays offer a wide range of material options, from leather and wood to fabric and metal. This variety allows players to choose a tray that complements the overall aesthetic of their gaming setup.
• Artistic Customization: Personalization is a key strength of dice trays. Players can choose or commission trays featuring custom artwork, symbols, or thematic elements that resonate with their gaming preferences.
• Matching Sets: Players can easily create matching sets with other gaming accessories, such as dice bags or playmats, by selecting or customizing a dice tray with a consistent theme.

Player Preferences and Gaming Styles

Ultimately, the choice between dice towers and dice trays often comes down to personal preferences and gaming styles. Let's explore how individual preferences may influence this decision.

Dice Tower Preferences:

• Engagement with Randomization: Players who appreciate a more theatrical and visually engaging randomization process may gravitate towards dice towers.
• Table Presence: For those who enjoy the sculptural and decorative aspects of tabletop gaming, a dice tower becomes a centerpiece that enhances the overall table presence.
• Noise Considerations: Groups that prioritize noise reduction during gaming sessions may find dice towers to be a quieter alternative to traditional table rolls.

Dice Tray Preferences:

• Compact and Portable Gaming: Players who prioritize portability and a compact gaming setup may find dice trays to be a more convenient choice.
• Personalization Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy adding a personal touch to their gaming accessories through customization and thematic elements may lean towards dice trays.
• Multi-Functional Use: Gamers who appreciate accessories with multi-functional uses, such as doubling as a storage space for dice or miniatures, may find dice trays to be versatile additions to their gaming toolkit.

The Hybrid Solution - Combining Towers and Trays

Some players refuse to choose and instead use both.

• Best of Both Worlds: Roll dice through a tower for dramatic effect, then have them land in a tray for containment.
• Flexible Setup: Use the tower for major rolls like saving throws, while keeping the tray handy for quick skill checks or damage rolls.
• Thematic Cohesion: Coordinated designs, like a castle tower feeding into a leather tray, create a polished look at the table.

Of course, hybrids require more space and coordination, but for players who want both drama and practicality, they can be the ideal compromise.

Making the Most of Your Dice Accessories

Whether you choose a tower, a tray, or both, these accessories enhance the overall tabletop experience. Just as choosing between resin dice or gemstone dice adds variety and personality to your rolls, selecting the right accessory can shape the atmosphere of your game.

Consider these tips:

• Match Dice to Accessories: Heavy gemstone dice feel fantastic in towers, while lighter resin dice roll smoothly in trays.
• Protect Your Investment: Both towers and trays prevent dice from damaging tables—and prevent tables from damaging your dice.
• Think About Group Dynamics: If you play in a large group, a tower can add excitement everyone can watch. If you prefer quick, subtle rolls, a tray might be better.

Conclusion

In the grand theater of tabletop gaming, dice towers and dice trays are more than accessories—they’re expressions of playstyle. Towers bring spectacle, fairness, and a centerpiece presence, while trays offer portability, customization, and versatility. Some players even combine them to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on what you value most at the table. Do you want the drama of dice clattering through a tower, or the sleek practicality of a personalized tray? Either way, your sessions will benefit from the tactile joy and protection these tools provide.

At Runic Dice, we know how much thought goes into building the perfect setup. Just as our DND dice sets—crafted in resin, metal, and gemstone, are designed to capture both beauty and function, so too should your accessories reflect your gaming spirit. Whatever you choose, may every roll bring your stories to life.

Happy rolling, and may your critical successes be as legendary as the dice you choose to roll them with.