Dungeons and Dragons Dice Set: A Starter’s Buying Guide

If you’re diving into Dungeons & Dragons for the first time (or helping a friend get started), one of the first things you’ll need is a Dungeons and Dragons dice set. This is the iconic 7-piece set of polyhedral dice that every D&D player uses to cast spells, slay monsters, and attempt crazy actions. But not all dice sets are created equal, and if you’re new, you might be surprised by the variety out there. Fear not! This buying guide is here to help you choose the perfect D&D dice set for your needs. We’ll keep it fun and friendly, covering everything from what’s in a set to what to look for when buying one, whether it’s for yourself or as a gift for a budding adventurer.

What Exactly Is a D&D Dice Set?

A Dungeons & Dragons dice set refers to the collection of seven polyhedral dice used in the game. As a quick recap, those are:

• 1 four-sided die (d4)

• 1 six-sided die (d6)

• 1 eight-sided die (d8)

• 2 ten-sided dice (d10 and a “tens” d10 for percentiles)

• 1 twelve-sided die (d12)

• 1 twenty-sided die (d20)

Together, these cover all the random number generation the game requires. In play, you might hear something like “roll a d20 to attack, then roll a d8 for damage” – so having all these at hand is essential.

When you buy a dice set marketed for D&D (or RPGs in general), it typically includes one of each of those (with the extra d10 for percent). Sometimes sets might include an extra d20 (as some players like to have two for advantage/disadvantage rolls) or an extra d6 (since many spells use multiple d6s), but the standard is seven dice.

For example, if you see a product labeled “Polyhedral Dice Set for Dungeons & Dragons” it’s almost certainly these seven pieces. If any are missing (like some cheap sets might omit the percentile die), be cautious – full sets should have 7 pieces. Fun fact: The famous 1977 Basic D&D set included only five dice (d4, d6, d8, d12, d20) and no d10s – but that was because d10s weren’t around yet and they used workarounds. Modern sets always have the d10s included.

Why You Need Your Own Dice Set

You might wonder: can’t a group of players share one set of dice? Technically, yes – the rules don’t forbid it. However, practically, each player having their own set speeds up the game and makes life easier. Here’s why you’ll want your own:

• Convenience: In combat, everyone might need to roll at similar times. If you have to pass one set around, it becomes a bottleneck. With your own set, you can roll as needed without waiting.

• Personal Connection: Rolling your dice feels different than rolling someone else’s. Players often develop a bond or at least a familiarity with their dice. It’s part of the ritual and fun. It also avoids any awkwardness like “You cursed my dice with your bad luck!” or “Hey, where did that d10 go? You had it last.” Everyone having their own reduces confusion.

• Speed for Multiple Rolls: Some actions call for many dice. If you share one set, you’d have to roll multiple times; if each person has a set, they can borrow from each other temporarily. But if each has a set, you collectively have more dice to pool if needed. (For instance, between four players, you likely have four d20s available – handy if the DM asks for everyone to roll a d20 at the same time for a group check.)

• It’s Part of the Experience: There’s something satisfying about picking out a dice set that represents you or your character. It’s almost like a rite of passage in joining the hobby. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable pieces of the kit – compared to rulebooks or miniatures, dice are cheap, so it’s an easy way to invest in your new hobby and feel equipped.

• Game Requirement: Many D&D products expect you have at least one set. For example, the pre-written adventures or the Starter Set will say “each player will need their own dice.” While the group can loan each other dice in a pinch, ideally each person just brings a set to the table. It’s like each musician bringing their own instrument to the jam session.

In short, yes you could all share one or two sets, but everyone having their own is the norm (and for good reason).

If you’re the Dungeon Master (the one running the game), you definitely want multiple sets – one for yourself (you’ll be rolling for many monsters/NPCs) and maybe extra loaners for players who forget theirs. Many DMs become sort of the dice quartermaster over time, with a stash of spares.

Components of a Quality Dice Set

Now, not all dice sets are made equal. When shopping for a D&D dice set, consider these factors:

• Material: The majority of dice sets are made from acrylic or resin, which gives a good balance of cost and durability. These are usually opaque or translucent and can have all sorts of colors. Some dice are metal (usually zinc alloy) – they are heavy and shiny. Metal sets feel premium but cost more (and require careful rolling surfaces). There are also gemstone or glass dice sets – these are more for collectors or as special gifts (they can be expensive and sometimes fragile). For your first set, acrylic/resin is recommended. Within those, some are injection-molded mass produced (like the common Chessex sets), and some are hand-poured resin (often sharper edges and artisanal designs, like those offered by boutique makers such as Runic Dice’s handmade resin sets). Handcrafted ones might cost a bit more, but often have unique inclusions or sharper edges which many find aesthetically and functionally nice (sharp edges can theoretically produce more random rolls, though opinions vary).

• Readability: We cannot stress this enough – pick a set with easily readable numbers. The whole point is to quickly see what you rolled. Dice come in so many cool designs, but some sacrifice clarity for art. Look for dice where the number font is clear (some funky gothic fonts or very fine scripts can be hard to read at a glance) and where the color contrast is strong (light numbers on dark background or vice versa). For example, white numbers on a dark blue die = good, silver numbers on a clear sparkly die = might be hard to see. If buying in person, inspect them. If buying online, zoom in on pictures or read reviews.

• Balance/Fairness: For most casual play, any standard set from a reputable source is fine. Really cheap no-name sets might have slight imbalance if quality control is poor (bubbles in the plastic, etc.), but even then, the effect on casual play is minimal. If you want to ensure quality, stick to known brands or sellers. Runic Dice, for instance, prides itself on quality materials, which helps ensure fairness. If you become a competitive roller (is that a thing?), there are companies that make precision dice with perfect balance (GameScience, etc.), but those often come unpolished/uninked and are a different vibe. For D&D, just avoid obviously flawed dice (like if you see a set where one face is visibly bigger, or the paint is off, etc., then skip that).

• Durability: Most dice sets will last a lifetime if treated decently. Metal dice might tarnish a bit over years (can be polished). Painted numbers can wear out if heavily used (you’ll notice old dice from the 80s sometimes have missing paint – but you can refill it if you want). As a beginner, you likely won’t wear out dice any time soon. Just don’t store them in hot attics or step on them. If you have pets or small kids, keep dice out of reach – both for safety (they can be a choking hazard or, in the case of d4s, a “stepping hazard” for your feet!) and for not losing pieces.

• Design/Aesthetic: Beyond practical aspects, choose a set that sparks joy. There are marbled designs, gemstone-look designs, glittery ones, glow-in-the-dark, swirled two-tone, ones with layered colors, and more. For example, if you love the ocean, maybe a blue translucent set with sparkles reminds you of sea water. If you’re playing a fiery sorcerer, a red-orange swirled set might fit. There are even thematic sets like “dragon dice” with draconic script for numbers or “elven dice” with fancy borders on the numbers. As long as they’re readable, feel free to pick something that fits a theme – it can enhance the immersion or just your personal enjoyment.

• Price: A basic dice set can be as cheap as $5 or as expensive as $100+, depending on material and brand. For a first set, somewhere around $7-$15 is reasonable for a nice quality acrylic/resin set. Metal might be $20-$40 for a set. Gemstone sets often range $50 and up. If you see super cheap sets (like $3), quality might be hit or miss (they could be fine or could be factory seconds). Given how long dice last, spending a few extra bucks for a set you really like is worth it. It’s a one-time purchase that will serve through many campaigns.

Buying Your First D&D Dice Set: Step-by-Step Tips

1. Decide Where to Buy: You have options – Friendly Local Game Store (FLGS), online retailers, big marketplaces (Amazon, etc.), or specialty dice shops (like Runic Dice’s website). For a first set, if you can, visiting a game store is fun because you can see the dice in person and maybe test roll one. They often have a bunch of sets or even individual dice bins. If that’s not accessible, online is fine; just ensure it’s a reputable shop so you get what’s advertised.

2. Pick a Style: Think about what colors you like or what might fit your vibe. If it’s a gift, consider the recipient’s favorite color or the character they play. For example, if your friend loves all things purple and stars, look for a purple dice set with star-like glitter (they exist!). If you’re utterly unsure, you can’t go wrong with high-contrast combinations: black dice with white numbers, or white dice with black numbers, or something like that – easy to read and classic. Some brands also sell bundles or starter kits with multiple sets plus maybe a dice bag.

3. Check the Numerals: Make sure the numbers are well-printed/painted. If looking at a picture, see if any numbers seem sloppy or indistinct. A quality set should have crisp, clean numerals. If you’re in person, roll each die once to ensure you can clearly identify the result without squinting.

4. Consider a Case or Bag: Dice sets often come in a little plastic case or tube. Those work fine to store them. If not, or if you want something cooler, pick up a small dice bag (many stores sell velour or leather pouches for a few bucks). If you order from Runic Dice or similar, sometimes they include a pouch. Keeping the set together is important (so d4s don’t go missing in your backpack, etc.).

5. Don’t Stress Too Much: At the end of the day, any decent 7-piece set will let you play D&D. So don’t get paralyzed by choice. Pick one that you like the look of and go for it. You can always get more sets later if you develop preferences (trust us, many of us have a lot of dice sets once the addiction sets in!).

Advanced: Expanding Your Dice Arsenal

Once you have the basic set and you start playing, you might quickly realize you want a few more dice. Perhaps your character frequently uses spells that roll multiple of the same die. Or you just want spares. Here’s how you might expand:

• Buy a Second Identical Set: Some people buy two of the same set so they effectively have 2d4, 2d6, 2d8, 4d10 (for percentile, etc.), 2d12, 2d20. This covers most needs (for instance, 2d8 for certain damage rolls, or 4d6 for rolling stats if doing it old-school). The pros: everything matches and you have backups. Cons: if you like variety, this is maybe boring.

• Mixing Colors: You could deliberately buy a different colored second set. Then you can differentiate dice when needed (e.g., “the red d8 is fire damage, the blue d8 is ice damage” if you had to roll two d8s for different sources). Some DMs even ask players to roll different colored dice to distinguish rolls. Plus, it’s aesthetically pleasing to have options.

• Specialty Dice: As you get into it, you might want to treat yourself to a fancier set. For example, after a few sessions you might say, “I love D&D, I want a really cool metal dice set or a pretty handmade resin set.” These premium sets often become one’s pride and joy (or a way to treat yourself for a campaign well-played). Just remember to still keep a basic set around for casual rolling if needed (rolling metal all night can dent things if not careful).

• Dice for the DM: If you plan to DM, consider getting a bulk dice bag or a pound-o-dice kind of deal. Those usually give you a lot of random dice (sometimes enough to form a bunch of sets). That way you have plenty to hand out or roll behind the screen. There are also “DM dice sets” that might include unusual dice like d30 or d100 (seldom used in standard D&D, but sometimes for fun). Standard D&D doesn’t require anything beyond the d20 set, but some DMs like to have, say, a physical d100 (a 100-sided golf-ball-looking thing) for novelty, or different colored d20s to roll multiple NPCs at once.

• Themed Sets and Collectibles: As you get comfortable, you might enjoy collecting dice sets that fit specific themes or events. For example, getting a special set for a particular campaign (maybe a horror-themed set for a Ravenloft game with blood-swirled dice). There are also official D&D sets made for certain campaigns or with fancy tins. If you’re into that, the sky’s the limit.

Great Gift Sets for New Players

If you’re buying a dice set as a gift for someone just starting D&D, here are some ideas to make it extra nice:

• Starter Gift Bundle: Combine a dice set with a simple dice bag and maybe a printed cheat sheet of “which die is which” (a common new player question is “which one is the d12 again?” – you can help by giving a quick reference chart). You could also include something like a cool D&D-themed sticker or mini-figurine. Presenting the dice in a neat little box or pouch rather than just loose adds a thoughtful touch.

• Dice Set with Themed Colors: If you know the person’s first character (say they are making an elven ranger), pick a dice set that matches that concept (forest green with gold numbers, etc.) and maybe include a note like “May these dice guide your arrows true!” A little roleplay flavor goes a long way.

• Quality Over Quantity: Rather than giving a bunch of mediocre dice, give one really nice set. New players won’t necessarily appreciate 5 sets at once (that’s overwhelming), but one really pretty set can become their set that they cherish. It’s like giving a new writer a nice pen – they might only need one, but a good one will be remembered.

• Include a Note on Luck: You can include a fun note or “dice oath” for luck. For example: “These dice have been blessed by the Dungeon Master’s Fairy. Roll them with courage! May all your d20s be critical hits and your failures be few.” Corny, but charming.

Final Thoughts: Rolling Into Adventure

Choosing a Dungeons and Dragons dice set is one of the first steps into a larger world of adventure. It’s a small thing, but it carries a lot of excitement. Remember the first time you hold your own set of D&D dice – it feels like you’ve joined a special club (which you have!). Those dice will be with you as you conjure illusions, sneak past traps, negotiate with dragons, or perhaps accidentally set the tavern on fire (hey, it happens).

Before we wrap up, one more tip: practice rolling. If you’re brand new, roll your dice a few times at home just to get a feel for them. Figure out how to read each one (especially the d10s – knowing which is the tens vs ones for percentile). This little practice will make you more comfortable at the table. Plus, it’s exciting to imagine scenarios (“Ooh, a 17, that would hit the goblin!”).

So, armed with your shiny (or matte) new dice set, you’re ready to embark on your D&D journey. Treat your dice well and they’ll treat you well… most of the time. And if they misbehave, well, we’ve always got dice jail as an option.