7 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Dice for RPG Adventures

Selecting the right dice for your RPG character is more than just a practical decision. It’s about choosing a set that reflects the heart of your character and adds another layer of connection to the story you’re telling. The right dice aren’t just tools for generating numbers, they’re symbols of your character’s journey, personality, and the role they play in the world you’ve created together with your group.

This guide will help you navigate the many factors that go into picking the perfect dice for RPG gaming. From understanding the basics to exploring aesthetics, materials, and even color psychology, you’ll discover how dice can become an extension of your character.

Decoding Dice - Understanding the Basics

Before exploring themes and aesthetics, it’s important to know what each die does in your typical tabletop RPG session.

• D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, and D20: These are the standard dice used in systems like Dungeons & Dragons. Each one handles different mechanics, from weapon damage to skill checks.
• Percentile Dice (D100): Often rolled as two D10s, percentile dice are used in systems that rely on percentage-based results. They’re also a staple in games that feature probability-heavy outcomes.
• Core Purpose: Each die is tied to specific mechanics. Understanding this makes it easier to choose dice that not only look great but also work smoothly during your sessions.

If you’re new to the hobby, most DND dice sets include all seven dice needed for the majority of RPG systems. Starting with a core set gives you everything required for rolling critical hits, saving throws, and damage rolls.

Aesthetics Matter - Material and Texture

The material of your dice affects not only how they look but also how they feel in your hand. Each material brings a unique character to the gaming table.

• Resin Dice: Lightweight, colorful, and often affordable. Resin dice are ideal for building a varied collection because they come in endless designs, from glitter-filled sets to marbled swirls.
• Gemstone Dice: Luxurious and heavy, gemstone dice carry a sense of permanence. They’re visually stunning and make every roll feel significant. Popular stones include obsidian, amethyst, and tiger’s eye.
• Metal Dice: Durable and weighty, metal dice give each roll a satisfying heft. They’re perfect for characters that demand strength and presence, like warriors or paladins.

Beyond material, consider finishes such as translucent, opaque, or specialty effects like holographic sparkles or shimmering inclusions. These small details can make your dice feel like personal treasures.

Thematic Resonance - Matching Dice to Character Themes

Your dice can reflect your character’s story, race, class, or even the world they inhabit. Matching dice to these elements creates a deeper sense of immersion.

• Fantasy Races and Cultures: Elves might call for ethereal, crystal-like dice, while dwarves could be paired with rugged metal or earthy gemstone dice.
• Class-Specific Themes: A wizard might favor dice with arcane symbols or shimmering colors, while a rogue may prefer sleek, dark dice with subtle designs.
• Environmental Influence: Campaign settings matter too. Aquatic dice with blue swirls fit a sea-faring adventure, while fiery red dice might suit a volcanic storyline.

Choosing dice that resonate with your character’s identity makes rolling more than a mechanical action—it becomes part of the performance.

Color Psychology - Expressing Character Emotions

Colors carry meaning and can subtly reinforce your character’s personality. Think of your dice as an extension of your character’s aura.

• Red: Passion, aggression, and power. Perfect for fiery sorcerers, bold fighters, or impulsive adventurers.
• Blue: Calm, wisdom, and mystery. Great for mages, monks, or characters tied to water and serenity.
• Green: Growth, nature, and renewal. An excellent fit for druids, rangers, or anyone connected to the wild.
• Black: Intrigue, stealth, and mystery. Ideal for rogues, assassins, or morally gray characters.
• Gold or Silver: Prestige, nobility, and divine influence. Suited for paladins, clerics, or characters with a sense of grandeur.

When you select dice that reflect your character’s personality, every roll feels like an extension of their voice in the story.

Accessibility and Comfort - Physical Considerations

While aesthetics matter, dice must also be functional. After all, you’ll be using them throughout long sessions.

• Readability: Look for dice with high-contrast numbers. Avoid sets where numbers are easily lost in flashy patterns or overly intricate designs.
• Size and Weight: Larger dice can be easier for younger players or those with vision impairments, while smaller dice can be convenient for portability.
• Comfort: Choose dice that feel good in your hand and roll smoothly on your surface. Heavy gemstone dice may require a soft dice tray to protect both the dice and the table.

Remember, dice should enhance your play—not slow it down because you’re struggling to read numbers or manage weight.

Rarity and Collectibility - Dice as Treasures

For many RPG players, dice become keepsakes as much as tools. Collecting dice is a tradition in the community, and special sets often carry memories of campaigns and characters past.

• Limited Editions: Many companies release seasonal or event-themed dice sets. These make wonderful collectibles and conversation starters.
• Artisan Creations: Independent makers craft handmade dice with unique inclusions, engravings, or experimental designs. Owning one-of-a-kind dice can feel like holding a piece of art.
• Dice Journals: Some players keep records of which dice belonged to which character, creating a personal legacy across campaigns.

Just as characters evolve, your dice collection can grow into a gallery of your tabletop history.

Practical Multiplicity - Building Dice Collections

One set is often not enough. Over time, most players build dice collections that reflect their love for the game and variety of characters.

• Core Sets vs. Specialty Sets: Keep a reliable, versatile set for general play, then add thematic dice for specific characters.
• Storage Solutions: Dice bags, boxes, and trays not only keep your sets organized but also protect premium dice like gemstone or metal ones.
• Rotation: Switching between dice sets based on mood, campaign, or character keeps sessions fresh and exciting.

Many players also enjoy sharing dice with new gamers. Having multiple sets ensures everyone has access to tools that enhance the experience.

Conclusion

In the world of tabletop RPGs, dice are more than randomizers—they’re storytellers. Choosing dice thoughtfully connects you to your character and enriches the shared story unfolding around the table.

Whether you’re rolling sleek resin dice, sturdy metal dice, or dazzling gemstone dice, the set you choose can amplify your experience. Think about material, color, readability, and theme, but also about the personal meaning those dice hold for you.

At Runic Dice, we understand that dice are as unique as the players who roll them. That’s why our DND dice sets are crafted to inspire, whether you’re hunting for a gemstone set that feels like treasure, or resin dice that shimmer with playful designs.

So as you prepare your character sheet and set up for your next adventure, take a moment to consider the story your dice will tell. May your chosen set bring you critical successes, unforgettable moments, and a deeper connection to the worlds you explore.