The Complete Guide to Tabletop RPG Dice Materials and Balance

Updated on: 2025-10-23

If you’re choosing tabletop RPG dice, this guide explains what each die does, how materials compare, and how to avoid common pitfalls like chipping tables or hard-to-read numbers. You’ll learn how to pick between plastic, resin, metal, and gemstone options, plus how many sets you actually need. We also cover best picks for beginners, storage tips, and smart ways to protect your surfaces. By the end, you’ll feel confident buying and caring for TTRPG dice you’ll love using for every session.

Common Challenges with Tabletop RPG Dice (and Easy Fixes)
Tabletop RPG Dice Comparison: Materials, Sizes, and Usability
Summary & Recommendations for Tabletop RPG Dice
Questions & Answers

Let’s talk tabletop RPG dice. Whether you’re building your first D&D dice set or upgrading to show-stopping role-playing game dice, the right polyhedral dice can make every roll feel exciting. In the first few sessions, it’s normal to wonder which dice you actually need, which materials are safe for your table, and how to judge quality. This guide breaks it down in plain English, so you can choose TTRPG dice that roll well, look great, and fit your budget without stress.

Common Challenges with Tabletop RPG Dice (and Easy Fixes)

Picking the Right Materials for Tabletop RPG Dice

Material drives the feel, durability, and price of tabletop RPG dice. The most common options are plastic and resin, which are lightweight, affordable, and come in endless styles. Metal dice feel premium and deliver a satisfying weight. Stone, wood, and glass look stunning but demand extra care.

If you’re new, plastic or resin is the easiest entry point. They offer great readability, balanced weight, and plenty of colorways. When you’re ready for extra presence at the table, try metal dice. If you’re asking where to buy metal tabletop RPG dice, you can browse all dice to compare styles and finishes side by side.

Balancing and Fairness in TTRPG Dice

Every player wants fair, consistent rolls. Most modern role-playing game dice are cast or machined to be quite reliable. Still, a few things can affect balance: air bubbles trapped in resin, rough edges, uneven inking, or visible inclusions that aren’t evenly distributed. High-quality sets minimize these issues through better molds and finishing.

Simple tests help. Roll each die 50–100 times on a flat mat and log results. If one number appears far more than chance would allow, retire the die for casual play or display. For most games, a set from a trusted maker will roll fair enough that gameplay stays fun and unpredictable.

Protecting Tables and Rolling Surfaces

Even the prettiest dice can scuff delicate surfaces if you roll hard or use heavier materials. A dice tray or neoprene mat is an easy fix. Trays also keep dice from scattering and prevent accidental “table dives.” If you use metal dice, a padded surface is strongly recommended to protect both your table and the dice’ edges.

Want a quick hack? A large mousepad works in a pinch. It softens impact, reduces noise, and keeps the peace during late-night sessions.

Storage and Transport of Polyhedral Dice

Dice are tiny treasures, and you’ll likely collect more than one set. Keep them in a pouch, case, or tray insert to avoid scratches and missing pieces. Separate metal sets from softer resin or plastic to prevent denting or scuffs during travel.

If your dice have sharp edges or mirror finishes, store each set in its own compartment. It’s a small step that keeps your polyhedral dice looking new for years.

Tabletop RPG Dice Comparison: Materials, Sizes, and Usability

Plastic and Resin Polyhedral Dice

Pros:

Lightweight and budget-friendly.
Huge variety of colors, swirls, glitters, and inclusions.
Good readability with high-contrast inking.
Gentle on tables and easy to roll in piles.

Cons:

Some low-cost sets can have bubbles or rough edges.
Very light sets may feel “floaty” compared to metal dice.

Best for: new players, convention travel, and anyone who values variety and readability.

Blood Red Glitter Liquid Core Resin DND Dice Set

Metal Tabletop RPG Dice

Pros:

Premium heft that feels great in hand.
Crisp edges and clean faces for a satisfying roll.
Durable materials and finishes when used on padded surfaces.

Cons:

Can dent or scratch softer surfaces without a tray.
Heavier weight makes handful rolls louder.
Usually higher price than plastic/resin.

Best for: players who want presence at the table and a solid, weighty feel. If you’re deciding where to buy metal tabletop RPG dice and want help from a specialist brand, visit Runic Dice for curated sets and accessories.

Gemstone and Glass Dice

Pros:

Luxurious look that photographs beautifully.
Unique materials like obsidian, quartz, or glass for collectible flair.
Often sharp-edged with precise faces.

Cons:

Fragile; requires gentle rolling on padded surfaces.
Higher price and limited availability.
May chip or crack if dropped.

Best for: collectors, gift-giving, and statement sets for special campaigns.

Specialty D&D Dice Set Options

Some sets are tailored for specific systems or aesthetics: oversized D20s for advantage/disadvantage rolls, color-coded damage dice, or themed molds that match your character. A classic D&D dice set includes a D4, D6, D8, D10, percentile D10, D12, and D20—everything you need for the most common fantasy systems.

If you run games often or roll lots of damage dice, consider an extra pack of D6s or D8s in matching colors. That way, you can grab a handful without rerolling the same die over and over.

Summary & Recommendations for Tabletop RPG Dice

Here’s the short version. Start with readability and durability. Then add personality and premium materials as your budget allows. Tabletop RPG dice should feel good in your hand, be easy to read under low light, and roll fairly on a padded surface.

Quick picks:

Best tabletop RPG dice sets for beginners: high-contrast plastic or resin with bold numerals and a standard seven-die set.
Best upgrade path: try a single metal set for your main character or a gemstone showpiece for special sessions.
Best value add: a portable dice tray or neoprene mat to protect tables and minimize scatter.

Ready to explore styles and finishes from a dedicated dice brand? Browse curated sets and accessories at browse all dice, learn more on the about page, or reach out for help with custom requests via contact. If you want a single recommendation to get rolling fast, pick a standard polyhedral dice set with clear, high-contrast numbers and add a tray. You’ll be set for most systems and tables.

Friendly note: Always roll on a padded surface, especially with metal or stone. This helps protect your furniture and your dice for the long haul.

Questions & Answers

What dice do you need for tabletop RPGs?

Most games that use polyhedral dice rely on the standard seven: D4, D6, D8, D10, percentile D10 (00–90), D12, and D20. A typical D&D dice set includes all seven. Many systems use the D20 as the primary roll, while others lean on pools of D6s or a mix of D8s and D10s for damage and checks. If you run into rules that demand more of a single die—like lots of D6s for fireball—grab an extra pack of the same color so rolls are faster and easier to read.

Are metal dice safe to use on wooden tables?

Yes, with the right surface. Metal dice are safe when you roll on a padded tray or mat. On bare wood, they can leave dents or scuffs over time, especially on softer finishes. The simple fix is a dedicated dice tray or neoprene mat. You’ll protect your furniture, reduce noise, and keep your metal tabletop RPG dice in great shape.

How many polyhedral dice sets should a player own?

Start with one standard set. Add a second set when you notice you’re rerolling the same die type (like multiple D6s for damage). Many players settle around two to four sets: one for your main character, one backup, and a few spares for guests. If you DM, consider a larger pool of D20s and D6s to speed up combat and keep the session flowing.