Quick answer

A dice tower is worth it if you value controlled rolls, limited table space, or want to prevent dice from flying off the board. However, it adds bulk and cost compared to a simple dice tray, and some players miss the tactile feel of rolling by hand.

What is a dice tower and how does it work?

A dice tower is a small, often vertical structure with internal ramps or baffles. You drop dice into the top, and they tumble down the ramps before landing in a built-in tray at the bottom. The design randomizes the roll without you needing to shake or toss the dice yourself. Towers come in various materials like wood, acrylic, or 3D-printed plastic, and sizes range from compact travel models to elaborate castle-themed pieces.

Dice tower vs. dice tray: which should you choose?

The main difference is control. A dice tray catches dice in an open box, letting you roll naturally but containing the bounce. A dice tower automates the roll and confines dice to a smaller landing zone. If you play games with many dice at once, like a block of 36 d6s, a tower can feel slow because you feed dice one at a time. A tray lets you scoop and roll a handful quickly. For games with limited table space, a tower's small footprint wins. For portability, a foldable tray is lighter and flatter to pack.

Key tips for buying a dice tower

Look for a tower with a removable or easy-to-clean tray so dice don't get stuck. Check the internal ramp angle—too steep and dice bounce out, too shallow and they don't randomize well. Consider the material: wooden towers feel premium but can be heavy; acrylic is lightweight and lets you see the dice tumble. If you play with metal or sharp-edged dice, avoid soft plastic towers that may scratch. Finally, measure your table height—some towers are tall and may not fit under a shelf or cabinet.

Frequently asked questions about dice towers

Do dice towers actually randomize rolls?

Yes, the internal ramps create unpredictable bounces, which can produce more random results than a careful hand roll. However, cheap towers with only one ramp may not mix dice as well as those with multiple baffles. Look for towers with at least two internal ramps for better randomization.

Are dice towers noisy?

Plastic and acrylic towers tend to be louder than wooden ones because dice clatter against hard surfaces. Some towers include felt lining on the ramps or tray to dampen sound. If noise is a concern, choose a wood tower with felt lining or place a soft mat under the tray.

Can I use a dice tower with large or irregular dice?

Most standard towers accommodate dice up to about 20mm. Oversized dice, metal dice, or dice with sharp edges may get stuck or damage the tower. Always check the tower's internal clearance before buying. Stick with standard polyhedral dice or 12mm d6 blocks for reliable use in any tower.

Dice accessories that pair well with a tower

  • Nebula® 12mm d6 Spring/white Luminary™ Dice Block™ (36 dice): This 12mm Dice Block from Chessex Manufacturing LLC contains 36 dice in a spring/white LuminaryTM style, offering a practical supply for games that require many rolls. If you use a dice tower, a block of matching dice ensures you always have enough for games like Yahtzee or wargames, and the 12mm size fits most tower trays without crowding.
  • Nebula® Polyhedral Red/silver Luminary™ 7-Die Set: Our SignatureTM dice are made up of the best sellers across our newest lines. Each set comes with 7 dice: 1 D4, 1 D6, 1 D8, 2 D10, 1 D12, 1 D20. A polyhedral set is ideal for RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. Using a tower with a 7-die set keeps your roll contained and fair, especially when you need to roll multiple dice for damage or skill checks.