Quick Answer

If you play with physical dice and often lose track of hit points, the LifeLink Counter is the better first purchase. If your table already tracks HP reliably but dice keep rolling off the table, start with a dice tray.

Why the Order Matters

Both the LifeLink Counter and a dice tray improve your D&D table setup, but they solve different problems. The counter is a dedicated HP tracker that keeps life totals visible and clickable; a tray simply contains your rolls. Your choice depends on which issue slows your game more: HP math or runaway dice.

If you already use a digital HP tracker or a player handles the bookkeeping, a dice tray adds more immediate value. If you still scribble on paper or forget to subtract damage, the LifeLink Counter directly fixes that bottleneck.

Budget also plays a role. A good dice tray costs as much as a LifeLink Counter, so buying both at once may not be realistic. Prioritize the aid that addresses your most frequent table frustration.

The Case for Starting with a Dice Tray

A dice tray is a versatile tabletop accessory that protects your table and keeps dice from scattering. If your group rolls on hard surfaces or in tight spaces, a tray is a low-cost, high-impact upgrade.

Trays also work for every game, not just D&D. They hold dice for any RPG, board game, or dice-based activity, making them a more universal purchase.

However, a tray does nothing for HP tracking. If your table struggles with life totals, a tray won't solve that problem.

The LifeLink Counter is a dedicated HP tracker with satisfying clicks that make damage and healing tangible. It removes the mental math and pencil marks, keeping everyone focused on the story.

It's a niche tool, but for groups that play weekly, it can become the centerpiece of the table. The counter's tactile feedback is a feature you won't get from a dice tray.

The trade-off is that it only tracks HP or similar counters. If you also need a rolling surface, you'll still need a tray eventually.

Decision Rules for Your First Table Aid

  • HP tracking is your pain point: Buy the LifeLink Counter first. It replaces pencil-and-paper HP and keeps life totals visible to the whole table. Check if your table already uses a reliable HP method before purchasing.
  • Dice roll off the table often: Buy a dice tray first. It contains rolls and protects your table, solving the most immediate disruption. Measure your table space to ensure the tray fits comfortably.
  • You want a universal accessory: Choose a dice tray, since it works for any game and any dice set. Consider a tray with a lid if you travel to games.
  • You want a thematic centerpiece: Pick a LifeLink Counter with a design that matches your campaign or dice collection, like the Bloodbound Hexbreaker for Hexbreaker fans. Verify the counter's click mechanism feels satisfying before committing.

  • LifeLink Counter - Refined Island: The Refined Island design features a lone figure tallying the dead after a battlefield, with a satisfying click for each count. This theme fits grim campaigns and adds narrative flavor to HP tracking, but the dark art style may not suit lighter tables.

    LifeLink Counter - Refined Island

    LifeLink Counter - Refined Island

  • LifeLink Counter - Bloodbound Hexbreaker: The Bloodbound Hexbreaker is a new LifeLink based on the popular Hexbreaker metal collection, themed around a mage using a blood-drop countercharm. If you already own Hexbreaker dice, this counter matches your set for a cohesive table look, but the blood theme isn't for everyone.

    LifeLink Counter - Bloodbound Hexbreaker

    LifeLink Counter - Bloodbound Hexbreaker

Which Should You Buy?

Best for

  • Groups that struggle with HP tracking and want a tactile, thematic solution
  • Players who already own a dice tray or roll in a contained space

Not for

  • Tables that already track HP digitally and need a rolling surface
  • Minimalist players who prefer a single, multi-purpose accessory