Quick Answer
Plastic dice are the lightest and cheapest, ideal for everyday play and travel. Metal dice feel premium and roll with satisfying weight, but can damage surfaces and need a tray. Resin dice offer custom artistry and durability, but cost more and may chip if dropped on hard floors.
Plastic Dice: The Everyday Workhorse
Plastic dice are the standard for most RPG tables. They are lightweight, affordable, and come in a huge range of colors and styles. If you play frequently or carry your dice to different games, plastic is the most practical choice—it won't weigh down your bag and a lost die is easy to replace without breaking the bank.
The main trade-off is durability. Plastic can scratch, wear at the edges, and may crack if stepped on or thrown hard. But for most tabletop sessions, plastic dice hold up well and provide clear, readable numbers. They also roll more 'randomly' due to lighter weight and more bounce, which some players prefer.
Metal Dice: Premium Feel and Weight
Metal dice are prized for their heft and satisfying clatter. They feel substantial in your hand and make a strong impression on the table. The weight also reduces excessive bouncing, leading to more predictable rolls—though still random. If you enjoy a tactile, premium experience, metal is hard to beat.
However, metal dice come with practical considerations. They can scratch wooden tables, dent soft surfaces, and chip if dropped on hard floors. A dice tray is strongly recommended to protect both your dice and your furniture. Metal sets also cost more than plastic, but many players find the durability and feel worth the investment.
Resin Dice: Artistry and Customization
Resin dice are often handmade, offering unique colors, inclusions, and shapes that mass-produced plastic can't match. They are typically more durable than plastic—resin resists chipping better—but they are not indestructible. Dropping them on concrete can still cause damage.
The main drawback is price and availability. Resin sets are usually more expensive than plastic and may be produced in limited runs. If you want a one-of-a-kind set that reflects your character or style, resin is the way to go. But if you need multiple sets on a budget, plastic or metal may be more practical.
Decision Rules
- Budget: Plastic is the cheapest, resin is mid-range, metal is the most expensive. If cost is your main factor, choose plastic.
- Durability: Metal is the most resistant to wear and scratches, but can dent surfaces. Resin chips less than plastic but is not unbreakable. Plastic scratches and cracks easiest. For long-term durability, metal wins—but use a tray.
- Feel and Aesthetics: Metal feels premium and heavy; resin offers unique artistry; plastic is light and comes in many colors. Pick metal for feel, resin for looks, plastic for variety.
- Gameplay: Plastic rolls with more bounce, metal rolls with less. Some players believe lighter dice are more random, but both are fair. If you prefer a solid roll, go metal; if you like lively rolls, stick with plastic.
Product Facts
- Blue Triceratops RPG Dice Set: Perfect for Role Playing Games like Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), Shadowrun, Pathfinder, Warhammer, fantasy, sci-fi, or party games. This plastic set is versatile for any system, and its low price makes it easy to own multiple sets for different characters or to share with new players.
- Black & Purple Galaxy RPG Dice Set: Perfect for Role Playing Games like Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), Shadowrun, Pathfinder, Warhammer, fantasy, sci-fi, or party games. A budget-friendly plastic option that still delivers a distinctive galaxy look, so you can enjoy a themed set without a big investment.
Which Material Fits You?
Best For
- Players who want an affordable, lightweight set for frequent travel and casual games
- Collectors who value unique designs and don't mind a higher price for resin artistry
Not For
- Players who play on delicate surfaces without a dice tray—metal can scratch tables
- Budget-conscious players who need multiple sets—resin and metal are more expensive
