RPG Dice Sets Explained: Materials, Sizes and What to Buy

Quick answer

Buy a metal d20 or a full polyhedral dice set if you want durability and table presence; choose resin or plastic if you need lightweight, quiet, budget-friendly dice for travel. For most tabletop RPG players, start with one standard 7-dice polyhedral set, then add a special d20 or a game-specific set like the Blade Runner RPG dice only when the system requires it. Match material to your table habits, not to hype.

What is in a polyhedral dice set?

A standard polyhedral dice set includes seven dice: d4, d6, d8, d10, d%, d12, and d20. The d% is usually a tens die (00–90) paired with the d10 for percentile rolls. Some RPGs, like the official Blade Runner RPG, use a custom set of four Base Dice instead of the full seven-piece spread. That set is designed to support the game’s mechanics but can also be used as normal dice. If you only play one system, check whether it uses standard polyhedrals or custom dice before buying a generic set.

Metal vs resin dice: weight, noise, and table feel

Metal dice feel substantial, roll with authority, and resist wear better than soft plastic or resin. They can dent wooden tables and make more noise, so a dice tray is a practical add-on. Resin dice are lighter, quieter, and often come in more vivid colors and inclusions. Resin can chip or crack if dropped on hard floors, and some resin dice are not perfectly balanced. Neither material is objectively better; the right choice depends on where you play and how much you care about heft versus portability. For a deeper material comparison, hold both in hand if you can, or read the catalog facts carefully: metal construction is listed for the Old School DnD RPG Metal D20 – Soaring Dragon, while many resin sets do not publish weight or balance data. When a specification like exact weight or balance is absent, treat it as unknown rather than assuming quality.

DnD dice sizes explained without the jargon

Dice are named by the number of faces: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20. The larger the number, the more sides and the more unpredictable the roll. A d20 drives most attack rolls and skill checks in D&D-style games. A d6 is used for damage, random tables, and many board games. The d% (percentile) is two d10s read as tens and ones. Size also refers to physical dimensions: standard 16mm dice fit most hands and dice towers, while 22mm or larger chunky dice are easier to read but harder to roll in tight spaces. If a product listing does not state the physical size, do not assume it is standard; check the product images or ask before buying.

How many dice do you actually need?

One 7-piece polyhedral set covers most sessions for one player. If you play a class that rolls many d6s (like a rogue’s sneak attack), add a handful of extra d6s. Game masters often want a second set to roll openly without mixing dice. If you play multiple systems, a second set in a different color speeds up table sorting. Custom dice sets like the Blade Runner RPG – Dice replace the standard seven for that specific game, so buy them only if you run or play that system. Otherwise, a standard polyhedral set plus one special d20 gives you the most flexibility.

When to buy a single special d20 instead of a full set

A single metal d20 is a smart upgrade if you already own a full set but want a centerpiece die for attack rolls. The Old School DnD RPG Metal D20 – Soaring Dragon is a sturdy metal twenty-sided die with a traditional look, available in several color combinations. It adds satisfying weight and durability without replacing your whole set. This is also a good option for players who want a lucky d20 or a gift under a low budget. If you need dice for a new player, a full set is still the better first purchase because it covers all the standard rolls.

Decision rules for buying RPG dice

• If you are a new player: Buy one standard 7-piece polyhedral set in a color you can read easily. Skip metal until you know you like the weight and have a dice tray. Checkpoint: can you identify each die by shape without counting faces?
• If you play at a wooden table or share a small space: Choose resin or plastic dice, or add a padded dice tray. Metal dice can dent soft wood and are louder when they land. Trade-off: metal gives durability and feel; resin gives quiet, lightweight portability.
• If you already own a set but want a better d20: Buy a single metal d20 like the Old School DnD RPG Metal D20 – Soaring Dragon instead of a full second set. Next step: use it for attack rolls and keep your resin d20s for damage dice.
• If you play a specific licensed RPG: Check whether the game uses custom dice, such as the four Base Dice in the Blade Runner RPG set, before buying a generic polyhedral set. Rule: custom dice are not interchangeable with standard sets for that system.

Dice options worth considering

• Old School DnD RPG Metal D20 - Soaring Dragon: Old School DnD RPG Metal D20 – Soaring Dragon is a sturdy metal twenty-sided die with a traditional look, available in several color combinations. A single metal d20 is a low-cost upgrade for players who already own a full set but want a heavier, more durable die for attack rolls.
• Blade Runner RPG - Dice: Blade Runner RPG – Dice is a set of four engraved Base Dice designed specifically for the official BLADE RUNNER Roleplaying Game and can be used as normal dice as well. Buy this only if you play that system; it replaces the standard seven-piece set for that game, so it is not a universal first purchase.
• Die Hard 7-Dice Set - Unearthed Leviathan: Die Hard 7-Dice Set – Unearthed Leviathan is part of the Storm Forged – Unearthed line, a collaboration between Die Hard Dice and Jake Stormoen's Storm Forged brand, featuring a unique bordered design and a custom font. A premium full set for players who want distinctive table presence and are willing to pay more for design and brand collaboration.

Who should buy which dice

Best for

• New tabletop RPG players who need one complete polyhedral set
• Players who want a durable metal d20 for attack rolls
• Fans of the Blade Runner RPG who need the official four Base Dice
• Gamers who want a premium full set with distinctive design

Not for

• Players who need lightweight, silent dice for travel or shared tables
• Buyers who want a single set to cover every RPG system including custom-dice games
• Anyone who dislikes heavy dice or does not use a dice tray