Starting your first Dungeons & Dragons campaign is exciting. You’ve got your character sheet, maybe a brand-new Player’s Handbook, and a group ready to roll dice together. But that brings up the question: which dice set should you start with? With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the essentials to help you choose your first D&D dice set.
What Dice Do You Need for D&D?
A standard D&D dice set includes seven polyhedral dice: a four-sided (d4), six-sided (d6), eight-sided (d8), ten-sided (d10), percentile die (d%), twelve-sided (d12), and twenty-sided die (d20). Every class uses these dice in different ways, but the twenty-sided die is the one you’ll roll most often for attacks, saving throws, and ability checks.
Material Choices
Resin or Acrylic Dice: Lightweight, colorful, and affordable. Great for new players who want variety without breaking the bank.
Metal Dice: Heavier and more durable, with a satisfying weight in your hand. Perfect if you want your rolls to feel impactful.
Gemstone Dice: Premium sets made from natural or synthetic stone. These are luxury options with unique beauty and heft, though they require careful handling.
Design and Style
Dice come in every color and theme imaginable. Some players match their dice to their character’s class or personality; for example, shadowy blacks and purples for a warlock, or bright greens and golds for a druid. Others just choose a set that feels fun to roll. Your first set should inspire you to play and reflect your personal taste.
Tips for Choosing Your First Set
- Start Simple: If you’re new, pick a resin or acrylic set. They’re reliable and inexpensive.
- Think About Readability: High-contrast numbers are easier to read quickly during play.
- Pick a Set You’ll Actually Use: Dice aren’t just tools... they’re part of the ritual of play. Choose a set that excites you to roll.
- Consider Extras: Having a few spare d6s or d20s can be handy for damage rolls or advantage/disadvantage checks.
Upgrading Later
Once you’ve gotten a few sessions under your belt, you may want to expand. Many players collect multiple sets for different characters, campaigns, or moods. Metal and gemstone dice make excellent upgrades when you’re ready for something that feels more special. And if you’re looking for something tailored to your character, class-themed dice like the Arsenal Collection are designed with D&D adventurers in mind.
Your First Roll Awaits
Choosing your first dice set is the first step toward countless adventures. Once you’ve picked the dice that speak to you, it’s time to gather your party and roll them for real. Every critical hit, every wild miss, and every unforgettable story starts with that first set of dice.
Ready to roll? Explore our full collection of dice sets and find the ones that will carry you through your very first campaign.
