How to Choose the Right Dice for Beginners: A Practical Guide

Quick answer

For your first dice set, start with a standard 7-piece acrylic set in a color you can read easily—it covers every common roll at the lowest cost. If you already know you love the feel of weighty dice, a metal set is a worthwhile upgrade. Buy one set, play a few sessions, then add specialty dice only when a specific need appears.

If you are new to Dungeons & Dragons or another tabletop RPG, the wall of dice options can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise with clear decision rules: what to buy first, what to skip, and when to upgrade. You will learn how material, size, and readability affect your experience—and how to pick a first dice set that will not hold you back.

We will focus on practical trade-offs rather than hype. You do not need a dozen sets to start playing. One good 7-piece set gets you through almost every roll, and you can expand later based on how you actually play. The goal is to help you choose dice that feel good in your hand and keep the game moving.

Start with a standard 7-piece set

Almost every tabletop RPG assumes you have the same core dice: one d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and a d100 (often a second d10). A standard 7-piece set gives you all of these in one purchase, usually for less than the cost of a single metal die. This is the fastest, cheapest way to be ready for your first session.

Resist the urge to buy multiple sets right away. One set is enough to play, and using it for a few sessions teaches you what you actually like. Do you prefer lighter dice that bounce a lot, or heavier dice that settle quickly? That answer will guide your next purchase better than any online review.

• Check that the set includes a d20 and a percentile die (d100) if your game uses them.
• Buy from a maker that lists the exact pieces included—avoid vague 'polyhedral set' listings.

Choose a material that matches your table

Acrylic is the default for beginners: it is affordable, durable, and comes in endless colors and patterns. It is also light, so it bounces more and can send dice off the table if you roll hard. If you play on a hard surface, a dice tray helps. Acrylic is the best value for new players who want to try several looks without spending much.

Metal dice are heavier and feel substantial in the hand. They roll with a satisfying clatter and tend to stop faster, which some players prefer. The trade-off is price and weight: metal sets cost more and can dent soft wood tables if rolled directly. A tray is strongly recommended. Resin and polymer sets sit between acrylic and metal—often with unique inclusions like glitter or swirls—but they can be more fragile if dropped.

Specialty materials like sharp-edged resin or handmade dice are beautiful but usually cost more and may have slightly sharper edges. They are a great second or third set, not necessarily a first.

• Acrylic: light, cheap, durable—best for tight budgets.
• Metal: heavy, premium feel—best for players who love weight and sound.
• Resin/polymer: decorative but can chip if dropped on hard floors.

Make readability your top priority

A beautiful set that you cannot read at a glance will slow down every roll. Look for high-contrast numbers: white or bright ink on a dark background, or dark ink on a light background. Swirled or glittery dice can hide numbers if the contrast is low. If you play in dim light, consider dice with larger, bolder fonts.

Size also matters. Standard 16mm dice are the most common and fit most hands well. Larger dice (often called 'jumbo') are easier to read but can be clumsy for players with smaller hands. Smaller dice (12mm or less) are portable but can be harder to read across a table. For a first set, stick with standard 16mm unless you have a specific reason to go bigger or smaller.

• Test readability by holding the die at arm's length—if you squint, keep looking.
• Avoid very dark numbers on dark dice, no matter how cool they look.

Set a budget and stick to it

You can get a perfectly good acrylic 7-piece set for under $10, especially if you catch a sale. That is enough to start playing. Metal sets typically run $30–$60 depending on the design and finish. Specialty handmade or limited-edition sets can go higher. Decide what you want to spend before you browse, and remember that a dice tray is a small extra cost that protects your table and keeps dice on the table.

If you are buying for a group, consider a value bundle or multiple acrylic sets in different colors so each player can tell their dice apart. That is often cheaper than buying one premium set and having everyone share.

• Under $10: acrylic set—perfect for a first purchase.
• $30–$60: metal set—a meaningful upgrade once you know you love the game.
• Add a tray: $10–$20, saves your table and your dice.

Consider these specific sets

If you want a concrete starting point, here are a few real options from our catalog that fit different beginner priorities. The 7pc RPG Set - Terra is a standard 16mm acrylic set with swirled green and blue colors and white numbers—high contrast and easy to read. The 7pc RPG Set - Meteor Storms is similar but semi-translucent blue and teal with microglitter, also with white numbers. Both are budget-friendly and include the full 7-piece lineup.

For a step up in feel, the 7pc RPG Set - Dark Nexus Hexbreaker is a metal set with an oil-slick scorched rainbow finish. It is heavier and more expensive, but many players find the weight and sound worth it. The 7pc RPG Set - Skyforge Hexbreaker is another metal option with a blue and white celestial theme. Both are 7-piece sets and come from our Hexbreaker line, which is known for its detailed mold.

If you prefer a softer, rounded feel, the 7pc RPG Set - Elessia Kybr - Inquisitor with Red is a polymer set with red and black swirls and red inking. It has the rounded edges of our Avalore design, which some players find more comfortable to roll. For a truly unique look, the 7pc RPG Set - Unearthed Leviathan is a Storm Forged collaboration with a bordered design and custom font; it is a premium set aimed at players who want something distinctive.

• Terra and Meteor Storms: best value for a first set.
• Dark Nexus and Skyforge Hexbreaker: metal upgrade for weight and durability.
• Elessia Kybr and Unearthed Leviathan: specialty looks and feels for later.

Decision rules for buying your first dice set

• If you are on a tight budget: Choose a standard 7-piece acrylic set like the Terra or Meteor Storms. You get all the dice you need for under $10, and you can upgrade later. Spend the savings on a dice tray or a second set for a friend.
• If you want a premium feel: Go with a metal set such as the Dark Nexus Hexbreaker or Skyforge Hexbreaker. They are heavier, more durable, and have a satisfying roll. Budget for a dice tray to protect your table from dents.
• If you value unique aesthetics: Consider a polymer or specialty set like the Elessia Kybr - Inquisitor with Red or the Unearthed Leviathan. These offer distinctive designs and finishes. Check readability first—swirls and dark colors can hide numbers.
• If you are unsure: Start with one acrylic set in a color you love. Play a few sessions. Your preferences will become clear, and you can add a second set that fills a specific gap. Do not buy multiple sets at once; learn what you like first.

Product facts

• 7pc RPG Set - Terra: Material: Swirled green and blue acrylic; 7 piece dice set; Standard, 16mm size; Numbers painted in white. High-contrast white numbers on a colorful background make this set easy to read, and the 16mm size is comfortable for most hands. The low price makes it a low-risk first purchase.
• 7pc RPG Set - Meteor Storms: Material: Semi-translucent blue and teal resin swirled with microglitter; 7 piece dice set; Standard, 16mm size; Numbers painted in white. The semi-translucent resin and microglitter give a visual flair without sacrificing readability, thanks to the white numbers. It is still a standard 16mm set, so it feels familiar.
• 7pc RPG Set - Dark Nexus Hexbreaker: Dark Nexus Hexbreaker features oil-slick scorched rainbow finish; 7 piece set; metal. Metal dice feel heavier and tend to stop rolling faster. The oil-slick finish is eye-catching, but the weight means you should use a dice tray to protect your table.
• 7pc RPG Set - Skyforge Hexbreaker: Blue and white dice; 7 piece set; metal. Another metal option with a celestial theme. The blue and white color scheme offers good contrast, and the metal construction adds durability and a premium feel.

Who this guide is for

Best for

• New players buying their first set of RPG dice
• Budget-conscious gamers who want reliable dice without spending much
• Players who want to understand material and size trade-offs before buying

Not for

• Experienced collectors seeking limited-edition or artisanal dice
• Players who already know they prefer a specific material or brand
• Those looking for electronic dice or digital tools

Choosing your first dice set does not have to be complicated. Start with a standard 7-piece acrylic set that is easy to read, play a few sessions, and let your experience guide your next purchase. Whether you stick with acrylic or upgrade to metal later, the best dice are the ones that keep your game moving and feel good in your hand.