Quick Answer
The number of dice needed for Dungeons & Dragons depends on the type of dice and how many players there are. At minimum, you need:
- 1 set of 7 dice for each player: d4, d6, d8, d10, d%, d12, and d20
- 2 d20s for the Dungeon Master
- 5-10 d6s for tracking damage
So for a party of 4 players plus a DM, you would need about 35 dice total. However, more dice allow for faster gameplay by reducing passing dice around the table. Many DnD players recommend having at least 10-20 of each common die type.
The Standard Dice Set for Each Player
Every DnD player should have their own set of 7 polyhedral dice, often sold together as a “DnD dice set.” Here are the 7 standard dice every player needs:
| Die Type | # of Sides | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| d4 | 4 | Weapons damage, some spells |
| d6 | 6 | Weapons damage, some spells |
| d8 | 8 | Weapons damage, some spells |
| d10 | 10 | Some spells, hit points |
| d% | 100 (00-99) | Some skills and abilities |
| d12 | 12 | Weapons damage, some spells |
| d20 | 20 | Attack rolls, ability checks, saving throws |
The d20 is the most commonly rolled die in DnD, used any time a player makes an attack, ability check, or saving throw. The various sized dice like d4, d6, d8, d10, and d12 are used for determining damage for different weapons and spells.
The d%, or percentile die, is used for a few specific game mechanics like some skills or random tables that have results from 01–100. Some players use 2 d10s of different colors, designating one as the “tens” digit and one as the “ones” digit, instead of an actual d%.
So in summary, each player needs those 7 types of dice for core gameplay. Those dice cover all the basic randomization needs in DnD.
Dice for the Dungeon Master
The Dungeon Master (DM) needs their own set of standard polyhedral dice too. In fact, the DM should have multiple d20s.
It’s common for the DM to make many attack rolls against the party, so having 2 or more d20s helps speed up gameplay. The DM can roll multiple attack dice at once, rather than passing a single d20 back and forth.
The DM may also want extras of other common dice like d6s and d8s for rolling damage against the party quickly. But multiple d20s are essential.
Extra d6s for Tracking Damage
D6s are also useful to have in bulk for tracking damage and hit points during combat.
When a monster takes damage, it’s helpful to set a pile of d6s on the table showing its remaining hit points. This makes it easy for everyone to see at a glance how damaged a creature is.
Using d6s this way to represent hit point tracking requires having 5-10 on hand. Different DMs have different preferences, but it’s good to have extra d6s beyond the basic dice sets for this purpose.
Dice for Faster Gameplay
While the above covers the minimum DnD dice needed, many players recommend buying duplicates of most dice types.
Having extra dice allows passing them around the table less, speeding up gameplay. The DM can roll multiple dice at once. And players can roll damage dice together, rather than one at a time.
Especially for larger DnD groups, like 6-8 players, having at least 10-20 of common dice types accelerates the game.
With more dice, players spend less time waiting for other dice to become available. Turns move quicker, keeping everyone engaged.
Recommended Quantities for Faster Play
Here are suggested quantities of each die to have on hand for faster DnD gameplay:
| Die Type | Recommended Quantity |
|---|---|
| d4 | 10-20 |
| d6 | 20+ |
| d8 | 10-20 |
| d10 | 10-20 |
| d% | 2-3 |
| d12 | 10-20 |
| d20 | 15+ |
Having around 10-20 of most dice, plus extras of the d6 and d20, allows fast rolling and sharing around the DnD table. This improves overall gameplay speed and enjoyment when playing with larger groups.
Specialty Dice like d3s and d30s
Beyond the standard dice, some DnD games use more exotic dice types on occasion. For example:
- d3 – Some abilities in DnD require rolling an unusual d3.
- d24 – Some magic items in DnD use a d24 roll.
- d30 – Used in some published DnD adventures.
- d100 – Percentile dice with increments of 10 (00, 10, 20, etc).
However, these specialty dice are rarely needed. The standard set plus having duplicates covers 99% of dice rolling needs in most DnD games. Exotic dice can be temporarily simulated with standard dice when rarely needed.
Building a Dice Collection Over Time
When first starting DnD, purchasing multiple sets of polyhedral dice can be expensive. The recommendations above suggest 50+ dice for optimal play!
The good news is dice can be gradually accumulated over time. Starting with 1 set of dice per player plus the DM essentials is fine.
Slowly build up your dice collection through new sets as gifts, accessories from gaming stores, or adding 1 new type per session. Over time you’ll build a sizeable dice armory!
Maximizing Your Dice Collection
To maximize your dice collection over time:
- First prioritize getting each player their own set of the 7 standard dice.
- Then focus on getting 2-3 extra d20s for the DM.
- Add dice like d6s and d8s for tracking damage.
- Finally expand into extra sets for faster rolling and sharing.
Following those steps will build a well-rounded dice collection over time. With a good variety of dice types and multiples of key ones like d20s, you’ll enable fast paced and fun DnD games.
Cleaning Dice
As you build your dice collection, keep dice performing well by cleaning them periodically. Plastic dice can get greasy or dirty which affects the balance and randomness.
- Clean dice with mild soap and warm water.
- Avoid harsh cleaners which can damage numbering.
- Let dice dry completely before use.
- Store dice in a clean, enclosed container.
Proper cleaning and storage keeps dice fair and random during gameplay. Replace any dice that become overly worn or damaged.
Sharing Dice at the Table
If you don’t have enough dice for everyone, proper etiquette is important when sharing:
- Always roll borrowed dice in full view of the owner.
- Return dice promptly after rolling so others can use them.
- Don’t touch or grab other players’ dice without asking.
- Thank players when borrowing their dice.
Following those tips keeps dice sharing running smoothly during play.
Dice Superstitions and Rituals
Many players have gaming superstitions around dice. Common rituals include:
- “Feeding the dice” – rolling them before important checks.
- Rubbing dice for luck.
- Blowing on dice before rolling.
- Having a favorite lucky die.
- Retiring “cursed” dice that roll poorly.
While not proven to work, these rituals add fun and excitement to DnD games. Just be respectful not to impose your rituals on others’ dice.
Using Dice Apps
For convenience, many players use random number generator apps to roll virtual dice. However, apps lack the tactile enjoyment and group bonding of real dice rolling.
If using an app, roll dice loudly and dramatically so others can hear the results and enjoy the suspense. Pass your phone around so players can see each roll. Virtual rolls should enhance, not detract from, the tabletop experience.
Conclusion
Dungeons and Dragons requires a variety of polyhedral dice for gameplay. Having multiples of common dice improves speed and enjoyment, especially in larger groups.
Build your DnD dice collection gradually over time. Prioritize getting each player their own set first, then accrue extras of key dice like the d20. With a good supply of dice types and duplicates, your gaming group can embark on endless DnD adventures!
