What Dice Do You Need for D&D?
The essential dice for starting Dungeons & Dragons — and what to add next.
You do not need a suitcase of dice to start Dungeons & Dragons. You need one readable 7-piece set, a way to keep them together, and a plan for the two upgrades almost everyone makes later.
The minimum kit
Buy (or borrow) a complete polyhedral set:
- d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, percentile d10
That is the same list covered in how many dice are in a D&D set. If the listing is vague, skip it. Browse proven complete sets under D&D dice.
Readability first. High-contrast ink on faces you can parse at arm’s length matters more than glitter for your first campaign.
Digital vs physical
A phone dice roller is perfect for prep, remote games, or the night before your set ships. At a physical table, physical dice are faster to share, more fun to watch, and easier for new players to learn by feel.
What to add after session three
Most players notice the same gaps:
- Second d20 — advantage, disadvantage, and rolling alongside a friend
- Extra d6s — spell damage and ability-score nights
- A tray or mat — especially if you upgrade to metal dice
- A bag or box — so the d4 does not live in the couch forever (dice bags, dice boxes)
You can also keep a cheap backup set in the campaign bag for guests.
Choosing by play style
| You are… | Start with | Then consider |
|---|---|---|
| Brand-new player | Clear resin 7-piece | Extra d6s |
| Collector / gift buyer | Unique or gemstone | Display box |
| Heavy caster | Resin set + d6 pack | Matching second set |
| DM | Two full sets or bulk | Tray for the table |
| Style-first | Liquid-core or cool dice | Still keep one high-contrast beater set |
Unsure on material? Read metal vs resin, then use Best D&D dice or the Dice Finder.
One set per player is the social rule
Sharing a single set across five people works for a one-shot. For a weekly campaign, each player having their own dice keeps combat moving and avoids “whose d20 was that?” arguments.
Related guides
- D&D dice types explained
- D&D dice names
- Hit dice in D&D — different meaning; still worth knowing
When you are ready, shop all D&D dice sets or jump to resin for the most beginner-friendly starting point.