Dice are the heart and soul of making any tabletop RPG magical. Whether you're rolling for a critical hit, a spell save, or a life-or-death skill check, the feel and performance of your dice can shape your game experience. But not all dice are created equal—different materials affect weight, balance, durability, and even the way they roll.
If you've ever wondered whether metal dice roll differently than resin ones, or if sharp-edged dice really make a difference, this guide breaks down the pros, cons, and characteristics of various dice materials.
1. Resin & Acrylic Dice – The Classic Choice
🎲 Most standard polyhedral dice sets are made of resin or acrylic, offering a balance of affordability, durability, and variety in colors and designs.
✔ Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to roll
- Comes in endless colors, glitters, and inclusions
- Affordable and widely available
- Won't damage tables or other dice
❌ Cons:
- May have minor balance imperfections due to manufacturing methods
- Sets may have rough edges or mold marks
- Standard dice can feel less premium than other materials
💡 Best For: Everyday gaming, new players, dice collectors who love variety
2. Metal Dice – Heavy Hitters of the Table
⚔️ Metal dice are known for their satisfying heft, premium feel, and sharp, clean numbering. Typically made from zinc alloy, they bring a solid weight to your rolls.
✔ Pros:
- Heavy and satisfying to roll
- Durable and long-lasting
- Precision-machined for more balanced rolling
- Looks and feels high-end
❌ Cons:
- Can damage soft surfaces (rolling trays recommended!)
- Must be stored properly to prevent chipping or scratching
- Can be harder to read in low lighting due to polished finishes
💡 Best For: Players who love a dramatic clunk when rolling, those who want a premium dice feel, collectors of striking, metallic designs
3. Sharp-Edged Resin Dice – Precision Meets Style
🔪 Unlike standard resin dice, sharp-edged resin dice are crafted with precise molds and hand-polished edges. They’re known for their clean, crisp look and better balance.
✔ Pros:
- Cleaner, sharper rolls with reduced bias
- Often handcrafted with premium materials
- Crystal-clear designs, often with intricate inclusions
- Feels more premium than standard resin dice
❌ Cons:
- More expensive than standard resin dice
- Requires careful storage, as sharp edges can lead to scratches
- Best rolled with a dice tray to protect surfaces
💡 Best For: Players who want stylish, high-precision dice with better balance and visual appeal
4. Stone & Gemstone Dice – Luxury in Every Roll
💎 Stone dice, often made from materials like obsidian, amethyst, or lapis lazuli, are among the most premium dice available. They feel solid, cool to the touch, and stunning on the table.
✔ Pros:
- Beautiful and unique aesthetic
- Hefty but not as damaging as metal
- Feels luxurious and personal
❌ Cons:
- Brittle and can crack if dropped
- More expensive than resin or metal
- Needs careful handling and a padded rolling surface
💡 Best For: Luxury collectors, players who want a one-of-a-kind dice set, those who appreciate a natural aesthetic
5. Liquid Core & Floating-Ink Dice – The Eye-Catching Rollers
💠 These dice contain liquid or floating elements inside, creating a mesmerising effect when rolled.
✔ Pros:
- Visually stunning with swirling or shifting insides
- Rolls similarly to standard resin dice
- Unique and fun to watch in motion
❌ Cons:
- Can be slightly unbalanced if the liquid core isn't perfectly centered
- More fragile than standard resin dice
- Typically pricier than regular dice
💡 Best For: Players who love novelty and eye-catching designs, dice collectors looking for something truly unique
Choosing the Right Dice for You
When picking the perfect dice set, consider these factors:
🎲 Rolling Feel: Do you prefer lightweight rolls or hefty, dramatic clunks? Resin and acrylic are light, while metal and stone provide a heavier roll.
📏 Balance & Precision: Sharp-edged resin and metal dice often have better balance, while standard resin and acrylic dice may have small manufacturing imperfections.
💰 Price & Durability: Budget-friendly? Go for acrylic or resin. Want premium? Try metal, sharp-edged resin, or gemstone dice.
🎨 Aesthetic: If style matters, look at liquid core, gemstone, or sharp-edged dice with intricate inclusions.
🛡️ Table & Dice Safety: If you’re worried about damage, avoid metal and stone dice on unprotected surfaces—use a rolling tray!
Final Thoughts
Dice are as much a personal choice as your character class or playstyle. Whether you're a fan of the classic feel of resin, the weighty power of metal, or the stunning beauty of gemstone dice, your collection is a reflection of your gaming journey.
No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that your dice bring you joy—whether they're rolling natural 20s or a streak of frustrating 1s. So, what’s your favorite dice material? Let us know in the comments! 🎲✨
