Ultimate Guide to RPG Dice: From D4 to D20

Dice has been around for ages. The versatility and simplicity of dice make them popular not only in traditional board games and role-playing games but also in various other activities and hobbies. From teaching math concepts to deciding who goes first in a casual game night with friends, dice can add an element of chance and excitement to any activity. Whether you’re a seasoned dice enthusiast or just starting, let’s explore the different types of dice!

D4

Tetrahedron

The D4 may be small, but it’s sharp! Its triangular shape makes it unpredictable and it can poke fingers or roll in unexpected ways. But some people like the excitement it brings to their games. Just be careful when you use it, or you might get poked by the fierce D4!

D6

Regular Hexahedron

The D6 is the most popular and recognizable die. It’s a cube with six sides, each with a number from 1 to 6. It’s used in many games, including the famous role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, as well as casino games like craps. You might even see it hanging as fuzzy dice in some cars! The D6 is an essential tool for anyone who loves games, whether it’s for fun, education, or gambling. Its versatility and endless possibilities make it a cherished die for generations to come.

D8

Octahedron

The D8 is like a weird lovechild of two pyramids that got together after a few too many drinks at a tabletop gaming convention. This eight-sided die is a staple in games like Dungeons & Dragons and provides players with more outcomes than a boring six-sided die.

D10

Pentagonal Trapezohedra

The D10 is like the middle child of dice, always vying for attention. It’s not as popular as the classic D6, but not as intimidating as the big bad D20. And unlike its true polyhedral siblings, it’s not a perfectly shaped geometric wonder. But don’t underestimate the power of this 10-sided die, especially when it comes to rolling for percentile results.

Percentile (D10)

Pentagonal Trapezohedra

The percentile die is a unique member of the dice family. It’s not quite like the others, as it doesn’t have the same numbered sides as a regular die. Instead, it’s numbered from 00 to 90 in increments of 10, giving it 10 possible outcomes. When paired with a regular D10, it can be used to generate a number between 1 and 100, which is useful for certain games and scenarios.

D12

Dodecahedron

The d12 is like the cool and mysterious cousin of the dice family. It’s not as common as the d6 or the d10, but it still has a loyal following. With 12 sides, it’s often mistaken for its larger cousin, the d20, which can lead to some confusion during gameplay.

D20

Icosahedron

The d20 is perhaps the most iconic and recognizable of all RPG dice. Its twenty sides make it a versatile die that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from determining the outcome of combat to generating random events. Due to its popularity, the d20 has become a symbol of the tabletop gaming community and has even made its way into popular culture. You might have seen it as a tattoo, keychain, or even a Christmas ornament. So, whether you’re battling dragons or just trying to make a tough decision, the trusty d20 has got you covered.

How to Roll Dice

Rolling dice is easy, but doing it with style takes some practice. First, make sure to give your dice a pep talk so they know what’s expected of them. Then, hold them with two fingers and give them a good shake like you’re trying to wake them up from a nap. Next, throw them across the room as hard as you can and hope for the best. If you’re lucky, they’ll land on the table. And remember, if all else fails, blame the dice and start again!

Scroll to Top