Build an RPG Dice Loadout: Starter Sets and Extra Dice by Game

There is no single number of dice every tabletop role-playing game requires. A new D&D player can start with a common seven-die polyhedral set, while a Game Master may keep extra dice available for several players or quick group rolls. Other RPGs may rely on different dice or use custom rules. Begin with the game you play, then add dice only when they make rolls easier to handle.

How many dice come in a standard RPG set?

A common polyhedral set contains seven dice: one d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and one percentile die. In many D&D sets, the percentile die is a second D10 marked in tens. This basic group covers a wide range of standard rolls. The game’s rules determine which die to use and whether multiple dice must be rolled together.

For a first session, one set is usually a practical starting point. You can roll the same die more than once when a rule requires several results, although rolling them together may be faster. If you are borrowing dice from another player, label or sort the set so it is easy to return everything after the session.

When do you need extra D6s or D10s?

Extra dice become useful when a roll asks for several of the same die. For example, a rule might call for a handful of D6s or D10s at once. Rolling all of them together saves time and reduces the chance of forgetting one result. If your character’s abilities, attacks, or spells frequently use a repeated roll, matching extras can be more convenient than a second complete set.

A second D10 is useful if your table rolls percentile results with two ten-sided dice. Choose one die for tens and the other for ones before throwing. Color contrast makes the roles easier to remember. If a percentile die is already included with your set, an extra D10 may still be useful, but it is not mandatory if the group is happy to roll one die twice or use a different approved method.

Extra dice also help Game Masters who prepare encounters for several players. Keep a small reserve set to lend to someone who forgets theirs, or to roll multiple outcomes behind the screen. The right quantity depends on how many dice your table uses simultaneously and how much time it saves.

How dice needs vary by RPG system

Different games use different dice mechanics. Some rely mainly on a polyhedral set, some use pools of six-sided dice, and some add specialty dice or tokens. Do not assume that a D&D set is the perfect starter kit for every TTRPG. Read the game’s equipment list or player guide before buying, and ask your group whether there is a standard set they already share.

Even within one game, a player’s needs can vary by character, campaign, and table. A group that handles rolls digitally may need fewer physical dice. A group that rolls openly and often may appreciate extra matching dice. A Game Master running several NPCs at once may prefer separate colors to track simultaneous results. The system’s rulebook is the authority for the actual roll; the dice set only makes those rolls convenient.

If you play more than one system, start with the set most frequently used and build from there. A small pouch can hold the common dice, while specialty dice remain in a separate pocket. This keeps a portable kit from becoming unnecessarily heavy and helps prevent mixing dice that use different rules or markings.

How many RPG dice should you buy?

Use these practical starting points:

• One new player: Start with one standard set that matches the game’s dice notation.
• Frequent multi-die rolls: Add matching dice of the types you roll together most often.
• Percentile rolls: Keep two distinguishable D10s or use a marked percentile pair.
• Game Master: Consider a spare set and different colors for separate creatures or outcomes.
• Several systems: Check each game’s rules and keep specialty dice separate.

These are convenience suggestions rather than rules. A table can share dice, roll sequentially, or use digital dice if everyone agrees. Your budget, storage space, and preferred pace all matter. If you are unsure, bring one set to a session and note when the group waits for additional dice.

How many dice do you need to start?

For many beginners, one complete set is enough to learn the game and participate. Focus on being able to identify each shape and read its numbers. Add extra D6s or D10s after you encounter repeated rolls that slow play. A small upgrade can solve a real inconvenience better than buying several sets before you know what the group uses.

For a shared table, think about how many players might need to roll at the same time. The Game Master may provide a communal supply, but players often enjoy having a personal set. If you are bringing dice for a new player, choose high-contrast numbers and a compact pouch so the set is easy to identify and carry.

Plan a compact RPG dice kit

A useful kit can include your main set, a few extra dice chosen for the game, a pencil, and a simple pouch or case. A tray or rolling mat is helpful if the table is delicate, crowded, or shared with miniatures. Keep the kit light enough to bring routinely. If you own multiple materials, separate heavier dice from more delicate ones during transport.

Before a campaign starts, ask the Game Master what game system and edition the group uses, whether percentile rolls are common, and whether the table already has shared extras. That conversation can prevent unnecessary purchases and make sure your set fits the actual game.

Choose quantity for your table, not a fixed rule

For a new D&D player, one standard set is a good starting place. Extra dice are most useful when they match rolls you make often, support percentile results, or keep a group moving. Different RPGs may use other dice, so check the relevant rules before expanding. A collection can grow gradually as your character and table reveal what you genuinely need.

NPCDICE helps players compare dice and table gear for real sessions. Start with a set you can read and use comfortably, then add only the pieces that improve your game-night routine.