I know that dice rolling is at the heart of the game of D&D. Whether it's determining whether a character's sword strike hits, how much damage a spell deals, or whether you succeed at a tricky skill check, dice are key to making it all happen. But with all the options available, like standard polyhedral sets, fancy resin or metal dice, and dice with unique designs or features, it can be hard to know where to start. We wanted to hear from experienced players and beginners alike: Which dice are best for new D&D players to roll? Should we go with the basic, tried-and-true dice that come with the game? Or are there other options that are easier to handle, read, and understand for those who are still getting used to the game's mechanics? Are there certain dice that are more forgiving in terms of accuracy for newbies who may not be very precise yet?
I'm not sure why this is a question, really. They're dice...you roll them, you add up the scores, then you take that and do stuff with it according to the character sheet? Generally, dice should be clear and effortlessly easy to read, and specifically I'd give newbies resin rather than metal dice so when they inevitably forget to use the dice tray, they're not chewing up the table, but beyond that...they're dice.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Agreeing with Linklite that these are dice and it doesn't really matter in the end.
But aside of that I'll address the 'easier to read' aspect (which also mainly covers the 'understand' part as well).
Especially for new players, dice should be easy to read. I have taught many people how to play that have never played before, and the most common question I get about dice is which one is which. Aside from that the second most common dice question from new players is how to read the D4. So I typically only give them plain dice (sharp-edge or not doesn't matter), with no other markings or inclusions, just the numbers so they are easy to read.
After the player has been playing for a few sessions and understands the dice, I will typically order them a fancier set, but nothing too crazy.
Cheers!
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Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty. Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers; Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas. Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
A friend of mine just got gifted a set of very nice - but practically unreadable - dice. So .. I'd say: Any dice you like, except those.
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
My answer, as it is for any question about what should new players do, is what ever is cheapest. It's very easy to get over excited with a new hobby and splash out on things but until you know you're actually going to enjoy it long term you're just wasting money. For those first few months roll borrowed dice, roll digital dice using one of a dozen free apps including D&D Beyond, roll the $2 set you bought on Amazon. Whatever is the easiest and cheapest option. Once you know the hobby is for you then you can get carried away and go full dice goblin
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I know that dice rolling is at the heart of the game of D&D. Whether it's determining whether a character's sword strike hits, how much damage a spell deals, or whether you succeed at a tricky skill check, dice are key to making it all happen. But with all the options available, like standard polyhedral sets, fancy resin or metal dice, and dice with unique designs or features, it can be hard to know where to start.
We wanted to hear from experienced players and beginners alike: Which dice are best for new D&D players to roll? Should we go with the basic, tried-and-true dice that come with the game? Or are there other options that are easier to handle, read, and understand for those who are still getting used to the game's mechanics? Are there certain dice that are more forgiving in terms of accuracy for newbies who may not be very precise yet?
I'm not sure why this is a question, really. They're dice...you roll them, you add up the scores, then you take that and do stuff with it according to the character sheet? Generally, dice should be clear and effortlessly easy to read, and specifically I'd give newbies resin rather than metal dice so when they inevitably forget to use the dice tray, they're not chewing up the table, but beyond that...they're dice.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Agreeing with Linklite that these are dice and it doesn't really matter in the end.
But aside of that I'll address the 'easier to read' aspect (which also mainly covers the 'understand' part as well).
Especially for new players, dice should be easy to read.
I have taught many people how to play that have never played before, and the most common question I get about dice is which one is which.
Aside from that the second most common dice question from new players is how to read the D4.
So I typically only give them plain dice (sharp-edge or not doesn't matter), with no other markings or inclusions, just the numbers so they are easy to read.
After the player has been playing for a few sessions and understands the dice, I will typically order them a fancier set, but nothing too crazy.
Cheers!
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty.
Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers;
Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas.
Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
A friend of mine just got gifted a set of very nice - but practically unreadable - dice. So .. I'd say: Any dice you like, except those.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Thanks for your reply！
My answer, as it is for any question about what should new players do, is what ever is cheapest. It's very easy to get over excited with a new hobby and splash out on things but until you know you're actually going to enjoy it long term you're just wasting money. For those first few months roll borrowed dice, roll digital dice using one of a dozen free apps including D&D Beyond, roll the $2 set you bought on Amazon. Whatever is the easiest and cheapest option. Once you know the hobby is for you then you can get carried away and go full dice goblin