Top RPG Games You Can Play with a Polyhedral Dice Set

Looking to roll more than just a nat 20? Your polyhedral dice set opens the door to countless tabletop RPGs beyond just Dungeons & Dragons. Here’s your ultimate guide to games that use d4s, d6s, d8s, d10s, d12s, and d20s.

What Is a Polyhedral Dice Set?

A standard polyhedral dice set includes 7 dice: a d4, d6, d8, d10, percentile d10 (d100), d12, and d20. These dice are a staple in many tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), each used for different types of actions, skills, and combat mechanics.

1. Dungeons & Dragons (All Editions)

System: d20-based
Why it fits: The game that made polyhedral dice iconic. D&D uses nearly every die in the set, with the d20 being the star of the show for attacks and checks.

2. Pathfinder (1E & 2E)

System: d20-based
Why it fits: A spin-off of D&D 3.5 with deeper mechanics. Uses all polyhedral dice for spells, skills, and critical rolls.

3. Starfinder

System: d20-based
Why it fits: Sci-fi flavor, D&D-style structure. You’ll use the full dice set for futuristic action, alien encounters, and tech-based powers.

4. Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

System: Percentile (d100)
Why it fits: d10s and percentile dice take the spotlight. Investigate cosmic horror with a slower, grittier pace — and fewer hit points.

5. Star Wars: Roleplaying Game (Saga Edition)

System: d20-based
Why it fits: Fly X-Wings and swing lightsabers with the same dice you use in fantasy games. Ideal for D&D players who want to go galactic.

6. Mutants & Masterminds

System: d20-based
Why it fits: A superhero RPG built on d20 mechanics. You'll mostly use the d20, but character creation and damage may pull in others.

7. Numenera / The Cypher System

System: d20-based
Why it fits: Focuses on narrative and discovery, using d6s, d10s, d20s. The streamlined mechanics make it fast to learn and fun to play.

8. Shadow of the Demon Lord

System: d20-based
Why it fits: Grim fantasy at its finest. Simple, lethal, and full of flavor. Uses the full polyhedral set for combat and chaos.

9. 13th Age

System: d20-based
Why it fits: A blend of 4E and story-driven systems, using d4 through d20. Perfect for players who love epic power moves and narrative arcs.

10. Dungeon Crawl Classics

System: d20 + “funky dice”
Why it fits: While it uses standard polyhedral dice, DCC also introduces unusual dice like d14 and d30. A retro, chaotic ride through sword & sorcery.

Bonus: Other Dice-Driven Systems Worth Exploring

• Godbound: d20 for mythic-level characters.
• Open Legend: Uses multiple polyhedral dice at once for actions.
• 13th Age: Story-driven yet tactical, using standard polyhedrals.
• Microlite20: A lightweight, fast-play d20 RPG for quick sessions.

Why Polyhedral Dice Matter

These dice don’t just add flair to your table — they shape every moment of your game. Whether you're casting spells, dodging traps, or negotiating peace, every roll carries weight. A single d20 roll can change the entire story. And with indie RPGs expanding fast, your set of dice is more valuable than ever.

Ready to Roll?

Whether you’re diving into a classic or trying something new, your polyhedral dice set is your gateway to adventure. Explore our polyhedral dice sets and level up your next session.

Stay tuned for more RPG guides and dice lore right here on the Ebonwood