What Are Polyhedral Dice Sets?

What Are Polyhedral Dice Sets? A Guide for New and Veteran Adventurers

If you've ever wondered what polyhedral dice sets are, you're not alone. Whether you're stepping into the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) for the first time or looking to upgrade your gear, understanding these magical little math rocks is the first step to leveling up your game.

Why Are They Called Polyhedral Dice Sets?

The word “polyhedral” comes from Greek: poly means “many,” and hedron means “face.” A polyhedron is any three-dimensional shape with flat faces—so a polyhedral die is simply a die with multiple sides.

A standard polyhedral dice set includes several different polyhedrons, ranging from the 4-sided tetrahedron (d4) to the iconic 20-sided icosahedron (d20). That’s why they’re called “polyhedral dice sets”—they bring together all the shapes needed for gameplay.

What Comes in a Polyhedral Dice Set?

A typical set includes 7 dice:

• d4 – Four-sided
• d6 – Six-sided
• d8 – Eight-sided
• d10 – Ten-sided
• Percentile d10 – Ten-sided, marked in tens (00–90)
• d12 – Twelve-sided
• d20 – Twenty-sided, used for most rolls in D&D

Each die has its own role, from dealing damage to determining success or failure during gameplay.

Why Do Polyhedral Dice Sets Matter?

Games like Dungeons & Dragons rely on these dice to make decisions, resolve combat, and power your spells. The d20 is rolled most often, but every die has its place—whether you're calculating hit points, casting Fireball, or rolling for treasure.

Beyond function, your dice represent your character and their journey. Picking the right set is part of the magic.

Types of Polyhedral Dice Sets

Let’s explore the most common types of polyhedral dice sets available, from affordable to artisanal:

🔹 Acrylic & Plastic Dice Sets

Acrylic dice sets are the most common and affordable, mass-produced using injection molds. Brands like Chessex and HD Dice offer huge selections in vibrant colors, marbled patterns, and more.

While not handmade, these dice are functional, consistent, and a great entry point for new players.

Best for: beginners, gifting, building color-themed collections.

🔮 Resin Dice Sets

Resin dice are popular for their clarity and customizability. Artisans often add:

• • Foil flakes
  • Glitter or shimmer
  • Color swirls
  • Miniature inclusions (like flowers or skulls)

Each resin set is a small piece of art—and no two are alike.

✨ Sharp Edge Dice

These are a premium style of resin dice with crisp edges, high clarity, and hand-polished finishes. Sharp edge polyhedral dice are favored for their balance and aesthetic detail.

🪙 Metal Dice Sets

Metal dice are heavier and feel powerful in-hand. They’re long-lasting, and when they hit the table, they do so with weight—both literally and metaphorically. Just be sure to roll them on a protective dice tray.

💎 Gemstone & Luxury Dice

Carved from natural stones or glass, gemstone dice are luxury collectibles. They’re fragile but stunning, often used for display or treasured characters. If you’re a dice dragon building your hoard, this is your tier.

How to Choose the Right Set

When you’re ready to buy a polyhedral dice set, consider:

• Material – Plastic, resin, metal, or stone?
• Theme – Do they match your character?
• Readability – Are the numbers visible?
• Weight – Light or heavy preference?
• Storage – Consider pairing with a dice vault or tray
• Uniqueness – Want something one-of-a-kind?

Where to Buy Polyhedral Dice Sets

Looking for dice that are as special as your character? At Ebonwood, we create handcrafted, small-batch polyhedral dice sets made with care, character, and a touch of magic.

Some customer favorites:

• Golden Valor – Clear resin with radiant foil and gold-painted numbers.
  
  
• Seafarer's Bounty – A sea inspired dice set with a swirl of greens and whites with foil inclusions and copper ink.
  
  
• Celestial Frostglass – Pastel semi-transparent baby blue resin floating in a dreamy pinkish purple clear resin with floating golden foil with silver inking.
  

Final Thoughts: What Are Polyhedral Dice Sets Really About?

At their core, polyhedral dice sets are more than just random number generators—they’re story tools, expressions of your character, and pieces of treasure you carry from game to game.

Whether you're brand new to TTRPGs or have survived more boss fights than you can count, the right dice set makes your journey even more magical.

🎲 Ready to Roll?

Shop our full collection of handcrafted polyhedral dice sets and find one that calls to your adventurer’s soul.