Dice guide / Published July 15, 2026

Are Metal Dice Worth It? A Complete Guide to Metal Tabletop Dice

What are metal dice made of?

Almost all metal tabletop dice are die-cast from zinc alloy — molten zinc alloy is injected into a steel mould, cooled, and finished. The blanks are then plated in a decorative finish and their engraved numbers are filled with enamel for contrast. Zinc alloy is the industry standard because it balances weight, fine detail, and cost well. A typical 7-piece metal set weighs several times more than the same set in acrylic, which is the heft people notice first.

The pros of metal dice

• Weight and feel. The dense, substantial feel in the hand and the solid landing on the table are the main reasons people buy metal dice.
• Durability. Metal dice shrug off the everyday wear that scratches plastic, and a good set can last for decades.
• Premium look. Plated finishes — antique brass, gunmetal, copper, silver, rainbow — and enamel-filled numbers give a high-end, jewelry-like appearance.
• Great as gifts and collectibles. The weight and finish make metal sets feel like a keepsake, which is why they sell well in gift boxes and as campaign upgrade tiers.
• Consistency. Because they are cast and machined, quality metal dice tend to be very uniform in size and weight.

The cons of metal dice

• Price. Metal dice cost meaningfully more than plastic — often several times more per set — because of the material, plating, and finishing steps.
• Noise. They are loud on a bare hard table. A tray or mat is strongly recommended.
• Table and dice wear. Hard and heavy, they can dent or scratch wood surfaces over time and may chip other dice or a hard floor if dropped.
• Weight can tire. For characters or games that roll a large handful at once, a full metal set can feel cumbersome compared with light plastic.

Metal vs. plastic dice at a glance

Metal dice finishes and options

Metal dice are customizable in ways plastic is not. Common plating options include antique brass, gunmetal, copper, silver, and rainbow, each paired with an enamel number fill (gold, silver, black, or a custom color) for contrast. Publishers often replace the 20 face of the D20 with a logo or crest, add a magnetic gift box with a foam insert, and choose a heavier or hollow-cast body depending on the target weight and price. If you want the premium feel with lighter handling, hollow (openwork) metal dice reduce weight while keeping the metal look.

Should you choose metal dice?

Choose metal if you want a durable statement or gift set, you value weight and finish, and you roll on a tray or mat. Choose plastic if you want the lowest cost, the quietest roll, translucent or glow effects, or you frequently roll a big handful of dice at once. For publishers, metal is a strong upgrade or collector tier rather than a base run, because of its cost. See the full cost picture in our pricing guide and how metal compares with resin, acrylic, and gemstone in the material comparison guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are metal dice worth it?

Yes, if you want a durable, premium-feeling set and roll on a tray. They cost more, are louder, and can mark surfaces, but they last for years and feel like a keepsake. For the cheapest option or rolling many dice at once, plastic is more practical.

What are metal dice made of?

Usually die-cast zinc alloy, plated in finishes like antique brass, gunmetal, copper, or silver, with enamel-filled recessed numbers.

Are metal dice fair and balanced?

Well-made metal dice are fair and, because they are cast and machined, tend to be very consistent. Fairness depends on the maker's tolerances and QC, not the metal.

Do metal dice damage tables or other dice?

They can mark wood and are loud on a bare surface. Rolling on a dice tray or felt/neoprene mat prevents damage and cuts the noise.