Dice towers have been a staple in tabletop gaming for centuries. Whether you’re playing Dungeons and Dragons, Settlers of Catan, or any other game involving dice, using a dice tower can add excitement and randomness to your gameplay.
In this article, we’ll explore what a dice tower is, the benefits of using one, how to use one effectively, and even how to make one yourself. So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or starting, read on to learn more about this classic gaming accessory.
What is a Dice Tower?
A dice tower is a gaming accessory designed to enhance the randomness and fairness of dice rolls. It is typically made of a box-like structure with ramps or channels where the dice are rolled down. The dice are dropped into the top of the tower and bounce off the walls and ramps inside, ensuring they are randomized before reaching the bottom—the dice exit the tower through a designated opening, such as a tray or chute.
The purpose of a dice tower is to eliminate the possibility of biased or manipulated rolls, whether intentional or unintentional. Using a dice tower can reduce arguments and cheating during gameplay, as it provides an impartial and transparent way of rolling dice. Additionally, using a dice tower can enhance the overall gaming experience, adding anticipation and excitement to each roll.
Many different types of dice towers are available, ranging from simple cardboard structures to elaborate wooden designs. Some dice towers are specifically designed for certain types of games. In contrast, others are more versatile and can be used for various games. When choosing a dice tower, it’s essential to consider factors such as size, durability, and ease of use.
Types of Dice Towers
There are many different types of dice towers available, each with its own unique design and features. Here are some of the most common types of dice towers:
- Classic Dice Tower: The classic dice tower is a simple design that consists of a box-like structure with an entrance at the top and an exit at the bottom. The dice are dropped in at the top and roll down through a series of baffles and channels, emerging at the bottom in a random order.
- Double Dice Tower: A double dice tower is essentially two dice towers in one. It allows two players to roll their dice simultaneously, each using their own separate tower.
- Hexagon Dice Tower: A hexagon dice tower is a six-sided tower that features multiple ramps and channels for the dice to roll down. It usually has a larger footprint than other types of towers and can be more difficult to transport.
- Modular Dice Tower: A modular dice tower is a customizable tower that can be assembled and disassembled in different configurations. It usually consists of separate pieces that can be combined in various ways to create a unique tower design.
- Magnetic Dice Tower: A magnetic dice tower is a unique design that uses magnets to hold the tower together. It is usually made from wood or acrylic and can be disassembled for easy transport.
- Wooden Dice Tower: A wooden dice tower is a classic design that adds a touch of elegance to any gaming table. It is usually made from high-quality wood and can be intricately carved and decorated.
These are just a few examples of the many types of dice towers available. When choosing a dice tower, consider factors like size, portability, design, and price to find the one that best suits your needs.
Benefits of Using a Dice Tower
There are several benefits to using a dice tower in your tabletop gaming sessions. Here are some of the main advantages:
- Improves randomness of dice rolls: By bouncing the dice around inside the tower, a dice tower ensures that each roll is entirely random and unbiased. This helps prevent any player from having an unfair advantage over others.
- Reduces cheating and arguments: Because a dice tower provides a transparent and impartial way of rolling dice, it can reduce the likelihood of cheating or disagreements between players. Everyone can see the roll and know that it was fair.
- Enhances gaming experience: Using a dice tower can add excitement and anticipation to your games. The sound of the dice bouncing around inside the tower can create a sense of drama and tension, making each roll more exciting.
- Can be used with any game that involves dice: Dice towers are versatile and can be used with any game that involves rolling dice. Whether you’re playing a roleplaying game, a board game, or a card game, a dice tower can add extra fun and fairness to the game.
Overall, using a dice tower can improve the fairness and excitement of your tabletop gaming sessions. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in the quality of your gameplay.
How to Use a Dice Tower
Using a dice tower is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
- Set up the dice tower: Place the dice tower in the center of the gaming table or a location easily accessible to all players.
- Load the dice: Take the dice you want to roll and drop them into the top of the tower. Make sure they are dropped from a reasonable height to ensure that they get randomized within the tower.
- Roll the dice: Once the dice are loaded into the tower, wait for them to bounce around and rest at the bottom. The dice will exit the tower through a designated opening, such as a tray or chute.
- Read the results: Look at the dice and determine the effects of the roll. You can use the results to determine the game’s outcome or move on to the next player’s turn.
It’s important to note that some dice towers may have specific instructions or nuances. For example, some dice towers may require the dice to be loaded in a particular orientation or may have an exact way of holding them before dropping them into the tower. Always read the instructions with your dice tower to ensure you are using it correctly.
Using a dice tower is fun and easy to add randomness and excitement to your tabletop gaming sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting, using a dice tower is a great way to enhance your gaming experience.
Buying a Dice Tower
If you’re interested in purchasing a dice tower, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the right one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when buying a dice tower:
- Size: Dice towers come in a range of sizes, from small and compact to large and elaborate. Consider the size of your gaming table and the amount of space you have available when choosing a dice tower.
- Material: Dice towers can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, cardboard, wood, and acrylic. Consider the durability, portability, and aesthetics of each material before making your choice.
- Design: Dice towers come in many different designs, from classic box-like structures to intricate and decorative towers. Consider the style of your gaming table and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve when choosing a design.
- Price: Dice towers can vary in price from a few dollars for a simple cardboard design to hundreds of dollars for a high-end wooden tower. Consider your budget and the features you need when choosing a dice tower.
- Reviews: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other gamers who have used the same dice tower. This can give you an idea of the quality and performance of the tower, as well as any potential issues to watch out for.
By considering these factors when buying a dice tower, you can ensure that you get the right one for your needs and enhance your tabletop gaming experience. Check out our article on the best dice towers, where we hand picked some of our favorite dice towers!
Making a DIY Dice Tower
If you’re crafty or want to save money, you can make your dice tower at home. Here are some steps to follow:
Gather your materials: You will need some sturdy cardboard or foam board, a ruler, a pencil, a craft knife, some glue or tape, and some paint or markers (if you want to decorate your tower).
Cut out the pieces: Using your ruler and pencil, measure and mark the parts for your dice tower. You will need a base, a back piece, two side pieces, and a front piece with a chute or tray for the dice to exit. Cut out the pieces using a craft knife.
Assemble the tower:
- Fold the side pieces and glue or tape them to the back piece.
- Attach the front piece to the sides, ensuring the chute or tray lines up with the exit hole in the back piece.
- Glue or tape the base to the bottom of the tower.
Decorate your tower: If you want to add some personality to your dice tower, you can paint or decorate it with markers. You can also add some felt or foam inside the tower to muffle the sound of the dice rolling around.
Test your tower: Load some dice into your tower and test it out. Make sure that the dice roll freely and exit the tower cleanly.
Making your DIY dice tower can be a fun and rewarding project. It’s also a great way to customize your gaming experience and show your creative skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a dice tower is a simple yet effective tool for randomizing dice rolls in tabletop games. Whether you’re playing Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, or any other game that uses dice, a dice tower can add excitement and unpredictability to your gaming sessions.
There are many benefits to using a dice tower, including improved fairness, increased speed of play, and reduced chances of dice getting knocked off the table. There are many types of dice towers, ranging from simple cardboard designs to intricate wooden towers with multiple channels and ramps.
If you’re interested in using a dice tower, it’s essential to research and choose the right type for your needs. Also, consider making your DIY dice tower using materials like cardboard or foam board.
A dice tower is a fun and valuable tool to enhance your tabletop gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting, a dice tower is an excellent addition to any gaming table.