What Game Is the 20 Sided Dice For?

If you’ve ever seen a strange-looking dice with 20 sides, you may have wondered — what game is this used for? Unlike the regular 6-sided dice we use in Monopoly or Yahtzee, the D20 dice belongs to a completely different world: the world of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs).

In this article, we’ll answer the question in depth: What game is the 20 sided dice for? We’ll explore its core function, its real use during gameplay, and why it’s the heart and soul of games like Dungeons & Dragons.

🎲 What Exactly Is a 20 Sided Dice (D20 Dice)?

A 20 sided dice, commonly called a D20, is a geometric die shaped like an icosahedron — that means it has 20 triangular faces, each marked with a number from 1 to 20.

It's the most recognizable and widely used die in tabletop role-playing games. It serves as a random number generator, helping players and game masters determine outcomes of actions in the game world.

🧙‍♂️ The Main Game That Uses the D20 Dice: Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)

The most famous and influential game that uses the D20 dice is without a doubt Dungeons & Dragons, often referred to as D&D.

In D&D, you take on the role of a character — a wizard, a rogue, a barbarian, etc. As you explore fantasy worlds, fight monsters, or negotiate with NPCs (non-player characters), the D20 dice becomes your decision-making tool.

🔍 How Is the D20 Used in Dungeons & Dragons?

In D&D, almost every major action is resolved with a D20 roll. Here are some real in-game examples:

Combat Attack Rolls

➜ You swing your sword at a goblin — roll a D20 to see if you hit.

Skill Checks

➜ Trying to pick a lock or climb a cliff? Roll a D20 and add your skill modifier.

Saving Throws

➜ A dragon breathes fire — roll a D20 to see if you dodge or take full damage.

Initiative Rolls

➜ At the start of a battle, roll a D20 to determine who acts first.

Spell Success or Failure

➜ Some magic effects depend on a D20 roll against an enemy’s defenses.

The basic idea is: you declare an action, roll the D20, and compare the result to a Difficulty Class (DC). The higher you roll, the better your chances of success.

🎮 Other Games That Use the 20 Sided Dice

Although D&D made the D20 dice famous, it's also used in several other systems and games:

🛡 Pathfinder

A fantasy RPG that evolved from D&D’s older ruleset, using the D20 in almost identical ways.

⚡ Starfinder

A sci-fi version of Pathfinder, also based on the D20 system.

🦸 Mutants & Masterminds

A superhero-themed game where the D20 dice determines the outcome of combat, powers, and events.

🔧 Homebrew & Custom RPGs

Many indie and homemade systems adopt the D20 because it provides a wide probability range with simple rules.

💻 Using a D20 Dice Roller Online

No physical dice on hand? You can use a digital D20 dice roller to simulate rolls on your phone or PC.

✅ Try this free online roller:

👉 Bear Dice Roller Tool

It gives you instant results and is perfect for online sessions or testing out characters.

🧊 Real-World Versions: Resin, Metal, Giant D20 Dice

If you're into collecting or want your own set for gameplay, there are tons of beautiful D20 dice available, including:

• Clear resin dice with miniatures or glitter inside.
• Giant D20 dice (great for creating drama at the table).
• Metal D20 dice, which give you a heavy dice rolling feel and crisp dice sounds.

🎲 Browse handcrafted D20s here:

👉 Bear Dice Single D20 Collection

🧠 Why Use a 20 Sided Dice Instead of a Normal D6?

Good question. The D20 offers much more flexibility:

Function	D6 Dice	D20 Dice
Number Range	1–6 (limited)	1–20 (wide)
Action Resolution	Basic	Subtle
RPG Utility	Low	High
Probability Step	16.67%	5%

The wider result range allows for more interesting outcomes, degrees of success or failure, and a more immersive gameplay experience.

✅ Conclusion: The D20 Is the Soul of Role-Playing Games

So, what game is the 20 sided dice for? — Primarily Dungeons & Dragons, but it’s also at the core of many other tabletop RPGs. More than just a dice, the D20 represents chance, chaos, creativity, and the thrill of not knowing what will happen next.

Whether you're a brave fighter, a wise druid, or just someone rolling for fun, the D20 is your gateway to unforgettable adventures.