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:
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.
