Core Essentials: Must-Have Things to Buy in DND

When it comes to playing Dungeons & Dragons, there are a few things that every player should have in their arsenal. The right tools, accessories, and gear don’t just enhance gameplay—they transform the session into a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you're rolling up a new character for an exciting one-shot, planning an intense boss battle with your party, or simply losing yourself in the intricate storytelling and world-building that makes DND so special, having the right gear can make all the difference.

Every player approaches the game differently, and their gear choices reflect their playstyle. Some adventurers love keeping detailed character journals, while others collect dice sets that match each new hero they create. Dungeon Masters, on the other hand, rely on essential tools like DM screens, battle maps, and initiative trackers to manage encounters seamlessly and keep players engaged.

DND Dice: The Heart of Every Roll

Dice are the lifeblood of DND—without them, there’s no game! Rolling the dice is an important element in DND and its outcome determines everything from attacks and skill checks to saving throws and spellcasting success.

Here’s what you need to know before buying dice for DND:

• Standard Polyhedral Dice Sets: A full set includes seven dice: D20, D12, D10, D8, D6, and D4, along with a percentile die.
• Metal Dice: Want a heftier, more dramatic roll? Metal dice feel weighty and satisfying in hand.
• Gemstone Dice: If you're feeling fancy, gemstone dice add a touch of luxury and uniqueness to your gameplay.
• Glow-in-the-Dark & Themed Dice: Perfect for night campaigns or characters with a special theme (like necromancers or celestial beings).

Want to take it a step further? Get multiple dice sets for different characters, special rolls, or backup rolls when luck isn’t on your side!

Character Sheets & Journals: Keep Your Game in Check

No hero survives without their story. Journals or sheets are used to keep track of your stats, spell slots, backstory, and campaign details. A well-organised character sheet or a DND journal ensures you never forget important details of your adventure.

What to Consider When Buying DND Journals & Sheets:

Classic Paper Character Sheets – A staple for DND players, paper character sheets allow for easy note-taking, quick stat changes, and simple customisation. They’re a great choice for players who prefer traditional pen-and-paper tracking and enjoy handwritten notes. You can find free printable character sheets online, or invest in high-quality pre-printed sheets that come with laminated or perforated pages for durability.

Pre-Bound Character Notebooks – If you want a more immersive experience, consider a DND-themed character notebook. These often come with dedicated sections for tracking abilities, weapons, spells, inventory, and roleplay notes. Some journals even include prompt questions to help flesh out your character’s personality, background, and goals.

Digital Character Sheets & Apps – For players who prefer a tech-friendly approach, digital character sheets offer automatic calculations, spell descriptions, and easy inventory management. Platforms like D&D Beyond provide a seamless way to organise your character digitally, ensuring you never lose your stats or forget a crucial spell slot.

Miniatures: Bring Your Character to Life

Miniatures add visual immersion to your game. Whether you're playing as a battle-hardened barbarian or a mysterious rogue, having a detailed DND miniature makes combat and roleplaying more exciting.

Types of DND Miniatures:

• Unpainted Miniatures: For those who love customisation, you can paint your own.
• Pre-Painted Miniatures: Ready-to-use options that add immediate immersion.
• Monster & NPC Miniatures: Great for Dungeon Masters creating dynamic battle encounters.

A good DND miniature brings your character to life at the table. Whether you're storming a castle or negotiating with a dragon,  having a custom figure at the table adds excitement to the game!

Dungeon Master Tools: Essential for a Great Campaign

If you’re the mastermind behind the campaign, you’ll need the right tools to ensure smooth gameplay. Dungeon Masters act as storytellers, referees, and world-builders, highlighting the importance of organisation of information for a seamless game.

DM Screens: Keep Your Secrets Safe

A DM screen is one of the most essential things to buy in DND for any Dungeon Master. It serves as a shield of mystery, keeping your secret notes, dice rolls, and upcoming plot twists hidden from your players. Whether you're planning a sudden betrayal, a surprise boss fight, or a hidden trap, a well-placed DM screen ensures that your players remain suspensefully unaware of what's coming next.

Beyond secrecy, DM screens also provide quick access to important rules and mechanics. Many pre-made screens come with cheat sheets featuring combat rules, conditions, skill checks, and spellcasting information—helping to keep gameplay smooth and minimising the need to flip through rulebooks constantly. 

Customisation & Types of DM Screens

When choosing the best DND items to buy for Dungeon Masters, the right DM screen depends on your needs and preferences:

• Official D&D Screens – Pre-designed screens made by Wizards of the Coast often feature stunning artwork on the player-facing side and useful reference tables on the DM’s side.
• Custom DM Screens – Want something unique and tailored to your campaign? Many online stores and small creators offer handmade, laser-engraved wooden screens or modular screens that allow you to customise the inserts.
• DIY & Printable Screens – For DMs who love personalisation, creating a homemade screen allows you to add specific charts, notes, or even a mini whiteboard for quick sketches.
• Magnetic & Dry-Erase Screens – Some DM screens have magnetic panels or dry-erase sections, allowing you to quickly jot down NPC names, initiative orders, or real-time player actions without cluttering your notes.

Adventure Books & Campaign Modules

Pre-written adventure books help Dungeon Masters create engaging, structured campaigns. Some popular ones include:

• Curse of Strahd (for gothic horror fans)
• Waterdeep: Dragon Heist (for urban adventurers)
• Tomb of Annihilation (for high-stakes survivalists)

Initiative Trackers & Condition Rings

Combat can get chaotic, and keeping track of turn order, status effects, and buffs can be challenging. Using Initiative trackers and condition rings will make the session easy to manage, especially with fast-paced battles.

Bonus Gear: Fun & Stylish DND Stuff to Buy

Beyond the essentials, there’s plenty of DND-themed merch to explore. Whether you’re a dedicated player, an aspiring Dungeon Master, or simply a fan of the game, there’s no shortage of exciting and creative DND stuff to buy. From tabletop accessories that improve your gameplay experience to fashionable merch that lets you wear your love for DND proudly, these extras can take your setup to the next level.

For players who love customisation, there are endless options to enhance both their physical setup and personal style. Want to make your gaming space feel more immersive? Consider DND-themed dice trays, custom dice towers, and elaborate battle maps that bring the world to life. Prefer to showcase your adventurer’s spirit outside of game nights? There are stylish hoodies, t-shirts, jewelry, and bags adorned with D20 dice, mythical creatures, and famous DND quotes that let you display your fandom with pride.

DND Apparel & Fashion: Wear Your Fandom

DND isn’t just a game—it’s a lifestyle! Show off your love for Dungeons & Dragons with fantasy-themed clothing. Some popular options include:

• D20 Hoodies & T-Shirts
• Spell & Class-Themed Apparel
• Epic Dungeon Master Cloaks

Nothing says "I’m ready to roll for initiative" quite like wearing your passion proudly.

DND Accessories: Elevate Your Style & Setup

From dice trays to jewelry, the best DND items to buy include accessories that enhance gameplay and personal expression.

Popular DND Accessories:

• Dice Trays & Towers – Keeps rolls contained and prevents dice from rolling off the table.
• Dice Bags – Protects and organises your growing dice collection.
• Enamel Pins & Jewelry – Subtle and stylish nods to your favourite game.

DND-Themed Gifts: Best Picks for Fellow Adventurers

Looking for a gift for a fellow adventurer? Here are top-rated DND gifts:

• Personalised Dice Sets – A great way to make a player feel extra special.
• Custom DM Screens – Perfect for dedicated Dungeon Masters.
• Limited-Edition Shop DND Apparel – Great for any DND fan.

How to Choose the Best DND Items to Buy

With so many things to buy in DND, how do you decide? Here’s a simple guide:

• Quality – One of the most important factors when purchasing DND gear is quality. A well-crafted set of dice, a sturdy DM screen, or a durable character journal will last for many campaigns to come. Cheaply made products might look great at first, but if dice chip easily, miniatures break frequently, or journals fall apart, they may not be worth the money because you’ll need to buy another. Always look for highly-rated items with positive reviews to ensure longevity and durability.
• Customisation – Personalising your DND accessories can make the game feel even more immersive and unique. Many players love to buy custom dice sets, engraved DM screens, or hand-painted miniatures that reflect their character’s personality. 
• Budget – While there are plenty of affordable DND items, some high-end gear can get expensive. Setting a budget ensures you get the best DND items to buy without overspending. If you're new to the game, focus on essentials first, such as dice, character sheets, and miniatures.
• Playstyle – Consider how you play Dungeons & Dragons when choosing your gear. Are you a story-driven player who loves keeping a detailed character journal? Or do you focus more on tactical combat, making a battle map and miniatures essential? DMs should consider whether they prefer running homebrew campaigns, which may require custom tools, or if they use pre-made modules, which benefit from pre-written adventure books.

Ready to Gear Up?

Now that you know all the things to buy in DND, it’s time to build your ultimate adventurer’s kit! Whether you're looking to enhance gameplay, express your DND fandom, or simply find the best DND items to buy for yourself or a fellow player, investing in the right gear can make all the difference.

Start by identifying the essentials you need for your next campaign. Do you have a solid dice set that rolls true? Are your character sheets and notes well-organised? If you’re a Dungeon Master, is your DM screen, initiative tracker, and battle map ready to go? Ensuring you have these must-haves will help streamline gameplay and make every session feel seamless and immersive.

Beyond the essentials, consider adding personalised accessories to truly level up your experience. A custom dice bag, a hand-painted miniature, or a stunning leather-bound journal can make each gaming session feel even more unique and special. If you’re a fan of DND-themed fashion, explore our apparel that showcases your adventuring spirit.