A good D&D night runs on small things. The right screen hides a DM’s notes, a velvet tray keeps dice from scattering into a pizza, and a foldable battle mat means combat actually moves instead of stalling. This roundup covers ten Dnd accessories that solve the real annoyances at the table, from rule books to spell templates to dry-erase boards, so you can spend more time on story and less time herding d20s.
The Choices Worth Comparing
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Forged Dice Co. Dice Arena Rolling Tray
ODINROLL 35-Piece Polyhedral Dice Set
LYNX 3D Faux Leather DM Screen 5e
Futhark Area of Effect Spell Templates
CASEMATIX Embossed GM Screen with Pockets
Hexers XL Vinyl Game Board
Hexers Authentic 27×23 RPG Board
Hexers Square Grid Terrain Board Set
HEIMDALLR Jormungandr Metal Dice Set
Meet The Standout Selections
Long-running DMs tend to circle back to Xanathar’s Guide to Everything once their core rulebooks feel thin. It’s a supplementary hardcover that adds new subclasses, spells, and optional rules for both players and Dungeon Masters, which makes it one of those Dnd accessories that quietly raises the quality of every session.
The 5th edition content leans into roleplay, downtime activities, and tools for building memorable NPCs, so it pairs especially well with the kind of campaign where character moments matter as much as combat. Compared with dice and mat picks later in the list, this is the only item that touches rules, not gear.
Everyday Perks
- Wide selection of new subclasses and spells extends 5e without breaking it
- DM-facing tools like downtime rules and random tables save prep time
- Hardcover format holds up to being flipped through at the table
- D&D Beyond digital code pairs the physical book with online reference
- Useful at every level of play, from low-level parties to high-tier campaigns
Things To Consider
- Written as a supplement, so it assumes you already own the core rulebooks
- Some optional rules take time to learn before you introduce them at the table
Right Fit For
DMs running story-driven 5e campaigns who want fresh subclasses and prep shortcuts without switching systems.
Swap It Out When
You’re a new player still learning the basics; the Forged Dice Co. Dice Arena is a friendlier first Dnd accessory.
Every DM with a wooden table eventually watches a d20 roll off the edge and disappear behind a couch. The Forged Dice Co. Dice Arena solves that with a raised tray wrapped in a faux black dragon hide material and a velvet playing surface that gives dice a soft, controlled landing.
It doubles as storage between sessions, so loose dice don’t end up rattling around in a backpack. Compared with the paper maps and mats further down the list, this is one of the smaller but more satisfying Dnd accessories to add to a kit.
Useful Strengths
- Velvet surface keeps dice from sliding and reduces clatter
- Raised walls catch rogue rolls before they hit the floor
- Doubles as a storage tray between sessions
- Themed look adds atmosphere to the table
Worth Noting
- Faux leather exterior can show scuffs over time, especially with heavy use
- Larger than a flat mat, so it takes up real estate on small tables
Key Attributes
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Tabletop groups that play on bare wood or glass tables and want dice to stay where they roll.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Players who need a defined grid for combat should look at the Hexers XL Vinyl Game Board instead.
Groups that run five or six players at once burn through dice fast, especially when someone tosses a d20 off the table. The ODINROLL 35-piece set ships five complete polyhedral kits, meaning each player can claim a color and stop fighting over who has the percentile d10.
Numbers are engraved with high-contrast coloring, which helps when a dim tavern-style room is your usual play space. Among Dnd accessories, this is the practical bulk option for new groups or libraries that lend gear to multiple parties.
Useful Touches
- Five full sets cover an entire campaign in one purchase
- Engraved numbers stay readable across long sessions
- Includes a percentile d10 alongside the standard shapes
- Storage bag keeps the collection organized between meets
Trade Offs
- Plastic build feels lighter than metal sets like the HEIMDALLR Jormungandr
- Color sets are matched, so you can’t mix and match individual dice easily
Built With In Mind
Large groups and DMs who want loaner dice ready for any player at the table.
Look Elsewhere When
You collect dice for display or want a heavy metal feel; the HEIMDALLR Jormungandr Metal Dice Set fits that profile.
DMs juggling monster stat blocks, secret notes, and a battle map usually resort to laptops or folded paper. The LYNX 3D Faux Leather DM Screen takes a different approach with four panels, premade reference inserts, and slots for A4-size custom pages, so the most-used tables stay in plain sight.
The 3D faux leather finish lifts it above plain cardboard, and the customizable insert system means you can swap content as your campaign moves from dungeon crawls to social intrigue. For Dnd accessories aimed at Dungeon Masters specifically, this is one of the more flexible options out there.
Real-World Strengths
- Customizable panels accept A4 inserts for personal cheat sheets
- Premade inserts cover conditions, item prices, and combat rules
- Four-panel layout creates a sturdy physical barrier for hidden notes
- 3D faux leather finish feels substantial on the table
Honest Caveats
- Heavier than a standard paper screen, so transport takes a little planning
- Custom inserts require you to source or print your own A4 pages
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
DMs who run reference-heavy 5e games and want their most-used tables visible at eye level.
Not Your Match When
You prefer wet-erase pockets over printed inserts; the CASEMATIX Embossed GM Screen leans that way.
Asking players to visualize a 20-foot radius Fireball in their head slows combat. The Futhark Area of Effect Spell Templates replace mental math with clear acrylic frames that drop onto your battle mat and outline exactly which miniatures get caught.
The 16-piece set covers cubes, circles, cones, and lines at common D&D distances, so most caster spells land within reach. Among Dnd accessories, this is one of the more niche picks, but for tables running wizard-heavy or druid-heavy parties it pays for itself in saved minutes.
What Makes Sense
- Covers a wide range of spell shapes and ranges in a single purchase
- Acrylic material sits flat without slipping on most mats
- Visible outlines speed up “who got hit” questions at the table
- Helps newer players understand area-of-effect rules visually
Points To Note
- Acrylic frames need careful storage to avoid scratches or chips
- Less useful for groups that rarely use grid-based combat
Who Will Love This
Parties with blaster casters and DMs who want combat to feel less like a math test.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Narrative-first groups may prefer the Hexers Authentic 27×23 RPG Board for a cleaner grid and less visual clutter.
Most DM screens ship with printed content that half your group ignores anyway. The CASEMATIX Embossed GM Screen skips the prefilled reference and gives you wet-erase pockets instead, which is the right call if you like writing your own quick-reference notes.
It’s a four-panel faux leather fold that shields maps, dice rolls, and secret notes from curious players. The trade-off is that you supply the inserts, so it rewards DMs who enjoy preparing their own cheat sheets.
Advantages To Know
- Wet-erase pockets let you draw and update reference sheets on the fly
- Embossed faux leather finish gives the screen weight and presence
- Four-panel design folds flat for transport
- Compatible with most tabletop roleplaying systems, not just D&D
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Inserts are not included, so prep time goes up before the first session
- Wet-erase pens need time to dry before closing the screen
Perfect Match For
DMs who build their own cheat sheets and want a screen that adapts as rules change.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You’d rather skip the prep and use pre-printed reference material; the LYNX 3D Faux Leather DM Screen ships with ready-made inserts.
Big set-piece battles lose their weight when half the encounter spills off a 27-inch mat. The Hexers XL board is 44 by 34 inches, so a standard dungeon room plus a corridor fits comfortably, and the dry-erase surface accepts wet or dry markers for custom maps.
One side uses 1-inch squares and the other uses 1-inch hexes, so the same mat handles D&D and Pathfinder without re-gridded frustration. As far as Dnd accessories go, this is the one that earns its place on dedicated game tables with the space to spare.
Everyday Advantages
- Generous 44 by 34-inch surface handles large encounters
- Squares on one side, hexes on the other, covering two systems
- Dry-erase surface lets you draw and revise maps in real time
- Vinyl build wipes clean between sessions
Points To Keep In Mind
- Large size demands a real gaming table or cleared floor space
- Folding design can leave faint creases if stored tightly for long periods
Quick Facts
Made For
DMs running high-level play with multiple enemies and large battlefields on a dedicated table.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Players short on space get a better fit from the smaller Hexers Authentic 27×23 RPG Board.
Not every group has a basement full of dungeon terrain. The Hexers Authentic 27 by 23 board folds down to roughly the size of a hardcover book and unrolls into a clean grid that handles most one-room encounters without crowding the table.
Like the larger Hexers mat, one side carries 1-inch squares and the other carries 1-inch hexes. That dual-grid approach makes it a low-fuss alternative to printed battle maps, and a strong fit for apartment play or weekly meetups at rotating venues.
Key Advantages
- Compact 27 by 23-inch footprint fits coffee tables
- Switchable squares and hexes cover two grid styles
- Dry-erase surface cleans up with a standard eraser or cloth
- Lightweight enough to carry to a friend’s place in a backpack
Soft Spots
- Smaller area limits sprawling multi-room battles
- Marker choice matters: cheap pens can stain the vinyl over time
Who Should Grab It
Small groups in shared spaces and players who travel for game night.
Consider Something Else When
Your campaigns tend toward huge battlefields; step up to the Hexers XL Vinyl Game Board instead.
Drawing a tavern on a blank mat every session eats prep time. The Hexers Square Grid Terrain Board Set ships four double-sided boards that cover eight pre-printed settings, including cobblestone, parchment, wasteland, grass, sea, and stellar maps, so you can set a scene in seconds.
The 1-inch square grid matches standard D&D scale, and the dry-erase surface still accepts custom details. For Dnd accessories aimed at atmosphere, this set delivers variety without forcing you to commit to a single look.
Features That Help
- Eight pre-printed terrains cover most common encounter types
- Dry-erase surface supports custom annotations on top of the printed art
- 1-inch square grid aligns with standard miniatures and tokens
- 27 by 23-inch board size matches the other Hexers compact mat
Possible Compromises
- Pre-printed art can feel limiting for heavily homebrew campaigns
- Switching terrains mid-session means swapping boards, which can break flow
The Right Fit
DMs who want instant atmosphere and minimal drawing between combat rounds.
Skip It When
You prefer a blank canvas for hand-drawn maps; the Hexers Authentic 27×23 RPG Board fits that workflow better.
Plastic dice get the job done, but a metal set changes the feel of a critical roll. The HEIMDALLR Jormungandr series uses a zinc alloy build with a 16mm size, which lands closer to the standard player expectation than smaller novelty dice and feels substantial in the hand.
It ships in a metal tin that doubles as a small dice tray, so your investment travels safely. Among Dnd accessories built for long-term ownership, this is the kind of set that ends up on a shelf when not in play.
The Value In It
- Zinc alloy construction gives each die a heavy, premium feel
- 16mm size matches standard player expectations for readability
- Metal storage tin protects the set in transit
- Themed dragon-inspired engraving adds visual character
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Heavier than plastic, so they can scuff softwood tables without a tray
- Higher price per set than bulk plastic options like the ODINROLL collection
Who Will Love This
Collectors and longtime players who want a set that feels ceremonial for major rolls and character milestones.
Not Your Match When
You play with a large group that needs loaner dice; the ODINROLL 35-piece set covers a full party in one bag.
What To Weigh Before Picking Your Dnd Accessories
The best Dnd accessories are the ones that match how your table actually plays, not the ones with the loudest marketing. A rule-heavy DM with a dedicated game room has very different needs from a player who runs one-shots at a coffee shop, and the picks above cover both ends of that range.
Match The Accessory To Your Table Size
Small groups can get away with a 27 by 23-inch mat and a single dice set. Larger parties benefit from bulk dice like the ODINROLL collection so nobody waits for the d20 to come back around. If your campaign regularly features six or more combatants, the Hexers XL board gives combat room to breathe.
Decide Between Customizable And Pre-Built
Screens split into two camps. Customizable options like the LYNX 3D Faux Leather DM Screen and the CASEMATIX Embossed GM Screen let you tailor reference content, which rewards DMs who prep their own material. Pre-built alternatives save time but lock you into someone else’s layout choices.
Consider Storage And Transport
Foldable vinyl mats, metal dice tins, and dice trays all behave differently on the move. Players who travel to game night should prioritize compact picks like the Hexers Authentic 27×23 board and dice that ship with a case. Home tables can handle heavier accessories without much fuss.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Traps First Timers Fall Into
New players often buy a single premium item and ignore the basics. A heavy metal dice set looks great on day one, but without a tray or mat the dice scuff furniture and roll off tables. Starting with a rolling tray or a foldable mat gives you a foundation, then you can layer on rules supplements and metal dice later.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier Dnd accessories tend to invest in materials and modularity. Embossed faux leather and zinc alloy cost more than cardboard and plastic, but they survive years of weekly use. Customizable inserts and pre-printed terrains save prep time, which matters more as your campaign grows and your prep window shrinks. The honest read is that the upgrade is worth it once you know your table will run long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dnd Accessories Do Beginners Need First?
A basic dice set, a foldable battle mat, and a pencil for notes cover most one-shots. Add a DM screen only if you’re running the table yourself, and pick up a rolling tray once dice start landing on the floor.
Are Metal Dice Better Than Plastic?
Metal dice feel more satisfying and last longer, but they’re heavier and noisier. Plastic sets like the ODINROLL collection are cheaper to replace and easier on tables, which is why many groups keep both.
Do I Need A DM Screen As A Player?
No, DM screens are tools for the person running the game. Players benefit more from a personal dice set, a character folio, and a small notebook for tracking quests.
How Big Should A Battle Mat Be?
A 27 by 23-inch mat handles most standard rooms comfortably. Large encounters with mounted combat or many summoned creatures need the extra room of a 44 by 34-inch board.
Can Spell Templates Replace A Grid?
Templates work alongside a grid, not instead of one. They show spell shape and range on top of your mat, which speeds up combat but still relies on the grid for positioning.
Wrap Up
The right Dnd accessories quietly remove friction from the table so the story takes center stage. Start with the gear that solves your biggest annoyance, whether that’s runaway dice, slow combat, or a DM who can’t find the right table mid-session, then build from there. You’ll feel the difference the first night you play.
