An Honest Guide to Liquid Core Dice
Liquid core dice are visually striking, often captivating at first glance. But beyond how they look, many players have questions about how they're made, how they roll, and whether they're practical for regular play.
This guide exists to explain what liquid core dice actually are, how they behave at the table, and what to consider before choosing a set, all so you can decide with confidence if they're right for you.
What Are Liquid Core Dice?
Liquid core dice are resin dice that contain a sealed, inner sphere filled with liquid. This liquid often contains glitter. As the dice roll, the liquid interior moves independently, creating a dynamic, multi-faceted experience: a dice roll with secondary motion!
Because the liquid is fully enclosed, it does not come into contact with the exterior of the dice. The visual effect happens entirely on the inside. On the outside, liquid core dice function like solid resin dice.
Why Players Choose Liquid Core Dice
Players are drawn to liquid core dice for reasons that go beyond mechanics. This includes:
- Visual movement that adds personality to each roll.
- Distinctiveness. No two rolls look exactly the same.
- Thematic appeal for spellcasters, cosmic characters, or dramatic moments.
- A sense of wonder that fits magical of high-fantasy tables
- Unique aesthetics that are satisfying.
Liquid core dice are often chosen as "special sets." Sets that feel tied to a character, a moment, a setting, or a mood.
Common Concerns About Liquid Core Dice
Because liquid core dice look unusual, they often raise reasonable questions.
Do They Roll Fairly?
When made correctly, liquid core dice roll much like standard resin dice. The liquid inside typically isn't heavy enough to significantly influence a roll.
Are They Fragile?
While liquid core dice are a bit more complex to manufacturer, they aren't fragile. It takes a lot to break them! However, quality matters. They certainly can be more fragile than standard if set or cured incorrectly. It is also important to note that they should never be left somewhere where they could freeze!
Are They Harder to Read?
Although a moving core seems visually busy, this in and of itself doesn't make the dice much harder to read. Clear numbering, high-contrast paint, and thoughtful design makes all the difference here, and in this liquid core dice are basically the same as sharp edge.
These concerns are why not all liquid core dice are created equal.
How Liquid Core Dice Are Made
Making a liquid core die typically starts with a small, hollow sphere made of durable plastic, glass, or resin. These typically come in two varieties: two half-spheres put together or a complete sphere with a small hole in it. This sphere is filled with liquid, sealed shut, and then placed inside of a resin dice set while the set is still curing. Because the sphere is clear, it disappears inside of the resin once the dice are fully cured.
How one manufacturer approaches this may differ from the next. Some approaches prioritize rigidity and visual clarity while others emphasize material compatibility and resilience to temperature changes (because resin gets warm as it cures. The more resin you use, the hotter it gets).
How We Choose Our Liquid Core Dice
We approach liquid core dice with the same philosophy we apply to every set we carry: they should be enjoyable to use, not just nice to look at.
When selecting liquid core dice, we focus on:
- Secure, well-sealed inner cores
- Clear, legible numbering
- Balanced visual effects that don't overwhelm legibility
- Reliable manufacturing
We don't claim perfection, but we do choose sets we're comfortable using at our own tables. If something isn't right, we make it right.
Are Liquid Core Dice Right for You?
Liquid core dice are a great fit if you enjoy visual flair, thematic immersion, and dice that feel connected to a character or story.
They may not be ideal if you prefer extremely minimal designs or want dice that disappear visually into the background as you play. Moreover, liquid core dice are sharp edge dice. If you do not enjoy the way sharp edge dice feel in hand, then you won't enjoy the way liquid core dice feel.
As with all dice, the best choice is the one that fits how you enjoy the game.
Exploring Our Liquid Core Dice
If liquid core dice sound like the right fit for your table, you can explore the sets we stand behind below, all while knowing they were chosen with care and backed by people who genuinely care about how they play.