I made this giant arena dice tray for TTRPG (table top role playing games) like Dungeons and Dragons. I was inspired by a 3d printed project that had storage for dice around the edges. The dividers were a great way of hiding the edges of the panels to create a less laser cut look.
I designed this is Fusion360 from the ground up. The graphics were done in Adobe Illustrator. Each outside panel has a unique dice for each type used in TTRPGs D20, D10, D12, D8, D6, D4.
It was cut on my Glowforge pro on 5mm plywood and I used two different stains.
The assembly is fairly straight forward and wasn’t too difficult. I used wood glue to hold everything in place. There’s a link to the video below.
What do you think? It was too big at first when I designed it and I had to shrink it to fit the cutting area. Too big or just right? Anything you recommend? Next project ideas?
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I assume the dice are tossed in the middle? If so, I’d think it would be a little cumbersome to dig them out. Perhaps raise that center platform - which you appear to have done for the dice storage? And, if that’s the case, does the whole thing need to be that tall, or is it for effect?
I can’t really comment on overall size, I would think that would depend on the size of the table. For example, a large dining table would easily accomadate it, but a folding card-table might get cramped.
The dice is tossed in the middle. It is not hard to dig them out since it is pretty large. That is a good idea though to just lower everything down. I totally missed that! Design is such an iterative process. Not sure how I got to where I did lol. Great suggestion that I may go back and edit for another version. Thank you!
Is it meant for multiple people to use? I see 6 different dice sets. I assume that is for aesthetics. To me it would make more sense to have the dice separated by type.
I am not sure I understand the height of the walls either, it would make it harder to see the dice results?
Multiple people or just to use different dice sets. Collecting dice is half the fun in TTRPGs!
The walls may have gotten a little out of control…but they don’t really affect the function. Maybe seeing the dice rolls could be an issue. But at least it makes it feel like an Arena which was the idea.
You definitely don’t want to make the walls too short or the dice will hop out when you roll them enthusiastically!
I like the setup. I play with 2-3 sets at a time, but I would probably have one full set, and then a shelf full of d6, and another with d4 for those rolls that require multiples.
I’d say as long as the final isn’t more than ~12" across it’s not too big, but ~8" is probably more manageable.
I’m also now wondering if you could remove the wall/storage on one side so it would still have something to roll against, but you could see into more easily.
That was my thought too. I like to throw them against the wall and watch em really roll around.
The final item is not more than 12" across so you can cut it on a Glowforge as I did. The challenge with making it smaller was the storage areas get smaller so you have to reduce the dice area. I’m planning on making a smaller version in the future.
Maybe you could remove a wall/storage area. I’ll have to think about it. Not sure I can see it right now in my head.
I’m also going to build a dice tower you can slide over it so they can tumble down into the center. Coming sometime when I have free time…so not soon. lol
That was the word I was searching for last night! I new arena wasn’t right. You nailed it! Now should I go back and rename everything…maybe another day…
It also occurs to me there are any number of board games with meeples or equivalent that require only rolling one pair of dice - this would do great for those as well. Keep the dice contained and storage for the pieces
You could also incorporate a Beybladez aspect to some rolls. Like when players make contested strength rolls against each other, they both have to roll their D20s at the same time and let them knock around. Not that it affect the randomness at that point, but satisfying to hear multiple dice battling it out.
That’s how I felt about it! I’m learning how particular people are about their dice trays. It’s been interesting since posting this around. Lots of mixed feedback but all good!
