10 Tabletop Gaming Accessories for the Devout Aficionado

With thousands of new games being released every year, tabletop gaming is more popular than ever. For many participants, role-playing games, board games, deck builders, and other similar in-person events are much more than a hobby—they’re a way of life!

Whether you’re a bonafide DM gearing up for your next campaign or a casual player settling down for a game of Catan with the family, the right accessories can really make game night more immersive and memorable for everyone involved. Here are 10 ideas to get you started.

1. Upgrade Your Dice

Dice are the lifeblood of many tabletop games, with D&D perched steadfastly on the throne. Besides being functional necessities, dice are just cool. They’re super collectible, and there are so many options out there that allow you to customize your gaming sessions to fit your preferred aesthetic. Wood, stone, and metal gaming dice are all superb options. They feel fantastic in your hand, they sound awesome when you roll them, and they conjure visions of ancient times. Get the most out of your next LARP!

2. Roll in Style with Towers and Trays

Dice towers are the ultimate companion to your dice collection. Besides being a fun accessory that looks incredible on the table, these handy structures ensure that every roll is 100% fair, and that your dice don’t escape the surly bonds of the tabletop by falling to the floor. The use of dice towers goes back as far as the fourth century, and possibly even further than that. With every roll, you’ll feel like you’re part of an age-old tradition of yore.

3. Get Serious With a Dedicated Gaming Table

Your table is the heart of your gaming setup, so if you’re passionate about gaming IRL, it’s time to invest in a proper one. Instead of co-opting the kitchen table or busting out the janky folder, imagine adventuring on a table that’s made specifically to facilitate the unique needs of tabletop gamers! Today’s game tables are truly magnificent, plus you’ll never have to clear your spread when it’s time to eat. Don’t forget to pick up a stylish tablecloth or gaming mat and some classy chairs to fully seal your fate as the permanent host.

4. Set the Mood

Tabletop gaming can be a multisensory experience. It’s a chance to get creative and flex your imagination, so why not summon a little magic for your environment? Candles and incense add a mystical aroma to the room; unique standing lamps and colorful LEDs make the room a feast for the eyes. And don’t forget some enchanting tunes to perfect the vibe—a Bluetooth speaker makes it easy for players to select their favorite tracks and collaborate on playlists.

5. Dress the Part

If you really want to go all-in as you set the mood, get some costumes! Casting spells in a wizard cloak and cap feels so right. While costumes might not be necessary for more casual games like Monopoly, even some basic wearable accessories make role-playing games so much more immersive. If you don’t want to get fully decked out in costumes, some custom-printed t-shirts can bring some comradery to your guild.

6. Store and Protect Your Pieces

Anyone who’s serious about tabletop gaming knows the struggle—be it by spell, trickery, or too many goblets of ale, it’s all too common for pieces to get damaged beyond repair and vanish into thin air, ne’er to be seen again. Card sleeves are a simple protective solution for deck-building games. Ammunition boxes and fishing tackle boxes are great for repurposing as piece holders. Plastic baggies (in varying sizes) are a simple but effective way to keep everything tidy and organized.

7. Keep All of Your Gear Stashed in One Place

Tabletop enthusiasts tend to have a whole lot of games and pieces. Besides storing the individual components properly, you’ll want something like a chest, cabinet, or shelf where you can keep your whole arsenal. Be sure to choose something with ample space, not just for your current collection, but for the many new games and pieces you’ll inevitably end up getting in the future.

8. Track Your Adventures

Many tabletop games require a scribe to take notes. Skip the boring notebook, and go with a beautiful, leather-bound journal with a quality writing instrument to match. You could even get a scroll, quill, and ink if you really want to spin your yarn, tell your tale, and build your lore in style. Beyond writing, you may want to consider getting an audio and/or video recorder. That way you can go back for a refresher before the next session, and you can relive the memories anytime.

9. Use Aftermarket Pieces

Gamers are always upgrading their skills, spells, and weapons, so why not upgrade your physical pieces while you’re at it? For example, instead of relying on paper in-game currencies, you could substitute some real, metal coins or multi-colored gemstones. You could even have custom coins made to your exact specifications. If you really want to get creative, you could use a 3D printer to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

10. Get Your Snack On

Tabletop gaming is a social experience, and nothing brings people together like food and drinks! A popcorn machine is perfect for keeping some munchies on hand. A coffee machine is ideal for those late night/early morning sessions. You could even keep a hearty stew piping hot in a slow cooker. For beverages, skip the cups and go for some chalices and goblets—don’t forget the coasters!

Go Big With the Whole Gang

The best part of tabletop games is the group you play with. Everyone chips in to help create a shared story. If your group is so inclined, they can chip in with more monetary means so that you can really enjoy some stellar luxuries at a low per-person cost. That dedicated gaming table with comfy chairs could be easily attainable if everyone works together for the cause.

For example, everyone takes a vote on the best accessories, and the winner is your current target. Each participant pays a small fee before every session, and that money goes into a jar. Once you hit your goal, you use the money to upgrade your game, and then rinse and repeat. Even a dollar entry fee per game can really add up over time!

Another option is to cast a friendly wager before every game, and the loser(s) put their cash into the pot at the end. If you don’t want to gamble or worry about structuring your monetization, just put out a tip jar where people can contribute whenever they’re feeling generous.

Pay Attention While You Play

Hopefully, these ten ideas will give you some inspiration as you take your gaming sessions to the next level. At the same time, every gamer and guild is unique, so the best approach is to simply keep a list of ideas as you go. You might be surprised by how often you come up with new ways to enhance your experience. No great empire was built in a day, but each and every addition brings you closer to tabletop nirvana. With a little time and effort, you can create an epic setup to enjoy for years to come.