Even for online campaigns, nothing beats the feel of real dice. These are the sets and accessories worth owning.
Chessex Gemini Polyhedral 7-Die Set
The gold standard starter set. Chessex dice are well-weighted, readable, and built to last. The Gemini line has some of the best colorways in the hobby. Hard to go wrong here.
View on AmazonMetal Dice Sets
Heavier, louder, more satisfying. Metal dice are a genuine upgrade for DMs who roll frequently. The weight changes how crits feel. Worth the splurge after you've been in the hobby a while.
View on AmazonDice Tray & Vault
A dice tray keeps rolls contained and protects your table. A vault keeps your sets organized. The combination is simple but transforms how your gaming space feels. Look for leather or faux-leather construction.
View on AmazonThe physical books that belong on every DM's shelf, regardless of which system you run digitally.
Dungeon Master's Guide
The foundational reference for any 5e DM. World-building advice, encounter design, magic item tables, and the philosophy of running good games. Even veteran DMs find something new on re-reads.
View on AmazonThe Lazy Dungeon Master
Michael Shea's practical guide to running great games with less prep. Essential reading for DMs who want to spend more time at the table and less time writing notes nobody will ever see.
View on AmazonPathfinder GM Core
The essential reference for Pathfinder 2e game masters. Comprehensive, well-organized, and built for the complexity PF2e rewards. If you're running PF2e on Foundry, this belongs next to your keyboard.
View on AmazonOnline campaigns live and die by audio quality. A good microphone is the single best upgrade you can make to your players' experience.
Blue Snowball iCE USB Microphone
The entry-level recommendation that holds up. Clear voice reproduction, USB plug-and-play, works on every OS. A significant upgrade from a headset mic at an accessible price point.
View on AmazonBlue Yeti USB Microphone
The step-up choice for DMs who want broadcast quality. Multiple polar patterns, onboard gain control, headphone monitoring. If you're running long campaigns and your voice is on the line, this is the tool.
View on AmazonKey Light for Video Sessions
If your players can see you on video, good lighting transforms how you look on screen. An Elgato Key Light or similar removes the "dark basement" look and makes sessions feel more polished and intentional.
View on AmazonTools for keeping your campaign notes, NPCs, and world-building organized between sessions.
Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook
The preferred notebook of GMs who write campaign notes by hand. Numbered pages, an index, and paper thick enough for fountain pens. Some DMs prefer analog for the session — it keeps you off screens.
View on AmazonDungeon Master's Screen Reincarnated
The official 5e GM screen with the tables you actually use. Landscape orientation, sturdy construction, and four panels of reference material that covers 90% of what you'd reach for mid-session.
View on AmazonWorld Anvil — World Building Platform
The best dedicated world-building platform for serious campaign DMs. Timelines, maps, NPC relationships, lore articles. Integrates with Foundry VTT. If your campaign has lore worth tracking, World Anvil is worth it.
Visit World AnvilAtmosphere makes the difference between a game and an experience. These tools bring your world to life acoustically.
Syrinscape — Tabletop Audio
Purpose-built ambient sound for tabletop RPGs. Thousands of soundscapes, music, and effects designed specifically for D&D, Pathfinder, and other systems. Integrates directly with Foundry VTT modules. The standard for in-session audio.
Visit SyrinscapeTabletop Audio — Free Ambiences
A free library of high-quality ambient tracks for tabletop games. Taverns, dungeons, forests, cities — all downloadable at no cost. An excellent starting point before committing to a paid service.
Visit Tabletop AudioJB2A — Animated Assets Module
The gold standard for Foundry VTT visual effects. Animated spells, abilities, and tokens that make combat feel cinematic. The free version is generous; the Patreon version is comprehensive. Note: this module is large — Mythic tier recommended.
View on FoundryYour world deserves a permanent home
All the gear in the world means nothing if your campaign disappears between sessions. Hearth keeps your Foundry VTT instance running 24/7 — always ready when your players are.
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