We are living in the golden age of "numbers go up" gaming. First, Balatro taught us that poker could be a psychedelic roguelike nightmare (in the best way possible). Now, Pip My Dice is here to do the exact same thing for dice games. Developed by Diving Swan Games, this indie gem has been quietly gathering steam on Reddit, and for good reason: it takes the familiar comfort of Yahtzee and smashes it together with deep, strategic deck-building mechanics.
The premise is simple enough to hook you instantly but deep enough to keep you playing until 3 AM. You roll dice, you score points, and you try not to die. But unlike your grandma’s game night, these dice can be hacked, painted, and mutated into game-breaking tools of destruction.
Yahtzee on Steroids
At its core, Pip My Dice is a score-attack game. You are given a set of dice and a target score to beat. You have a limited number of rerolls to form classic poker-style hands—think Full Houses, Straights, or the elusive "12-of-a-kind." If you hit the score threshold, you survive to the next round. If you don’t, it is game over.
But the real magic happens in between the rolls. This isn’t just about luck; it is about manipulation. You aren’t stuck with standard six-sided cubes. As you progress, you can buy new dice, but more importantly, you can modify the faces of the dice you own. Need more 6s? Paint over that useless 1. Need a multiplier? Slap a modifier on it.
The "Pip" Mechanic: Build Your Own Luck
The standout feature here is the customization. In most roguelikes, you build a deck of cards. Here, you build the dice themselves. You can alter individual face values to create probability monsters. Imagine rolling a handful of dice where every single face is a "Wild" or a high-value multiplier.
This layer of strategy transforms the game from a luck-fest into a math puzzle. You are constantly weighing the risk of a bad roll against the potential of your modified kit. And when you pair your custom dice with the game’s 130+ Relics, the synergies get wild. You might find a relic that triggers an explosion every time you roll a 5, or one that multiplies your score for every odd number on the board.
Balatro vs. Pip My Dice
It is impossible not to compare the two, but they scratch different itches. While Balatro is about calculating hand hierarchies and playing the dealer, Pip My Dice feels more tactile and aggressive. You are physically (well, digitally) altering the tools of the game.
| Feature | Balatro | Pip My Dice |
|---|---|---|
| Core Tool | Playing Cards | Customizable Dice |
| Progression | Jokers & Planet Cards | Relics & Face Painting |
| Vibe | Psychedelic Casino | Fantasy Arcade |
| Strategy | Hand Management | Probability Manipulation |
Why You Should Care
The developer, Diving Swan Games (also known as Fokaz on Reddit), has been incredibly active with the community, pushing updates and listening to feedback. The game features global leaderboards, daily runs, and over 24 unique bosses to test your builds against. It is the kind of game that respects your time—you can hop in for a 20-minute run—but also threatens to steal your entire evening.
Conclusion
If you have been looking for something to fill the void after 100% completing other roguelikes, Pip My Dice is a no-brainer. It is smart, satisfying, and endlessly replayable. Just don’t blame us when you start seeing dice patterns in your sleep.
FAQs
1. What platforms is Pip My Dice available on?
The game is currently available on PC (Windows and Linux) via Steam. The developer has plans to bring it to Nintendo Switch and Mobile platforms later in 2025.
2. Is there a demo available?
Yes, a demo was featured during Steam Next Fest and is often available on the Steam store page so you can try the core mechanics before buying.
3. How does it compare to Yahtzee?
It uses the basic scoring hands of Yahtzee (straights, full houses, etc.) as a foundation, but adds roguelike elements like items, boss battles, and upgradable dice that completely change the rules.
4. Is it compatible with the Steam Deck?
Yes, the game is playable on the Steam Deck, making it a perfect portable game for quick runs.
5. Are there microtransactions?
No. Pip My Dice is a premium single-player experience. All dice, relics, and upgrades are unlocked through gameplay progression, not real money.