Let me set the scene: it's game night. You've got your snacks, your minis are lined up on the table, and you're flipping through your notes by candlelight (or, let's be real, a cozy desk lamp). The players are restless with anticipation. It's about to be combat time. And what do you cue up? If you didn't answer, "Basil Poledouris's 1982 Conan the Barbarian soundtrack," then friend, you're missing out on one of the best TTRPG session upgrades of all time.
There's epic fantasy music—and then there's the Conan soundtrack, which feels like it was composed by a demigod bard rolling nat 20s on every performance check.
This powerful, thematic score is the unsung hero of many unforgettable battles in my campaigns. It elevates dice rolls and narrative beats alike into something that just feels more legendary.
Why the Conan Soundtrack Works for TTRPGs
Conan the Barbarian isn't just old-school sword & sorcery—it defines the aesthetic. So when you blend the bold brass, primal taiko drums, and sweeping strings of this soundtrack into a Dungeons & Dragons session, something magical happens. The stakes feel higher, the victories sweeter, and even a simple perception check gets infused with tension and drama.
Tracks like “Anvil of Crom” and “Battle of the Mounds” inject a sense of urgency and grit that you just don’t get from ambient fantasy playlists. This is music that reminds your players they’re champions standing against overwhelming odds, not just folks in a tavern arguing over rations.
And even though the Conan soundtrack is technically classical music, well, let's face it—it also hits like metal.
Pair Your Epic Playlist With Epic Dice
And if you're going to bring that kind of energy to your tabletop gaming, your dice better match the vibe. I’m talking about dice that look like they could have been forged by Crom himself. Here are three polyhedral sets that will do justice to both your soundtrack and your campaign.
1. Oceanic Might: 55mm Sharp Edge DND Dice - Tidal Wave
Sharp edges, translucent blues, and a sense of motion—these dice are like gazing into mystic waters stirred by ancient forces. The heft and clarity of these dice make them a joy to roll, especially during high-stakes boss fights or when your wizard casts something wild like Tsunami or Maelstrom.
2. The Mystery Box: Sharp Edge Dice Set for DND – Resin Mystery Dice
There's something undeniably fun about cracking open a mystery dice set. You don't know what you’re gonna get—just like your players don’t always know what’s behind the next dungeon door. These high-quality resin dice are a gamble worth taking. And let's be honest, the surprise is half the thrill.
Note: Don’t sleep on mystery dice sets if you like to be surprised every now and then—it’s a great way to refresh your collection and spark creativity for new character ideas.
3. Retro Vibes: VHS-Themed Sharp Edge DND Dice Set – Surge
Presented in a retro VHS-style case, these dice immediately hit you with that nostalgia punch. The neon streaks and bold color choices scream 80s fantasy, making them a perfect visual pair for the Conan soundtrack. These are dice with attitude—and they roll just as good as they look.
Bring the Barbarian Energy to Your Table
You've crafted the perfect encounter. Your villain's monologuing. Your party's battle plan is full of questionable ideas and maximum cool factor. But the moment the soundtrack swells and dice clatter across the table… that's the moment they’ll remember the most. The Conan soundtrack fuels that memory-making magic by adding pitch-perfect ambiance to everything from dungeon crawls to divine interventions.
Getting the vibe right matters. Whether you're the forever GM or occasionally get to roll up a PC, curating that immersive environment is a DM superpower. Great tunes, killer dice, and a willingness to go full dramatic—you've got this.
The Soundtrack Is Your Bard—Use It
The 1982 Conan the Barbarian soundtrack delivers an unmatched TTRPG atmosphere: a blend of bombast and beauty, steel and sorcery. It’s cinematic, but never overwhelming. Dynamic, yet steady. And above all, it respects the moment. So when the dice hit the table, the horns rise, and destinies are sealed, it's not luck—it’s orchestration.
So next game night, skip the random playlists. Go full barbarian.
Post updated on June 25, 2025, to improve navigation.