Drop Zone and Beyond: Three Thrilling Dice Games

Looking for a fast-paced dice game that’s easy to learn, fun for groups, and filled with suspense? Drop Zone might be your new favorite. This simple elimination-style game is like musical chairs with dice—roll well, or you’re out. It’s quick to set up, requires just one die, and comes with two exciting variants: Target 100 and Double Charlotte, each adding new twists and challenges.

How to Play Drop Zone

What You Need

• One 6-sided die
• Any number of players, but best with 4 to 6

Objective

Stay in the game. Don’t be the player who pushes the descent level to zero (or below)!

Setup

The first player sets the initial descent level—a number about five times higher than the number of players. For example, in a four player game, the descent level would be approximately 20, and for a five player game it would be around 25.

The player should state the descent level clearly, then begin play clockwise from the next player.

On Your Turn

Roll the die once and take action based on the result:

• Roll a 6:
  • Subtract 6 from the descent level.
  • Roll again.
• Roll a 5:
  • Add 5 to the descent level.
  • End your turn and pass the die.
• Roll 1–4:
  • Subtract that number from the descent level.
  • End your turn and pass the die.

Elimination

If the descent level hits zero or below on your turn, you’re out of the game.
You call out the new descent level for the next round. The remaining players continue.

Winning

Play continues until only one player remains. That player is the winner.

Variant: Target 100

This version turns Drop Zone into a race to reach exactly 100—but there’s a catch!

What You Need

• Two 6-sided dice
• Any number of players

How to Play

1. The first player rolls both dice and calls out their total (e.g., “7”).
2. Each following player rolls both dice, adds their result to the current total, and announces the new number.

The Twist

If your roll would take the total over 100, subtract your result from the current number instead.

Winning

The player who rolls the exact number to reach 100 wins the game!

Example

The current total is 88. On your turn you roll 3 and 5. You add the sum of the two dice (3+5=8) and add that number to the running total, which becomes 96 (88+8=96).

The next player rolls a 4 and a 6. This equals 10. Adding 10 to 96 would exceed 100, so the player subtracts their number from the total instead, bringing the total back down to 86.

The next player rolls a 2 and 4. The total now becomes 92.

Now it's your turn again. Roll an 8, and you'll win!

Variant: Double Charlotte

A game of rising tension with three dice.

What You Need

• Three 6-sided dice
• Any number of players

How to Play

1. Start the total at zero.
2. On your turn, roll all three dice and add the sum to the running total.
3. Play proceeds clockwise.

Elimination

If your roll brings the total over 66 (or 88 for a longer game), you’re out.
The last player remaining is the winner.

Drop Zone is fast, unpredictable, and packed with tension—perfect for groups looking for a quick dice game with high stakes and simple rules. Its mix of luck and timing makes every roll matter, especially as you inch closer to the crash point. And with the variants of Target 100 and Double Charlotte, you’ll have plenty of ways to mix things up and keep players on their toes. So grab some dice, gather your crew, and get ready to roll!