Aim: This study was conducted to comparatively assess the retention and vertical marginal fit of cobalt–chromium copings fabricated by the conventional casting technique, 3D-printed resin pattern, and with direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique. Materials and methods: Out of the total 60 test samples, 20 copings were obtained from inlay-casting wax and 20 from casting of 3D-printed resin patterns. In total, 20 copings were obtained from the laser sintering technique. All 60 test samples were then cemented serially on the prepared maxillary-extracted premolars and were evaluated for vertical marginal gap in 8 pre-established reference areas. Retention was evaluated using a universal testing machine. Results: Results obtained for both marginal gap and retention were statistically analyzed, and the values fall within the clinically acceptable range. The DMLS technique proved precedence over the other two techniques used, as it exhibited maximum retention and marginal accuracy, which is an area of prime concern. Conclusion: The results from this study encourage further research with different pattern-forming materials and techniques and the need to identify the factors that facilitate better marginal fit and retention of cast restorations. Clinical significance: This study has myriad of applications in clinical dentistry mainly in decision-making for casting procedure to provide better retention and marginal accuracy for fabrication of Co–Cr crowns. It also aims to aid the clinician to minimize errors by using different techniques for fabrication of wax pattern as well as the coping, keeping abreast with the recent technology to evaluate the accuracy of 3D-printed resin pattern over conventional wax pattern.