For a long time, I avoided switching over to the new 5th EditionDungeons and Dragonsrules created in 2024. This was due to a variety of factors, including the reluctance of my players to adopt new mechanics that have gotten mixed reviews since their release. However, I noticed that one particular change in 2024 rules that I already homebrew into my games helped me realize how to adopt them.
Ultimately,it is up to your table to decide whether they want to continue using the original 2014D&D5e rules or switch overto the new mechanicalchanges seen in the 2024 Player’s Handbook. However, I do recommend sticking to one or the other, as it can be hard to mix and match mechanics. Trying to only adopt elements you like might be more confusing than helpful.
Switching To D&D 2024 Can Seem Like A Hassle
Many Different Changes Can Make New Games Seem Daunting
The 2024 Player’s Handbook makes many changes toD&D5e, from creating new terminology to existing mechanics to overhauls to fundamental rules that have been ingrained in the system since its inception. The wording ofD&Drules has always been important, and thenew changes alter the"rules as written"often. Some examples include calling casting a spell a Magic action, or moving a character forcefully in combat as"transporting"them.
Although common Actions are more clearly defined in 2024 rules,veterans of the nuance in past 5e mechanics will find this straightforward approach a little more strict. The Hide action having a set Stealth DC now is a perfect example of this, as it used to vaguely rely on an enemy’s Perception for more flexibility. These kinds of changes are everywhere in 2024 rules, but are mostly seen in combat situations.
Another obstacle to moving to the 2024 rules is hownearly every class and subclass in the game has changed in some way. Every archetype has similar features, but vastly different wordings, traits, and even some removed skills that have been replaced with something new.
While all of these alterations may seem overwhelming,many of the 2024 rulesfocus on simplifying or clarifying mechanics that have existed for a long time inD&D5e.The rule changes are daunting because there are a lot of small adjustments, not an abundance of brand-new features. Most of the new rules twist what already existed, but many different times to create a long list of small changes.
Many existing Feats, spells, gear, fighting styles, and other tools have gone through these small alterations, changing small bits of wording to be more streamlined. Increased damage dice for a weapon, using a Potion as a Bonus Action, or small changes to when you can use features all fit under 2024’s wide net of modifications. When combined with changes to classes and racial options (now called Species),making a character now requires a re-read of many established mechanics.
Changes To Spells During Combat Made Me Want To Try Every D&D 2024 Rule
Limitations To Magic Made Combat Far More Intense
One of the biggest changes toD&Dusing the 2024 rules is how many spells a character can cast during a turn in combat.In the new rules, characters can only cast one spell per turn that uses up a spell slot, limiting how much magic they can channel. This means that a spellcaster can only use one"leveled"spell on their turn, but they can still use Cantrips.
In the past, spells have dominated my games where most of my players were magic wielders, creating situations where enemies who aren’t magical get dominated quickly. The2024 rules have introduced restrictions on spellcasting, making it impossible for players to use certain spell combos during their turns. For example, now players have to choose between a leveled Cure Wounds or a Misty Step instead of both in the same turn.
Spells are still restricted by their casting time, range, and role in a combat action economy inD&D2024 rules. Spells still cost an Action, Bonus Action, or Reaction, which are still clearly defined phases of any character’s turn in battle.
The2024 rules on spells prevent players from casting a spell as a Reaction on their own turnwhen they’ve already used magic that consumed a spell slot. This prevents common Reaction spells like Counterspell or Silvery Barbs from being abused to shut down enemies, creating more intense encounters. Now, players have to think carefully about whichspell inD&Dthey’ll use rather than having multiple options to use all of them at once.
This rule has greatly improved my players' creativity, as they now have unique spell combinations with Cantrips and leveled magic that find loopholes in this system. For example, one of my players used a leveled Flame Blade as a Bonus Action, then used the Booming Blade Cantrip as their Action. This created a powerful melee attack combo that was far more inventive than simply using Hold Person and Branding Smite on the same turn for an easy Critical Hit on a paralyzed foe.
Having restrictions behind spellcasting forces my players to choose what situations they will spend spell slots on, impacting not just their characters, but their allies as well. I’ve seen characters with no spellcasting be incredibly invested in what their magical party members will do next because of how this new rule forces players to think outside the box.
Many Changes Leave Obtuse Rulings Behind
Once that spellcasting change had been implemented into my games, I began to experiment with more and more rulings from the 2024 Player’s Handbook. While it took some time, I realized thatmany of the changes sought to open up creative paths, even if they seemed restrictive at first. In some cases, this is glaringly obvious, such as the buffs for the Monk class in 2024, but I can understand how those limitations seem oppressive on the surface.
Many of the 2024 rules are also meant to be"improvements"over the original mechanics, mostly modifying systems you don’t see very often into something better.Making rarely used options stronger leads to greater variety in player choices, either during combat or outside battles. Now that everything is defined, it is much easier to allow for creative decisions that have much clearer rules behind them.
The level of organization in the new rules makes it easy to interpret, leading to far fewer situations where there’s a debate at the tableabout how a certain rule should be implemented. Vague rules before now have straightforward definitions that leave little room for interpretation. While someDungeon Masters may lament the lack of flexibility, I am grateful for rules that are easier for me to point out to players during specific situations.
While I still want to take things slow, especially surrounding character creation with new rules, I am far more eager to adopt the changed mechanics than ever before. After some experimentation, I believe that the 2024 rules forDungeons and Dragonswill appeal to many groups that take the time to read them and add them to their next adventure.
