Summary
The announcement fromDungeons & Dragonscreator Wizards of the Coast that there will be anewPlayer’s Handbookreleased in 2024has been met with mixed responses. The upcoming release will be the first major revision to the rulebook since the current 5e model was released in 2014, andthough the publisher has promised the new handbook will maintain backward compatibility with the old handbooks, it’s already become clear that’s not entirely true.
Many players have the simple option of not purchasing the new handbook when it releases on September 17, but for those with a subscription to D&D Beyond, it won’t be that simple. It’s officially been confirmed thatWizards of the Coast will have players automatically default to the new rules once the handbook is released– and a lot of players aren’t happy with this decision.
I’m Not Convinced D&D’s 2024 Player’s Handbook Is As Backward Compatible As It Claims
Backward compatibility is a big selling point of the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook, but it doesn’t seem perfectly suited to that goal.
Items And Spells In D&D Beyond Will Automatically Update With The 2024 Player’s Handbook
Players Have To Add Homebrew Items To Follow The Old Rulebook
In the changelog, Wizards of the Coast detailed this update specifically, suggesting a possible workaround. “If you wish to use the old version of a magic item or spell that has been replaced by its 2024 counterpart,you will need to create a homebrew copy of it and enable homebrew content on your character sheet.Then, you may add it to your character sheet,” the changelog reads.
Players also will not be able to make a homebrew version of non-magical equipment, though the devs noted that “the only significant change to weapons is the addition of mastery properties.” Regardless, those who are not ready to make the change to the new ruleset now have a lot more hoops to jump through if they wish to use the 2014 handbook in conjunction with their D&D Beyond account.
Every New D&D Spell In The 2024 Player’s Handbook
The 2024 Player’s Handbook introduces 10 completely new spells, all of which seem like they could be fun for the right character concept.
There Is No Way To Toggle Between The Two Rulebooks
Players Will Automatically Be Updated To The 2024 Handbook’s Rules.
Probably the biggest issue players have taken with the upcoming updates isthe blanket implementation of the newest rulebook, as D&D Beyond is not offering players a lot of room to toggle between the two. Though access to the2014 Player’s Handbookwill still be available on the service, the streamlined process that made the subscription service so enticing is being eroded by these updates.
“I already wasn’t a fan of the recent changes to the UI under the Game Rules section, but making the choice to play under the 2014 rule set so finicky and annoying doesn’t make using Beyond appealing for the 2014 players such as myself and my players,” userEmperorL1amanoted in response to the changelog on the D&D Beyond forum.There is no way for players to toggle between the two rulebooks, leaving a lot of extra work for those not quite ready for the transition.
These changes specifically affect those who use D&D Beyond when they run their campaigns, and it’s left a sour taste in the mouths of many. As updated editions of the core rulebooks and manuals slowly release over the next year,Dungeons & Dragonsplayers have had to grapple with the impermanence of their virtual access to the game – and the disappointment among players is palpable. Despite some proposed compromises within the changelog, the transition process looks like it’ll require a lot of additional work for players still holding on to the old rules.
Source: D&D Beyond (1,2)
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons is a popular tabletop game originally invented in 1974 by Ernest Gary Gygax and David Arneson. The fantasy role-playing game brings together players for a campaign with various components, including abilities, races, character classes, monsters, and treasures. The game has drastically expanded since the ’70s, with numerous updated box sets and expansions.
