UPDATE: As of September 17, 2024, the D&D Player’s Handbook (2024), is live on Roll20, along with the New D&D 5e (2024) Character Sheet & Builder! Learn more here!
The D&D Player’s Handbook (2024) is almost here, refreshing the rules while keeping your 2014 adventures playing and slaying. With new updates like streamlined crafting and Weapon Masteries for every fighter-style class, it’s time to sharpen your gear and your game.
All Adventures Work With Both Rules
One of the biggest topics that has come up regarding the 2024 version of 5E is backward compatibility. Note: all of your adventures will work with the D&D 2014 version and the D&D 2024 version.
That means you can play everything from Tyranny of Dragons to Quests from the Infinite Staircase using the 2024 core rulebooks. (Watch out, Tiamat.)
When it comes to the rules, the easiest way to look at it is that the 2024 Player’s Handbook takes precedence if someone is playing it at the table:
- Characters created with the 2014 Player’s Handbook can be used in games with characters created with the 2024 Player’s Handbook
- Subclasses from the 2014 Player’s Handbook can be used to create characters made with the 2024 Player’s Handbook
- If the game has a character made with the 2024 Player’s Handbook, the game should follow the 2024 Player’s Handbook rules, which include changes to combat rules, conditions, etc.
This is Jeremy Crawford’s explanation on how the 2024 Player’s Handbook replaces the 2014 Player’s Handbook; talk to your Dungeon Master (if that’s not you) before you start a new character to double check for preferences.
New Rules Glossary
One of the best improvements to the 2024 Player’s Handbook is the reorganization, making it even easier for players and DMs to quickly find the rules they need.
While a chapter may introduce the basics, it will reference the new Rules Glossary to go into more detail about it. The Rules Glossary includes topics like conditions, set ACs and DCs for the DM, areas of effect, and many other essential references, all in one handy section.
The rules are streamlined, which means players can spend more time fighting a vampire and less time trying to find out if they can attack while restrained or grappled. (Either way, be sure to protect your neck.)
Weapon Masteries Buff Up Combat
One of the best updates in the 2024 Player’s Handbook is the thorough expansion of what was previously a feat for fighter-types called Weapon Mastery in the 2014 version.
In the previous version, a class feature similar to the fighter’s fighting style would grant bonuses for using that type of weapon, like bows or two-handed axes. Taking the Weapon Master feat gave an ability score increase and proficiency with four weapons.
In the 2024 Player’s Handbook, the idea is expanded to not only fighters but includes barbarians, paladins, rangers, and rogues. All simple and martial weapons now have Weapon Mastery properties, and your class determines which Weapon Mastery you can use. For example, if you’re a rogue using a dagger, you can use the Nick mastery property to make two attacks an action instead of using a bonus action, which you can use to follow up with your Cunning Action.
The full video where Jeremy Crawford goes in-depth about the new Weapon Masteries might change how you create your next character, so be sure to check it out.
Clear and Useful Rules for New Crafting System
Another fantastic update is the new Crafting System in D&D 2024. New crafting rules enhance character creation by allowing you to better align your character’s background with their occupation or skills. The rules also clarify which ability score is used with each tool. (Looking at you, thieves’ tools.)
With the new Utilize action, you can easily use a tool during gameplay. Each artisan’s tool in the 2024 Player’s Handbook includes a list of items you can craft if you have proficiency and follow the new crafting rules. You can craft items, weapons, armor, as well as Potions of Healing and Spell Scrolls.
Magic item crafting rules will be coming in the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide!
Streamlined Rules and Character Creation
This section could be a standalone article, as the character creation updates in the 2024 Player’s Handbook are worth an in-depth look. The rulebook includes a new character sheet, connects stats across backgrounds, species, classes, and feats, and even recommends skipping to level 3 if you’ve played the 2014 Player’s Handbook version.
The best way to create a new character is to use Roll20’s new D&D character sheet, entering Beta on July 29! Our step-by-step character builder lets you quickly select your character’s qualities, while we handle the setup and calculations for you.
Be sure to learn more about Roll20’s new sheet which will support the 2024 Player’s Handbook rules on September 17.