2024 D&D Player's Handbook Rule Changes

Aug 7, 2024

2024 Player's Handbook: Key Rule Changes

Introduction

  • Monty Martin and Kelly Mlin from Dungeon Dudes discuss significant rule changes in the 2024 Player's Handbook.
  • Focus on fundamental rules, not class-specific changes.

Major Rule Changes

1. Subclass Selection

  • All characters choose their subclass at third level.
  • Affects clerics, wizards, sorcerers, warlocks, and druids.
  • Subclasses have been updated, but older options can still be used (features at level three).

2. Ability Score Boosts

  • Ability score boosts now come from backgrounds instead of species.
  • Options:
    • +2 to one score and +1 to another
    • +1 to three separate scores
  • This evens the playing field across species.

3. Origin Feats

  • Each background provides an origin feat at first level.
  • Origin feats include:
    • Alert
    • Crafter
    • Healer
    • Lucky
    • Magic Initiate
    • Musician
    • Savage Attacker
    • Skilled
    • Tavern Brawler
    • Tough
  • Humans receive two origin feats at level one, but no general feat options.

4. General Feats

  • General feats now include an ability score boost upon selection.
  • Players may need to weigh between maximizing ability scores and taking multiple feats strategically.

5. Healing Potions

  • Drinking a potion of healing is now a bonus action.
  • Can be administered to allies as a bonus action.

6. Spell Casting Rules

  • New rule: one spell with a slot per turn.
  • Prevents casting multiple leveled spells in a turn (increases clarity of casting rules).

7. Surprise Mechanics

  • Changes to surprise:
    • Surprised creatures receive disadvantage on initiative rolls.
    • No longer completely lose their turn if surprised.

8. Voluntary Failure of Saving Throws

  • Creatures can now voluntarily fail a saving throw if they choose to.
  • Potential interesting interactions with game mechanics.

9. Heroic Inspiration

  • Inspiration is now called heroic inspiration.
  • It allows for a full roll reroll instead of just advantage/disadvantage.

10. Exhaustion Mechanics

  • Exhaustion retains six levels, but the mechanics have been clarified.
  • All D20 tests (attack rolls, ability checks, saving throws) receive a penalty equal to twice the exhaustion level.
  • Speed penalty is equal to five times the exhaustion level.

Conclusion

  • Overall, many changes aim to smooth gameplay and balance mechanics.
  • Future videos will cover class-specific changes and additional player options.
  • Viewers encouraged to share any additional rules changes they find in the comments.

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