New Guide Details How to Convert D&D 2014 to 2024 Rules
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2024 marked the launch of a completely new rule set for Dungeons & Dragons. And while the mechanics still technically fall under the fifth edition rules that were launched in 2014, there are a number of significant changes that alter how the game is played. Yet surprisingly, the new 2024 Player’s Handbook and 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide don’t really spell out these updates in detail, with no side-by-side comparison listing just what has and hasn’t changed.
Fortunately, Wizards of the Coast has decided to rectify that oversight by releasing a new conversion guide that highlights everything that’s changed from the D&D 2014 rules to the new D&D 2024 rules. Below, we take a closer look at what’s included.
What is the new D&D 2014 to 2024 Conversion Guide?
First, it’s important to note that the new conversion guide applies to Dungeons & Dragon’s Systems Reference Document (SRD), the official free rules which third-party publishers are legally allowed to use when creating new content.
As such, the conversion guide really breaks out the differences between the SRD 5.1 (2014 rules) and SRD 5.2 (2024 rules). One thing to note is that the conversion guide is really more of a technical document and is definitely not as reader friendly as something you’d find in an official Wizards of the Coast book. Major highlights in the conversion guide include:
- Terminology Changes: Many core terms have been renamed for clarity and consistency (i.e. “Race” is now “Species”) and capitalization has been standardized.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Changes have been made to core mechanics, including rules such as Surprise and Exhaustion.
- Character Creation: Ability score bonuses are now granted by Backgrounds rather than Race, and other character creation rules have been updated.
- Classes: All twelve core DnD classes feature new and revised features, unified spell lists and a delayed subclass selection at level 3.
- Feats and Proficiencies: Feats have been reworked and recategorized into Origin, General, Fighting Style and Epic Boons.
- Equipment & Weapons: Weapon Mastery rules add new tactical options and weapons tables have been reorganized.
- Spells and Spellcasting: Several new spells ha been added, while other spells have been renamed and had their rules tweaked.
- Monsters: Stat blocks have been overhauled for clarity, with initiative scores, gear and clearer spellcasting sections.
- Rules Glossary: Dozens of terms now have formal definitions (i.e. Bloodied) and new rules cover travel, environmental hazards, curses and mental stress.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to all of the changes between the D&D 2014 and 2024 rules, the new PDF from Wizards of the Coast definitely has you covered. It’s likely the document will be updated in the days ahead as new rules appear in subsequent sourcebooks, but in the meantime you can download it now from D&D Beyond
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Cameron Nichols is a Senior Editor who lives in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been playing D&D since the early 90s, when he was introduced by his older brother and cut his teeth on AD&D 2nd Edition. Since then he’s played virtually every RPG he could get his nerdy little mitts on (including a weird Goth phase in the early 2000s when he rocked Vampire: The Masquerade pretty hard). His favorite D&D campaign setting is the Forgotten Realms and his favorite character to play was a Half-Orc Barbarian named Grug (who was unfortunately devoured by a gelatinous cube).
