New 2024 DM Screen (First Look & Review)
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A new version of Dungeons & Dragons is finally upon us, with the 2024 Player’s Handbook introducing enhanced species, backgrounds, classes and other player-focused content. That book has since been followed up by the new 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, with materials geared specifically towards DMs, including new magic items, rules, lore and even a sample campaign set in the world of Greyhawk.
With an updated version of the DMG also comes an official new 2024 DM screen from Wizards of the Coast that not only includes the major rules changes, but also features a redesign based on a decade of playtesting and user feedback. The new screen is now available from your local game store, as well as on Amazon and D&D Beyond.
So just what new secrets lurk behind the new 2024 Dungeon Master’s screen? Below, we unfold all the details.
What’s changed in the new 2024 DM Screen?
Over the past decade there have been literally hundreds of amazing DM screens created for Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition, including official options from Wizards of the Coast campaigns. And while you can probably still get away with using these older options with the new DnD 2024 rules, the new official 2024 DM screen introduces a few significant changes:
- New Rules: The new DM screen includes a number of quick reference tables that feature enhanced 2024 rules for DnD 5e, including updates to Exhaustion and Surprise.
- New Layout: The panels and tables featured in the new 2024 DM screen have been reorganized from the previous 2014 version, with some tables (such as Conditions) being placed in different locations on the screen and others being removed entirely. According to Wizards of the Coast these changes are based on user feedback and their own internal playtesting over the past 10 years.
- New Size: Notably, the screen has been redesigned with laptops in mind, knowing that DMs may like to use these when running in-person games (something that wasn’t ever addressed with the 2014 version).
- New Artwork: The four panel screen features brand new artwork from illustrator Joy Ang who has worked on a number of past Wizards of the Coast products, including a 2014 alternate DM screen. The new image features a panoramic view depicting all DnD 5e classes featured in the new 2024 rules.
Where Can You Get the New 2024 DM Screen?
Currently, you can order a physical print copy of the new 2024 DM screen on Amazon and D&D Beyond. It was offically released on November 12th, 2024, to coincide with the publication of the 2024 DMG and products are now available in most book retailers, including local game stores.
How much is the new 2024 DM Screen?
The new Dungeon Master’s screen retails for $24.99 USD (although prices may vary depending on where you pick it up). This is comparable to what we’ve seen with the 2014 version, which had around the same price point.
Pros & Cons of the New 2024 DM’s Screen
Pros
- Enhanced Layout: The redesigned panels and tables are based on a decade of feedback and playtesting and really do feel like a step in the right direction in terms of providing some of the important information from the DnD 5e rules.
- Solid Artwork: The screen includes new panoramic artwork by Joy Ang, showcasing all the 2024 DnD 5e classes, offering a visually appealing addition to your game setup (although the style might not be to everyone’s taste)
- New Rules Added: The tables do include some key info on new DnD 2024 rules, including Exhaustion, and Surprise (both of which have been tweaked).
Cons of the New 2024 Dungeon Master’s Screen
- Artwork Subjectivity: While visually impressive, the illustration may not appeal to all players, especially those accustomed to previous designs. It also doesn’t quite match the art style found on the primary versions of the 2024 PHB and DMG.
- New Rules Missing: Surprisingly, it is missing a few key new rules including Heroic Inspiration and Weapon Mastery. The latter in particular seems like a major oversight given that it’s a complex new system.
- Price Point: At $24.99 USD, it’s comparable to the 2014 version. However, it’s still a fair bit to shell out and chances are you can pick up other versions for cheaper via Etsy or your local game store.
Final Thoughts & Review Score
While you certainly don’t need Wizards of the Coast’s new official DM screen to play the 2024 version of Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition, it’s something that a lot of Dungeon Master’s are likely going to pick up, particularly given some of the major rules overhauls that have taken place.
That being said, we’ll also likely see plenty off other third-party and even homemade screens coming out in the coming months that also integrate the DnD 2024 rules. In the meantime, however, it’s a solid option for those of us who spend our time behind the screen.
Final Review Score: 17 out of 20
You can order your copy of the 2024 DM Screen now from your local game store or on Amazon and D&D Beyond.
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Paige Stuart is a Staff Writer who lives in Chicago, Illinois where she majored in English Literature at Northwestern University. She’s relatively new to Dungeons & Dragons having started playing 5th edition several years ago. Her favorite D&D campaign setting so far is the Forgotten Realms and her favorite character to play is a Wizard named Felician who hurls both bad puns and fireballs with equal ease.
