# What's changed in the 2024 handbook? Welcome to the 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons! If you’re coming from the 2014 PHB (as we did in Rime of the Frostmaiden), here’s a quick and clear rundown of what’s new, what’s changed, and what you can expect moving forward in our campaign. ## TL;DR | Old Rule | New Rule | | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | Race | Species with custom ASIs | | No starting feat | 1st-level feat from background | | Class-specific spell lists | Arcane / Divine / Primal lists | | Subclass levels varied | All subclasses start at level 3 | | Feats inconsistent | Tiered, standardized feats | | Inspiration DM-only | Inspiration on Nat 20s + transferable | ## CHARACTER CREATION ### Species Instead of Race - “Race” is now called **Species** to reflect ancestry without fixed traits. - More **customization**: choose your own ability score increases (+2/+1 or +1/+1/+1) - Example: A dwarf doesn’t have to be strong anymore—you can build an INT-based dwarf artificer easily. ### Backgrounds Give You More - Backgrounds now grant: - 2 ability score increases - 2 skill proficiencies - 1 tool proficiency - 1 **1st-level feat** - This makes backgrounds more mechanically meaningful. ### Starting Feats - Every character starts with a feat from their background. - Most are **new or rebalanced** versions of old feats. ## CLASSES & SUBCLASSES ### Earlier Subclass Access - Subclasses now arrive at **Level 3 for all classes** (standardized). ### Class Rebalancing - Martial classes got stronger (Fighter, Ranger, Barbarian) - Casters see more unified spellcasting language - Some class features renamed or streamlined ### New or Revised Subclasses - An updated Artificer coming in _Forge of the Artificer_ - Revised Warlock, Sorcerer, Ranger, etc. ## SPELLCASTING ### Spell Lists Are Now by Source - Spells are categorized as **Arcane, Divine, or Primal** instead of per class. - Each class draws from one or more lists. ### Rituals Simplified - Easier to track and more classes can ritual-cast based on spell list access. ### Concentration Rules - Some tweaks in wording and conditions, but largely familiar ## FEATS ### Tiered Feats - Feats now have tiers: **1st, 4th, 8th**, etc., matching ASI levels. - Clearer prerequisites and scaling effects. ### Rebalanced & Consolidated - Some feats were merged (ex: Magic Initiate and Spell Sniper changes) - Others got buffs or utility boosts ## COMBAT & CONDITIONS ### Grappling, Climbing, Jumping - Unified rules using **contest checks** and clearer modifiers ### D20 Test = Ability Check, Saving Throw, or Attack Roll - Clarified what constitutes a D20 Test - “Inspiration” now triggers more reliably after Nat 20s ### Surprise & Initiative - More consistent rulings—no more “you lose your turn” confusion ## ROLEPLAYING TOOLS ### Revised Inspiration - You now gain **Inspiration** when you roll a natural 20 - Inspiration can be passed to others ### Tool Use & Exploration - Tools more tightly integrated into exploration challenges - Better support for non-combat scenes