D&D (2024) (+) Beyond 2024 - Reprinting and reselling subclasses

[Zaukrie]

I'm thinking all Wizards of the Coast subclasses not already in the PH 2024

I think they should fix everything and sell it. I'd be 90% likely to buy it on dndbeyond....

 

[Zaukrie]

I don’t think they should reprint any extant subclasses, either in the PHB or elsewhere, with the possible exception of redoing subclasses that didn’t hit the mark in their first iteration.

If subclasses need to be “redone” to be usable with revised 5e classes, then they failed to hit the mark in terms of backwards compatibility.

"need" vs improved are two different things.

 

[Vael]

I said no, but I'd say yes if there was more to it. A pure reprint book would annoy me, even if things were errata'ed and rebalanced. I'd want something new. So ... would I buy a "Expanded Players Handbook" with revised subclasses, and new ones and the Artificer and maybe another class? Yes

 

[Zaukrie]

I said no, but I'd say yes if there was more to it. A pure reprint book would annoy me, even if things were errata'ed and rebalanced. I'd want something new. So ... would I buy a "Expanded Players Handbook" with revised subclasses, and new ones and the Artificer and maybe another class? Yes

100%

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I don’t think they should reprint any extant subclasses, either in the PHB or elsewhere, with the possible exception of redoing subclasses that didn’t hit the mark in their first iteration.

What about 2014 PHB subclasses? Those would go out of print when the new core books are released.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I would much prefer a consolidated book to spreading them over several books, which I feel is the alternative. A player-focused expansion book a la Tasha's or Xanathar's (with a dash of MotM) in 2026 (say) would be what I'd expect.

January 2025 feels like the latest we'll see such a product.

 

[TwoSix]

What about 2014 PHB subclasses? Those would go out of print when the new core books are released.

My expectation is that the PHB should be just as much expansion for the 5e line as a whole as it is a retrenchment of the line. Ideally, with 48 subclasses, I'd like to see about 1/4 PHB redux (for subclasses than need changes), 1/4 redux of subclasses from pre-existing material (TCoE, XGtE, primarily), and 1/2 novel ideas.

In a world where the primary channel of release is going to be digital, the fact that some material isn't in "print" ceases to be an issue.

 

[TwoSix]

So it sounds like if they stick with all subclasses being moved to 3rd level, like the Life Cleric does, or subclass features change levels, you think it is a forgone conclusion that they missed the mark completely?

I don't consider subclasses simply moving levels to be a major point of conversion. I also expect the new PHB will have conversion material to explain the necessary minor changes to use pre-2024 subclasses with 2024 classes.

If it doesn't do that, it doesn't meet the mark for my expectations, and I won't feel the need to purchase the PHB.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

In a world where the primary channel of release is going to be digital, the fact that some material isn't in "print" ceases to be an issue.

Well, that's a hypothetical world. At the moment, plenty of people still buy the hardcover books. (Cue all the folks posting Amazon stats.)

Why do we want a new player in 2026 to not have the ability to pick up a PHB subclass from 2014 without hunting it down on D&D Beyond?

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I don't consider subclasses simply moving levels to be a major point of conversion. I also expect the new PHB will have conversion material to explain the necessary minor changes to use pre-2024 subclasses with 2024 classes.

Yeah, they specifically said they'd include this in the PHB at the summit, which is nice.