D&D 5E What most needs revision for the (hypothetical) 50th anniversary core books?

[Mercurius]

Let's assume that we will, indeed, see revised core rulebooks in 2024, a proverbial "5.5." Let's also assume that it won't be more than 5.5, and maybe more like 5.3-5.4...the key being backwards compatible.

The question: What aspect of the core rules do you feel is most in need of revision? If you could ask the folks at WotC to revise one area, what would it be?

For myself, I've played 5E too sporadically over the years to feel like I know the system inside and out enough to offer a super educated opinion, but my first thought is classes. Maybe I'm biased because ranger is my favorite, or at least default, class, but I'd like to see them strengthen some of the weaker ones (ranger, monk, sorcerer), and without requiring a subclass to do so.

It is probably too large of a change for even 5.5, but I'd like to see how a slightly less bounded accuracy would look, with Proficiency Bonus going up to +10 at 20th level rather than +6. I like bounded accuracy, but wonder if it is too bounded. It just strikes me as odd that a 1st level fighter with 20 STR has a base +7 to hit, while a 20th level fighter with 20 STR is only +11. I know: class features, feats and magic items and all that. But, still.

You?

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

Exploration challenges! Its great to have a Monster Manual, but it should contain Exploration and Environmental challenges, like with 4e which had ''stat blocks'' for traps, diseases and weather effects.

 

[Stormonu]

I think the “per encounter” usage would receive the most revision. We’ve seen a move to “equal to proficiency modifier” in Tasha’s, and I expect we’ll see more of that.

Alignment, is of course, toast.

Most of the rest would likely be soft tweaks - tightening up spells and subclasses, and of course another iteration of Ranger.

 

[Mercurius]

Exploration challenges! Its great to have a Monster Manual, but it should contain Exploration and Environmental challenges, like with 4e which had ''stat blocks'' for traps, diseases and weather effects.

I like this, but that could also be added within an adventure or in a splat. I would love to see some kind of 5E version of Wilderness/Dungeoneer's Survival Guide (maybe Explorer's Survival Guide?). As much as I like the story/setting focus of 5E, I do kind of miss the "deeper layers of rules" that we got in previous editions.

 

[Mercurius]

Alignment, is of course, toast.

Toast or an optional rule?

For the life of me I don't know why WotC can't take a both/and approach with some of these changes (e.g. alignment, racial ability mods, etc).

 

[Aldarc]

There are a number of interconnected mechanical issues that I would have them look at involving the relationship between classes and subclasses as well as short/long rest mechanics, etc. For example, there may be more conceptual space for various subclasses depending on how they design the core chassis of a class. I would appreciate it if they established a clearer conceptual design space for classes such that there is room for Warlords and Psions as well as better developing the conceptual spaces of classes they have, such as Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Rangers. A Warlord, for example, could be possible as a Fighter subclass if the Fighter was redesigned for that design space.

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

I like this, but that could also be added within an adventure or in a splat. I would love to see some kind of 5E version of Wilderness/Dungeoneer's Survival Guide (maybe Explorer's Survival Guide?). As much as I like the story/setting focus of 5E, I do kind of miss the "deeper layers of rules" that we got in previous editions.

Agreed.

Then, maybe a rewrite to allow subclasses at 1st level for all classes?

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

I don't like the idea of a 5.5 Ed. At least there are a lot of new ideas to playtested in the videogame versions.

My suggestion is a "vintage" edition, the rules of 5th Ed but with the pictures, look and layout of 1989 edition, for collectors.

Other possibility is an Unearted Arcana sourcebook with alternate rules and ideas.

I would rather subclasses since the first level, or at least a "class feat" in the first level to feel my PC is different from the begining.

 

[DnD Warlord]

Kill the wizard and the sorcerer. Leave them as relics of the past and build classes like warmage and Necromancer in the place

include a warlord

 

[Cadence]

Adding the conditions from Lesser Restoration to the list of things Greater Restoration can fix.

Half-in-jest. Put all the short rest recharge classes and things in an appendix.