D&D 5E D&D Beyond: Monsters of the Multiverse Will Not Replace Existing Monsters

D&D Beyond has said that Monsters of the Multiverse will not replace existing monsters already purchased by users.

While they have indicated that existing content will not be overwritten, they were unable to share any details on how the new monster stat blocks will be implemented - suggestions might include duplicate entries, or some kind of toggle. This also includes racial traits, which won't replace old material -- the contents of the book will be treated as new content.

While DDB is taking it's lead from WotC on what to do, apparently WotC asked them to take charge of communicating this all to users.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

That's probably a shame, as IMO the new stat block is hands down better designed than the old one. There's not much difference other than the new ones being better.

The races are more subjective.

 

[Professor Murder]

Yeah. This feels confusing. Not sure if I need the book then.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

It just means there will be two options for the monster. The new version and the old.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

That's probably a shame, as IMO the new stat block is hands down better designed than the old one. There's not much difference other than the new ones being better.

The races are more subjective.

It's a good thing to allow choice.

 

[Weiley31]

Old version of the Monsters: Standard regular edition

New Version of the Monsters: Elite versions. (well, in regard to force damage and the new Spell-Like 4E abilities.)

Now the real question is, what about Races?

 

[Enevhar Aldarion]

If it is done the same way Fantasy Grounds say they are doing it, if you want the new stuff, you need to buy the new book, even if you own the old ones.

 

[Oofta]

This is understandable, obviously WOTC wants to sell the new book. The new book is explicitly not errata to the old books even if they have been modified. The new version may or may not be "better" since that's a matter of opinion, but we aren't going to get a new model year just because it's been modified.

 

[Oofta]

Old version of the Monsters: Standard regular edition

New Version of the Monsters: Elite versions. (well, in regard to force damage and the new Spell-Like 4E abilities.)

Now the real question is, what about Races?

If you purchase the books I assume it will be a toggle option just like changes from Xanathar's.

 

[Nikosandros]

Yeah. This feels confusing. Not sure if I need the book then.

Well, without the book you won't get any of the new stats, since there won't be any auto-updates.