D&D (2024) What does Backward compatibility mean to you?

[Parmandur]

I think those sidebars are for the playtest, since you cannot play the UA without using 2014 rules. We will see how they handle 5.5 when it is released and not before then. They might just give some small insert like they did with 3.5 for conversions.

I don't think they put any word.in there that they are not considering for the final text. They are super earnest about stil lselling old books, in print and on Beyond.

 

[Parmandur]

By saying the new core is backwards compatible with old adventures and supplements, but not saying its compatible with the old core.

They didn't say old Core couldn't be used, though. They se to be designing for.mixing and matching being a working norm.

 

[Micah Sweet]

It's not my definition. It's THE definition and I didn't have anything to do with deciding what it was.

In all fairness, it is clear that WotC and many players are using a different, less official but perhaps more widely used definition. If you're irritated about that (believe me I get it) that's ok, but I think you're going to have to accept that you and WotC are not on the same page in this area.

 

[Micah Sweet]

They didn't say old Core couldn't be used, though. They se to be designing for.mixing and matching being a working norm.

Where do you get that impression? As has been said, people have to use the 2014 rules to use the UA.

 

[Yaarel]

On the FAQ for the playtest I posted a quote on it in this and other threads

So this is what the FAQ on DnDBeyond states:

"
What does backward compatible mean?
It means that fifth edition adventures and supplements will work in One D&D. For example, if you want to run Curse of Strahd in One D&D, that book will work with the new versions of the core rulebooks. Our goal is for you to keep enjoying the content you already have and make it even better. You’ll see this in action through the playtest materials, which you will be able to provide feedback on.

"


I see the design commitment is that DMs can use supplements − like Xanathars and Tashas − with the 5.5 core books.

At the same time, these also work with the 5.0 core books.

Presumably, 5.0 and 5.5 can both work at the same table, even if it requires 5.0 getting a free feat or 5.5 using 5.0 backgrounds instead.

 

[Parmandur]

Where do you get that impression? As has been said, people have to use the 2014 rules to use the UA.

Yes, and that's largely because the framework will remain the same. This test specifies how to use 2014 Race options, and I see no reason that won't make it into the PHB. So someone who really wants to play a Half-Elf from the 2014 Core still can, and per the rules explicitly.

 

[Micah Sweet]

So this is what the FAQ on DnDBeyond states:

"
What does backward compatible mean?
It means that fifth edition adventures and supplements will work in One D&D. For example, if you want to run Curse of Strahd in One D&D, that book will work with the new versions of the core rulebooks. Our goal is for you to keep enjoying the content you already have and make it even better. You’ll see this in action through the playtest materials, which you will be able to provide feedback on.

"


I see the design commitment is that DMs can use supplements − like Xanathars and Tashas − with the 5.5 core books.

At the same time, these also work with the 5.0 core books.

Presumably, 5.0 and 5.5 can both work at the same table, even if it requires 5.0 getting a free feat or 5.5 using 5.0 backgrounds instead.

5e core works with supplements. 6e core works with supplements. That doesn't necessarily mean that 5e core works with 6e core, and they don't claim it's intended to, not without some work at least (other than the necessity of the playtest).

 

[Micah Sweet]

Yes, and that's largely because the framework will remain the same. This test specifies how to use 2014 Race options, and I see no reason that won't make it into the PHB. So someone who really wants to play a Half-Elf from the 2014 Core still can, and per the rules explicitly.

Maybe, but I'm with @Maxperson on that disappearing upon release of 6e.

 

[Yaarel]

Maybe, but I'm with @Maxperson on that disappearing upon release of 6e.

I dont think the 5.5 Players Handbook will mention the 5.0 half-elf.

But I do think, one can build a 5.0 half-elf and with minimal adjustments like a free feat, play alongside the 5.5 human-elf.

 

[Parmandur]

Maybe, but I'm with @Maxperson on that disappearing upon release of 6e.

It doesn't make sense that it would: they want people to use D&D Bryond more and more, and they don't want anyone to nit be able to use their material.

That's the real test of backwards compatibility: will Beyond allow painless mixing of material?