D&D (2024) So Will 'OneD&D' (6E) Actually Be Backwards Compatible?

[TwoSix]

My guess is that will be changed just enough that you could use your old material with the 1D&D/5.X/6e core, but it would require just enough conversion that having a convenient electronic option available to do it for you would be really helpful.

 

[Micah Sweet]

My guess is that will be changed just enough that you could use your old material with the 1D&D/5.X/6e core, but it would require just enough conversion that having a convenient electronic option available to do it for you would be really helpful.

What a terrible spot to design for! I don't envy that task handed down from corporate.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

I think that it will be largely compatible.

I think that the main differences will be in continued rules-streamlining (more rules, not rulings) and continued combat options to make it work better for VTT.

But it will be as compatible as all the TSR-era D&D versions were.

Best case is it will be 1e to 2e. Mostly identical, tweaked rules.
Worst case it will be BECMI to 1e. Close enough.

 

[Jer]

My guess is that will be changed just enough that you could use your old material with the 1D&D/5.X/6e core, but it would require just enough conversion that having a convenient electronic option available to do it for you would be really helpful.

I don't think 5e is fiddly enough to make that work though. I could see that for a 3e or a 4e revision, but 5e is not that tightly balanced.

 

[jerryrice4949]

If we consider 1E and 2E AD&D to be compatible, which personally I do, then I'd say "Yes", which is how I've voted.

Even in the playtest material we've seen there's already considerably more difference between 5E and 1D&D than 3E and 3.5E, but we're still well within tolerances for 1E to 2E.

I think in practical terms you could probably run a 5E adventure with 1D&D PCs, for example, without huge problems (based on how 1D&D is currently looking), or vice-versa. You could also have a mixed party of 5E and 1D&D PCs, but I feel like 1D&D PCs are generally going to be slightly more effective - then again, the same was true of 1E and 2E PCs.

Yeah that's the question. We don't have any evidence yet (unless a packet just dropped and I missed it), but it seems to me that they may well do this. If so we may end up with a 1D&D that's less compatible with 5E than 2E was with 1E, and that would be stretching the definition of compatible somewhat, I feel.

My thoughts too. Who knows what compatible means. I suspect adventures and monsters can be used pretty easily but not classes/subclasses. The next play test document might add some clarity.

 

[the Jester]

We've already seen some massive changes from 5e's design in terms of starting feats, shifting subclass levels, the new heritage/lineage/post-race rules, the spell groupings, etc. Those are some pretty big changes, IMHO, and some of them (the spell groupings especially) seem to be change for the sake of change. I'm not optimistic for real backward compatibility.

 

[TwoSix]

I don't think 5e is fiddly enough to make that work though. I could see that for a 3e or a 4e revision, but 5e is not that tightly balanced.

There are ways. Off the top of my head, they could adjust the levels subclasses get features (which they are already doing). They could adjust the overall impact of the subclass features, by either diluting or strengthening subclasses. They could fiddle with the skill lists, combine a few and split out some others, just enough to make a bunch of skill references in old books obsolete.

Basically, make the old stuff usable but only with a bit of friction. Then have the corebook and the first mechanical release afterwards present updated versions of a bunch of the most popular older subclasses and races. Bonus points if updated subclasses, spells, and feats, a few each month, are part of the D&D Beyond subscription. That way there's a constantly shifting "build meta" as old options are changed.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

At least as compatible as LevelUp.
Since it is advertised as compatible, so is OneD&D.

 

[Retreater]

With 5E being in the Creative Commons, I don't know how much value a 5E-compatible system will have to Hasbro/WotC. They can't touch VTTs or online tools either, decreasing the need for DND Beyond and its Unreal Engine VTT. So unless 6E is VASTLY different, I doubt it can pull away enough existing fans to justify its existence.
I'm not looking at this only as the middle-aged grognard who spends too much time thinking about D&D I am. I'm also considering my table of a half dozen teenaged players who just got their start with 5E. One of them got her first PHB for Christmas. All of them are still learning the rules.
What motivation is there for this new group to switch, to spend limited income on something that's "basically the same?"
WotC have painted themselves into a corner: it can't be too similar or too different.
More than likely, I think they're preparing to sell it or spin it off. I don't really expect to see 6E/OneD&D at this point.
The best way to achieve the goal of a legacy product that has been around since 5E was created was probably to put it in the Creative Commons, where no future business changes can impact it.

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

We've already seen some massive changes from 5e's design in terms of starting feats, shifting subclass levels, the new heritage/lineage/post-race rules, the spell groupings, etc. Those are some pretty big changes, IMHO, and some of them (the spell groupings especially) seem to be change for the sake of change. I'm not optimistic for real backward compatibility.

They don’t seem big to me, not a change that prevents compatibility