D&D 5E There Will Be No More Hydro74 Alternate D&D Covers

For the past 10 years, there have been alternative covers for the Dungeons & Dragons hardcovers available at local game stores. These covers were usually designed by artist Joshua M. Smith, aka Hydro74.

Hydro74 has confirmed that Vecna: Eve of Ruin was their final alternate cover for D&D.

Just got my copy of Vecna, Eve of Ruin from D&D in. The Gold & Silver really are fantastic. Sadly [Wizards of the Coast] said this was my last book since they are changing direction, which is disappointing but freelance life! Was a fun ride!

Photo by Hydro74
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Here's a look at just some of Hydo74's alternate covers over the years.

 

[GMMichael]

I wonder if "changing direction" means less attention to game stores and more to DnDBeyond print plus digital bundles.

I think it means "AI will be doing our covers from here on out."

 

[Demetrios1453]

I think it means "AI will be doing our covers from here on out."

You know that's not true. They would be immediately pilloried at even the hint of AI art on a cover.

 

[Mercador]

Paizo should sign him right away.

 

[jayoungr]

What a shame. I have some of these alternate covers and really like them. (Wish I had picked up the alt-cover version of Xanathar's.)

As for what the "new direction" means, didn't WotC say that in future, they plan for books to be "cherished collectibles" rather than the main way of delivering new material? I bet they're doing away with having separate covers because the hard copy will now be considered the "special" item in itself.

[ETA: Apparently the reliability of that statement is in doubt, so maybe not.]

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

As for what the "new direction" means, didn't WotC say that in future, they plan for books to be "cherished collectibles" rather than the main way of delivering new material? I bet they're doing away with having separate covers because the hard copy will now be considered the "special" item in itself.

The only new era books we know of (the three core books) all have alternate covers.

 

[jayoungr]

The only new era books we know of (the three core books) all have alternate covers.

True, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're the last ones.

 

[the Jester]

I think it means "AI will be doing our covers from here on out."

I would be very surprised if this happened anytime soon.

 

[Parmandur]

Too bad, though I didn't get most Hydro covers: moat of the alt covers I went for were from other artists.

Some oddball conspiracies thi king in the commente, but it seems pretty likely they are just going for different styles for alt covers in the future.

 

[Queer Venger]

I have every Hydro cover, but yeah, time for new blood, I support this

 

[Distracted DM]

There is usually a change in the art style every time there is a new edition.

In a sense, it gives new artists a chance to get established, whilst established artists have a portfolio of work to show for their time on D&D.

Yeah I really enjoyed the Hydro74 covers, but I don't have a problem with them switching things up. If I don't like them then I won't get them. I don't love the mood of the alternate 5.2 PHB, so if I do get the new books it'd probably be the standard versions. No biggie