D&D (2024) What is compatible with 2024?

[DragonLancer]

As I have said numerus times, my group and I are coming back to D&D with the new 2024 version of the rules. So far I have kept it to just material from the new version because I read a fair bit about how a lot of 2014 material wasn't fully compatible or balanced with 2024. I'd like to add some more older subclasses but how do I work out what does and doesn't work so well with 2024?

One example is that missing Wizard school subclasses which look somewhat different. If such are not compatible 100% what is the best way to tweak them? Or do you think these will get redone for 2024 later on?

Thanks.

 

[mellored]

Everything is still compatible. You can, and I have, played with 2014 and 2024 characters in the same campaign (Strahd) without issue.

The key changes are

Subclasses start at level 3. Wizard can take an old subclass, and get the 1 or 2 subclass stuff at level 3. (Reduces multiclass dips)
Ability boosts from background instead of races (renamed to species). Not both.
Background gives a weak feat at level 1 instead of their other little thing.
Martials get a cantrip-like effects with their weapons (i.e. slow 10').
Potions are a bonus action.

The only thing I found that actually doesn't work is the Circle of the Shepard Druid due to the new conjure spells. (Which are now zones instead of tracking 8+ creatures). But you could just play with the old spell.

 

[DragonLancer]

Subclasses start at level 3. Wizard can take an old subclass, and get the 1 or 2 subclass stuff at level 3. (Reduces multiclass dips)

Thanks. Subclasses are the main thing I've been looking at. Just wanted to make sure before I add anything in.

 

[dave2008]

As I have said numerus times, my group and I are coming back to D&D with the new 2024 version of the rules. So far I have kept it to just material from the new version because I read a fair bit about how a lot of 2014 material wasn't fully compatible or balanced with 2024. I'd like to add some more older subclasses but how do I work out what does and doesn't work so well with 2024?

One example is that missing Wizard school subclasses which look somewhat different. If such are not compatible 100% what is the best way to tweak them? Or do you think these will get redone for 2024 later on?

Thanks.

I have not found any issue with using 2014 material with 2024 material, just use what works for you. 5e14 & 5e24 are not so finely tuned that minor difference between make an difference IMO.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I think you're going to run into challenges with the word "compatible," @DragonLancer. For some people, any conversion work at all means it's not compatible. For others, even a fair amount of work is.

That said, I don't think running 2014 subclasses under 2024 is going to break anything by itself.

 

[DragonLancer]

Yeah. Compatible wasn't the right word. I'm only looking at official WotC options here. I say compatible because at the time the books came out I read a fair few articles and posts, and watched a few Youtube videos that made a point of saying that although a lot of 2014 material was fine, there were some subclasses, feats and spells that broke somewhat with the changes made with 2024. Not being anywhere near experienced with 2014 (playing one online campaign during Covid) I' don't want to screw up the balance allowing older material in.

 

[mellored]

Yeah. Compatible wasn't the right word. I'm only looking at official WotC options here. I say compatible because at the time the books came out I read a fair few articles and posts, and watched a few Youtube videos that made a point of saying that although a lot of 2014 material was fine, there were some subclasses, feats and spells that broke somewhat with the changes made with 2024. Not being anywhere near experienced with 2014 (playing one online campaign during Covid) I' don't want to screw up the balance allowing older material in.

There are certainly builds that broke with the changes, but much of that was intended, preventing certain combinations to improve game balance.

Per WotC, all the old subclass and feats are still officially supported.

Again the only subclass I'm aware of that would have issues is Shephard druid.

If you want the best balanced game then stick with just 2024. But 2014 was still pretty decent balanced and won't ruin anything.

Except twilight cleric. Not from any changes, it's just overpowered. Echo Knight might also a bit too strong. I'd probably avoid those.

 

[mellored]

Per WotC, all the old subclass and feats are still officially supported.

To be a bit more correct.

Per WotC, all the unchanged subclass and feats are still officially supported. If it was updated, they want you to use the update.

 

[Clint_L]

It's not much of an adjustment. Been doing it for awhile.

 

[Voadam]

I would generally suggest checking whether the old subclass gets stuff at the same levels as the new subclasses then adjust as you see fit. Shifting old level 1or 2 subclass features to level 3 should not be a big deal.