OSR Old School Essentials 2026 update

[TheAlkaizer]

Edit: Of course, only after posting, on second viewing do I notice that there's a thread already existing.

Old-School Essentials — 2026 and Beyond

So, as I'm still eargerly waiting for an email saying that my big box of Dolmenwood is on its way, I received an email this weekend. Necrotic Gnome also posted it on their website.

It seems like Old School Essentials is getting an update. I'm a little salty, as I bought the books last year and life made it so I didn't get to yet. But they seem to be insisting on the fact that it will be tweaks and nothing too major.

Anyhow, I'm much more interested in their Demonic Grimoire coming next year but I'm curious on how much the update will sell with all the space that Shadowdark has taken in the OSR.

 

[SlyFlourish]

I think its pretty cool. I'm hoping they update their SRD and release it under CC. Their SRD is still under the OGL, which is fine and all, but it'd be nice to have it under the CC for the future-proofing of the game and the hobby in general.

 

[darjr]

by definition it’ll be the same game.

It’s not a revision after all.

 

[TheAlkaizer]

by definition it’ll be the same game.

It’s not a revision after all.

The fact that they'll offer a free PDF with some of the content there eases me. I'm especially interested in the examples of play.

 

[darjr]

The fact that they'll offer a free PDF with some of the content there eases me. I'm especially interested in the examples of play.

I don’t disagree with you either. I wish they’d done this originally. Still I think they have to do this. It’s confusing to me suggesting to folks what to pick up.

 

[Umbran]

OSR Thread 'New edition of OSE in 2026'

Monday at 5:23 PM

A new edition of Old School Essentials has been announced for next year.

Necrotic Gnome will (finally) get rid of the classic/advanced split and consolidate everything in a Player's Book and a Referee Book. Following a common trend for many clone games, this new edition will no longer use the OGL.

Here's a list of updates taken from the linked page:

• New art. Around 200 new illustrations, including an illustration for every class and race, lots more monsters, and a set of beautiful colour paintings by Jacob Fleming.
• Introductory material and...

• Nikosandros
• Replies: 22
• Forum: D&D Older Editions, OSR, & D&D Variants

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