D&D 5E (2024) D&D 2024 Is Now OFFICIALLY Called "5.5e"

Settling a debate that has lasted for over two years, the current edition of Dungeons & Dragons, which has been known by various names up until now, has finally received an official designation: D&D 5.5e.

Previously, the current ruleset was referred to as 'One D&D', before becoming 'D&D 2024'. Other variations exist, but the most common version used by fans was D&D 5.5.

The 5.5 terminology echoes the edition names used in the early 2000s for D&D 3E and D&D 3.5.

D&D Beyond has an FAQ related to the name change. In it, they say that "Earlier on, [the 2024 rules] were referred to differently. As D&D Beyond evolved and more players used both versions side by side, it became clear that “5.5e” matched how the community already talks about the game and made things easier to understand."

The terminology will be used going forward on D&D Beyond, although unlike the 3E/3.5 hardcovers, the physical book titles will not include any edition designations.

The 2014 edition of D&D is to continue to be called "5e", with the 2024 version being "5.5e". WotC says that "5.5e refers to content that uses the 2024 updated core rules, which are fully compatible with Fifth Edition."

Despite including the "e" (for "edition") WotC continues to maintain that 5.5e is not a new edition, and merely a 'rules update', or 'version'. Whether 'edition' and 'version' are synonyms or not we'll leave people to debate.

The logo at the top of the page is our own mockup to represent the news, and is not an offical rebranding.

 

[SkidAce]

I think the key difference is that these were a few new changes limited to a few subclasses, spells, or optional subsystems. And it’s not simply errata or spot changes that roll into new printings. New rules entering into the game at any time has been part and parcel of the game since the very beginning. But it’s usually the publication of new core books that signify the change even if that change is stronger in some edition shifts than others. This time it was enough of a change to necessitate three new core books that included the things I mentioned earlier.

Again, I go back to 1e vs 2e. Could I run Temple of Elemental Evil from the first edition in second edition with relatively few changes? Absolutely. Were there still enough differences worthy to denote the shift in editions? Yes.

It’s not like I’m upset about any of this. I’m just saying where I see it as a new edition.

Quoted for Truth.

 

[SkidAce]

I can't wait to tell my FLGS players to limit their new PCs to the Clarence versions.

I am so glad that they will no longer be confused!

I for one welcome our new Clarence Overlords.

 

[Scribe]

I can't wait to tell my FLGS players to limit their new PCs to the Clarence versions.

I am so glad that they will no longer be confused!

 

[tetrasodium]

I can't wait to tell my FLGS players to limit their new PCs to the Clarence versions.

I am so glad that they will no longer be confused!

Clarence? Is that some sus genz slang like pog with a glow up to be fire?

 

[saviirkad]

... to me what makes-or-breaks compatibility is player characters, and the 5.5 edition for me crosses that threshold and is thus incompatible with 5.0. For instance, I can't have a 2014 Cleric and a 2024 Cleric at the same table if the healing spells of the latter simply heals twice the amount the former does.

Can you expand on why that is an example of incompatibility?

 

[Zardnaar]

The individual quoted didn't. Which is fine, but he was really vehement about it. I get it, we all have our preferences.

Ive been calling it 5.5 since day 1. I dont recall lecturing anyone about it.

Its just quicker and people understand it.

 

[Zardnaar]

Clarence? Is that some sus genz slang like pog with a glow up to be fire?

People would shorten Clarence to Bob.

 

[Scribe]

Can you expand on why that is an example of incompatibility?

Better DMs than I have run games of "D&D", with characters from multiple editions, at the same time.

Is 2e compatible with 5.5?

 

[Ruin Explorer]

And dumber.

Interesting you say that because them adopting 5.5E as an official title frankly means that 6E is probably coming sooner, rather than later. You wouldn't switch to 5.5E unless you had a pretty clear intent to do a 6E, I would suggest.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

Wha? Why?

How does settling on 5.5e rather than D&D 2024 suggest WotC is now working on a 6th Edition?

I feel like this seems like rhetorical surprise, rhetorical confusion. Are you actually surprised or confused here, or just trying to make a rhetorical point? Because if you can't see why, I don't think the issue is that people need to explain it to you - you're an intelligent person, can you not work it out?