D&D 5E (2024) 50th Anniversary: 6E in 2024?

[TarionzCousin]

I expect 6e to be backwards compatible. That would make me buy it.

So... 99% 5E but "modular"?

 

[Levistus's_Leviathan]

I expect 6e to be backwards compatible. That would make me buy it.

So... 99% 5E but "modular"?

Mike Mearls did say 6e should be backwards compatible.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

So... 99% 5E but "modular"?

I think 5e is modular enough for my tastes. It is just that you get a standard version and can deviate by DMG optional rules and leaving out optional rules from the PHB.
Once I started using optional rules I liked (and modified to my tastes), those which I don't forget I am using all the time, 5e became really really fun for me.

Yes, I wish that short and long rests for example would have several options spelled out in the PHB, because for many people the PHB is the most common rules source and everything else is too often ignored. Also it could be more prominent that backgrounds are just examples of the (non optional but core) background rule.

So in 6e bringing some important options more into the foreground would help the game a lot.
What I also expect is a consolidation of the PHB. Maybe linking to alternate rules in the DMG. I know that for the first run cross references between books are difficult, but for my vision of 6e it should be easily possible. Especially with digital versions.
I would also expect a reorganisation of class and subclass. A bit more standard progression. I think 5e fell victim to the dogma, that it may not resemble 4e too much. I guess in 6e you can bring back things from 4e that were actually good (and were replaced in 5e by similar but sometimes inferior rules).

 

[teitan]

Honestly I see it as more of a chance for WOTC to re-release the special editions like they did to fill the gaps between 4e and 5e. Probably new printings of the OD&D rules at minimum with an attempt to restore at least the Cthulhu and Melnibone materials as well as a retrospective book covering the history of the game as a game as opposed to the way that D&D has redefined fantasy art. I am sure we will see yet another reprinting of 3.5. I am sticking by my artistic refresh, maybe even integrating the best art from all editions into the revised 5e core books. Then a new Greyhawk book, if they haven't released it yet of course. I really, really think we are going to get a new Greyhawk in the next 2 years.

 

[Horwath]

Also if we do not see any publishing Schedule with rule supplements for 2023, it will be a sign that 5.5 or 6th Ed is coming out.

 

[Shiroiken]

A few years back, I could have believed in a 6E for 2024, but not anymore. 5E is going way too strong for them to consider a 6E at this point, and to put out a 6E at this exact time, they'd have to start working on it pretty much now. I expect two things, one likely, one less so.

A revised PHB, but not a 5.5E. Like in 2E AD&D, a minor revision that is fully compatible with the earlier printings. Largely it will be a cleaned up version of the existing rules from the RAI sage advice answers. It will include some things from later books deemed worthy of inclusion into the PHB. Any revisions would be to improve existing things that are sub-par, not to nerf things as was largely done with 3.5E. New design and art, of course, for those interested in such things. While the most interesting item, I suspect this isn't exceptionally likely.

A History of D&D, giving an overall view of the game from conception in the early 70s to today's 5E. Comparisons between the various edition, a discussion of the campaign settings, notable content providers (especially a memorandum of those who have passed), and other similar type things. Photos of behind the scenes at WotC, TSR, and possibly even the original days with Gygax and Arnson (if the estates are willing to allow them). This is by far the most likely product, even if not quite as I've described.

 

[ph0rk]

Whenever people talk about 6e, I have to ask what would it take for you to spend hundreds of dollars to buy all new materials for a "same" game?

I usually use the SRD materials first and only buy official books later if there's something I want.

Once, long ago, reading through the old blue line art AD&D PHB cover to cover was something I enjoyed, but not now any more.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

I usually use the SRD materials first and only buy official books later if there's something I want.

Once, long ago, reading through the old blue line art AD&D PHB cover to cover was something I enjoyed, but not now any more.

I used to read AD&D books for pleasure. It seemed I always stumbled on some new gem...especially in the DMG.

The books now are more organized and better play manuals but they are lacking the mystery of the old dusty tomes for me...

 

[ph0rk]

I used to read AD&D books for pleasure. It seemed I always stumbled on some new gem...especially in the DMG.

The books now are more organized and better play manuals but they are lacking the mystery of the old dusty tomes for me...

I can remember how irked I was when the new red and black books came out and all my memorized page numbers were off.

 

[Nefermandias]

I don't see a 6e in 2024, but could see a reworked PHB that adds the most popular player options from Xanthar's and Tasha's (and perhaps other sources) into a single sourcebook as an entry point for new players, letting them get the best of 10 years of improvements without cleaning the slate and forcing existing players to invest in a whole new set of books. Could possibly see them refreshing the DMG as well, but think it would be more likely to see an Advanced DMG instead.

And then the Grognard's Guide to Greyhawk setting guide, with a set of optional rules for playing old school

Waiting excitedly for GGtG to be released.