D&D 5E Any word on Basic Updates?

[Tormyr]

Particularly the DM rules? I know they updated a few things for the Player packet, and while it would be pretty cool to see a couple things added to this (backgrounds...) I think it stands up pretty well. But the Basic DM guide is in need of some more info. The monsters and rules to build encounters are there, but that's about it. The magic items are the same ones out of the starter set. This document dropped when the DMG was still in production so they put this warning in the document:



It is quite possible that the info in the current document is the only info we're going to get. And hey, I know they don't have to give us any more for free... BUT if their warning label is only intended to tell us they will only updated the current info within the packet, then why has nothing been done in 6 months? This leads me to think there will be more info added.

That said, why haven't we seen any updates yet, and when do you think we'll get a "final"** Basic document?

**I say this understanding that this will be a "living" document. However, the current Basic DM rules are incomplete. I'm thinking about when the Basic whole (Player/DM Rules) will be understood as complete, regardless of what 'living' rules might trickle in from time to time. Does that make sense?

Do you have the most recent version of the Basic DM rules (v0.3)? The "work in progress" text you cited is not in v0.3. There was a significant difference in v0.2 and v0.3 in terms of encounter building (the section that included the "work in progress" quote. v0.3 uses the version in the DMG.

 

[halfling rogue]

Do you have the most recent version of the Basic DM rules (v0.3)? The "work in progress" text you cited is not in v0.3. There was a significant difference in v0.2 and v0.3 in terms of encounter building (the section that included the "work in progress" quote. v0.3 uses the version in the DMG.

Yeah. Is that the latest version updated in Nov?

I do have that. I should have been more clear in my OP. The reason I brought it up was just to point out that when they initially released the DM portion of Basic, that it was still in a "work in progress" phase.

But with the newest update I do see that there is no 'work in progress' notification. Good catch. which I guess only gives me further unease.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the only thing updated is the encounter building and two new magic items, yes? While that's great, I'm more curious about the rest of the DM rules they originally planned for Basic (see my Mearls quotes on the previous page)

 

[Jester David]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the only thing updated is the encounter building and two new magic items, yes? While that's great, I'm more curious about the rest of the DM rules they originally planned for Basic (see my Mearls quotes on the previous page)

I remember Mearls saying they were still deciding what parts of the DMG to move to the Basic rules. Which translates into "still seeking managerial approval".

They described their plans for the Basic Rules in Legends & Lore as "a complete game", so that's the benchmark for how I'd judge the rules.

While the level range of monsters is lacking, you can play from levels 1-5 (if not slightly higher) with just the Basic rules. So that's good. And you can make encounters and design adventures, albeit without advice.
However, treasure is still lacking, specifically how much gold to award. And there's no rules on making/modifying monsters, traps, NPCs, and the like.

I'd say it's a pretty bare bones game, but arguably complete. I've seen less complete games...

 

[halfling rogue]

Well, whatever happens, it would be nice to at least have some confirmation one way or the other. If they believe it is 'feature complete' despite their stated goals, I hope they tell us that's the case rather than just never acknowledging it publicly.