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.

 

[Dire Bare]

What's interesting is that I settled on 5.5E: RPG Evolution: Change is Coming

And started branding all my products such. Near as I could tell? That was the wrong call. Everyone seems to be calling the edition 2024.

• "DnD 2024" (score of 78): Explore - Google Trends
• "DnD 5.5" (score of 45): Explore - Google Trends

This matters a LOT for publishers trying to show compatibility with the latest edition. The confusion was really damaging to that effort, so we ended up just having to say both.

Huh, I got the impression that 5.5e was more common among D&D 2024 . . . at least, among fans, rather than publishers. But that's just my anecdotal observations.

I certainly did notice a LOT of confusion amongst publishers on how to refer to the revised rules. I've seen a lot of confusing, tortured language trying to say, "Our new book is compatible with the original 2014 rules and the revised 2024 rules."

Not everybody is going to like the choice of 5.5e . . . but I'm happy WotC is finally adopting an official label. Hopefully it will reduce confusion for both fans and publishers.

 

[aco175]

I mean, actually making a 6E would have been ballsier.

Likely that announcement is coming later this year. Then the 5.5e thing is moo.

 

[Dire Bare]

They should have just bit the bullet and given it a definitive title from the beginning, but that ship has sailed, and calling it 5.5e now is probably the least worst option.

This. I was kinda blown away the D&D team didn't anticipate the problem created by refusing to give a clear label to the revised rules. It felt out of touch with the community. This new change feels like moving in the right direction, being at least a little more in tune with the community.

 

[Distracted DM]

I'm just happy that they finally gave it a name. What amounted to "the next evolution in the DnD ruleset" was really not cutting it for me. 5e24, 5.5e, 5eR(evised), whatever. It was silly that the community had to argue about names for it because we needed some reference for the 5e14 vs 5e24 rulesets, and the argument was there because WotC refused to give it one.

So, finally, huzzah.

 

[GarrettKP]

Likely that announcement is coming later this year. Then the 5.5e thing is moo.

There is a 0.01% chance they announce a 6e this year.

 

[Dire Bare]

Likely that announcement is coming later this year. Then the 5.5e thing is moo.

 

[Maxperson]

Sigh.

Sorry. We've just had that discussion too many times to let this go by without a friendly jab.

 

[payn]

The books won’t notate this so we still get that fun trivia question to look forward to.

 

[John Lloyd1]

Not everybody is going to like the choice of 5.5e . . . but I'm happy WotC is finally adopting an official label. Hopefully it will reduce confusion for both fans and publishers.

They had an official label. It was 2024.

Now they have all these books in print that refer to 2024 versions and a website referring to 5.5. I think they are making a mess.

 

[talien]

Huh, I got the impression that 5.5e was more common among D&D 2024 . . . at least, among fans, rather than publishers. But that's just my anecdotal observations.

I certainly did notice a LOT of confusion amongst publishers on how to refer to the revised rules. I've seen a lot of confusing, tortured language trying to say, "Our new book is compatible with the original 2014 rules and the revised 2024 rules."

Not everybody is going to like the choice of 5.5e . . . but I'm happy WotC is finally adopting an official label. Hopefully it will reduce confusion for both fans and publishers.

The opinion that perhaps matters the most for publishers is DriveThruRPG. If they create a new category that will be seismic, but show no signs of doing so. There's 5E-compatible or there isn't, not 5E-2014 vs. 5E-2024.