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.

 

[Scribe]

Possibly! I think in those cases there may be a stronger case for debating compatibility, but I can definitely see different DMs being able to demonstrate how they made them compatible.

For me though, I'd use the example of 2014 Clerics and 2024 Clerics at the same table as an example of compatibility, they work fine together either separately or mismatched. By mismatched, I mean ike that 2014 Cleric may have a 2024 Species, a 2014 Background, cast 2024 spells, and wield 2014 weapons.

And while you see compatibility, others see clearly different text, for the same abilities or spells.

It's a wide open definition really, but if we can run a 2e, 3.5, 5, 5.5 and Shadowdark character through an AD&D adventure, it really is up to the individual what compatibility means.

 

[Corinnguard]

I don’t think you properly workshopped this…

He didn't. He rolled for Persuasion.

 

[RhaezDaevan]

I keeping hearing whispers of 5.5e not doing well financially and 6e already getting started, but haven't seen proof of either claim.

Anyone know what the source is? Completely made up, or more an exaggeration?

 

[Scribe]

Completely made up, or more an exaggeration?

Pretty sure its hopium/copium.

 

[doctorhook]

I keeping hearing whispers of 5.5e not doing well financially and 6e already getting started, but haven't seen proof of either claim.

Anyone know what the source is? Completely made up, or more an exaggeration?

The source is some influencer’s butthole, for the purpose of attracting views. I don’t even like 5.5E that much, but it’s clearly a hot commodity right now. WotC ain’t about to clutter up the product line again so soon with a 6E, they’re still milking all kinds of revenue from the current edition.

I don’t think you properly workshopped this…

He held it at the same place as the Clarence Club (not the literary club, rather the club for people named Clarence), and just got the same people to stick around for the focus group.

 

[Blue]

And this matters ... because? All the old stuff is still compatible, I don't really care what label is used.

Trivially shown to be incorrect.

 

[saviirkad]

And while you see compatibility, others see clearly different text, for the same abilities or spells.

I might be misunderstanding your meaning, because this reads like a strange sentence.

In order for compatibility to be a factor, clear differences are required.

 

[Azzy]

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.

But will that 6e be another effective iteration of 5e or will it be a whole new thing? At some point, they've got to realize that reinventing the wheel will alienate more people than just iterating.

 

[Scribe]

I might be misunderstanding your meaning, because this reads like a strange sentence.

In order for compatibility to be a factor, clear differences are required.

If a 5.0 Cleric, and a 5.5 Cleric, cast the same spell (respectively to their own edition) but the 5.5 spell is twice as effective, some would say that's not compatible.

Draw your own line in the sand, as far as I'm concerned it's a new edition.

 

[AlViking]

I keeping hearing whispers of 5.5e not doing well financially and 6e already getting started, but haven't seen proof of either claim.

Anyone know what the source is?

People have been saying D&D is dying for pretty much the entirety of it's existence. Sometimes they've been almost right but as far as the current version because so many things have changed the only one who really know is WOTC and they don't give enough details.

Completely made up, or more an exaggeration?

Yes.