D&D General Dnd and what has changed

[Shiroiken]

From a mechanical perspective, math is more simple: roll 1d20 plus modifiers vs. a Difficulty Class (or Armor Class) with higher rolls always being better. Characters all progress as the same speed (xp chart), and in theory are fairly balanced against each other (there's an ongoing martial vs. caster debate that I won't get into). There's lots of customization available, from backgrounds, subclasses, and feats, allowing two characters of the same class to feel completely different. Unfortunately ability score benefits became linear, so they're super-important (and generally bloated). Speaking of bloated, hitting is easier, but everything has way more HP, making combat less swingy (and more of a slog).

There's been a lot of changes to social conventions as well. Since I'm old, I don't want to get into that. Now you kids get off my lawn!

 

[Tonguez]

For me, 5e felt like a very comfortable return to D&D for someone who played the heck out of 1e, played a little 2e here and there, and dabbled in 3e. I basically took 4e off - it feels like the outlier, to me. For some folks in a good way, and it has a lot to recommend, but it wasn't my jam and felt unfamiliar. But 5e got me in a big way, so if you are coming back I think you'll find that the essence of the game feels familiar.

I agree, I loved the options and variety of 3.x, its the closest DnD has gotten to a 'build your own' system while still being class-based, and I liked that. I didnt like the presentation of 4e, got turned off and so didnt play it (Pathfinder and FATE were there).

However after (reluctantly) shifting to 5e I started actually reading 4e and some of its ideas like monster roles and weapon groups are good, if only they could have been presented differently. I still havent played 4, still prefer 3e/Pathfinder, but can enjoy 5e as a player.

 

[sevenbastard]

Hmmmm well you used to roll your characters, now you build your charachters.

Plus some other things, but that would be my top change in philosophy of the game.

 

[GMMichael]

For me the game feels much the same (as 3e), just a bit more streamlined and less finicky.

Yup. But OP needs to know that it's on the 6th edition now.

Meet the new (D&D). Same as the old (D&D).