Dungeons & Dragons Releases Updated Free Rules Based on 2024 ruleset

The new Free Rules for Dungeons & Dragons are now available to read on D&D Beyond. As part of today's early access launch for the new 2024 Player's Handbook, Wizards of the Coast also released the new set of Free Rules for D&D on D&D Beyond, which are intended as a compliment to the 2014 Basic Rules release. The Free Rules currently contains class rules for four classes (Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Wizard), each with one subclass, along with a handful of species (Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, and Human), and four backgrounds (Acolyte, Criminal, Sage, and Soldier). Also included are 12 feats, 48 creature statblocks (mostly related to wild shape or familiar forms), and 320 spells.

Wizards of the Coast noted that these new Basic Rules are not the new SRD 5.2 and they will be updated with additional rules material (such as the remaining classes) once the full 2024 Player's Handbook is released later this month. The SRD 5.2 will be released once all three core rulebooks are released in 2025.

On September 17th, the Free Rules for Dungeons & Dragons will also be released on other partner VTTs in addition to D&D Beyond.

 

[TravDoc42]

This line from the new Legend Lore is amazing

 

[Demetrios1453]

I notice right away, people have been claiming shields are now equipped with a free object interaction or drawn as part of an attack like a weapon, but… It says right there in the armor table that a shield takes a Utilize action to don or doff.

Well, that's just invalidated hundreds of posts arguing about it.

 

[Lidgar]

This line from the new Legend Lore is amazing
View attachment 378769

Wop, wop, waaahhhh….like it.

 

[dave2008]

D&D Beyond has free 2024 rules: Start Playing Today with the 2024 D&D Free Rules

From D&D Beyond:

Available today on D&D Beyond, the 2024 D&D Free Rules provide a foundational introduction to the new 2024 core ruleset. This resource serves as a free experience for those looking to explore what the new 2024 Player's Handbook has to offer. It currently contains four classes, each with one subclass, as well as the updated rules for play found in the 2024 Player's Handbook.

Read below for more information on how this resource will be expanded, how it will coexist with the 2014 Basic Rules, and information regarding SRD 5.2.

• How the 2024 D&D Free Rules and 2014 Basic Rules Differ
• Get a Sneak Peek at the 2024 D&D Free Rules
• Where to Find the 2024 D&D Free Rules
• A Note on the Systems Reference Document (SRD 5.2)

How the 2024 D&D Free Rules and 2014 Basic Rules Differ​

For years, the 2014 Basic Rules have served as an accessible entry point for players new to fifth edition D&D. We want the 2024 core ruleset to be just as accessible, but we also don’t want to take away the 2014 Basic Rules from anyone who wishes to continue enjoying the 2014 ruleset.

To that end, we’re introducing the 2024 D&D Free Rules. The 2024 D&D Free Rules will coexist with the 2014 Basic Rules in the D&D Beyond compendium and will serve as a free entry point to the revised and expanded ruleset.

The 2024 D&D Free Rules will see their full release alongside the 2024 Player’s Handbook in September. When the 2024Dungeon Master’s Guide and 2024 Monster Manual later release, we will expand the 2024 D&D Free Rules with content from those books.

Like the 2014 Basic Rules, the 2024 D&D Free Rules will be accessible on D&D Beyond but be more extensive.

 

[I'm A Banana]

This is Good.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Does it have Witchbolt?

 

[Retreater]

Oh dear Lord. Weapon mastery makes the game so much worse.
You hit a monster with a weapon with sap, and it's got disadvantage on its next attack?
Monsters will never hit again.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

Oh dear Lord. Weapon mastery makes the game so much worse.
You hit a monster with a weapon with sap, and it's got disadvantage on its next attack?
Monsters will never hit again.

What are you talking about. That's just one attack, many monsters get multiple.

 

[Retreater]

What are you talking about. That's just one attack, many monsters get multiple.

The party also gets multiple attacks.
And another mastery is worse. Free trip. Everyone in the party gets attacks with advantage. Attacks of opportunity when the creature stands. Gets knocked down again. Rinse, repeat.
At the very least weapon mastery should require a resource like an action point or something.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

The party also gets multiple attacks.
And another mastery is worse. Free trip. Everyone in the party gets attacks with advantage. Attacks of opportunity when the creature stands. Gets knocked down again. Rinse, repeat.
At the very least weapon mastery should require a resource like an action point or something.

So what, it still only applies to one attack.

Getting advantage on attacks is also not a very big deal, it's helpful but nothing game breaking like you are suggesting.