D&D (2024) Experienced DMs, how useful is the 2024 DMG to you?


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Experienced DMs aren't really the primary target, which is fine. I've only started to take a look at it but it has some interesting things, even if some things like bastions don't fit my current campaign direction. Most of the stuff? I've been DMing for a long time so it's just a quick reference book for magic items.

I do think there are improvements, but a lot of things like (spin the wheel to pick a random topic) some of the weapon properties applying to any weapon that makes sense are things I've already been doing.
 

Experienced DMs aren't really the primary target, which is fine. I've only started to take a look at it but it has some interesting things, even if some things like bastions don't fit my current campaign direction. Most of the stuff? I've been DMing for a long time so it's just a quick reference book for magic items.

I do think there are improvements, but a lot of things like (spin the wheel to pick a random topic) some of the weapon properties applying to any weapon that makes sense are things I've already been doing.
This. Some people will likely find this book very helpful. But they are decidedly not me.
 

Early days yet, but my first impression is that the sections on Hazards and Traps are painfully bad: They decreased damage to the point of speedbump status unless maybe used at 1st level or during combat. Some of the hazards could be overcome without effort by a decapitated goblin, which isn't great design IMO. They include a supposed "nuisance" hazard for the level 11-16 range that...permanently prevents the victim from casting spells or using many magic items if they fail a DC:20 Int save. (Unless cured by high-level healing magic within 30 days)

I'm going to have to reserve judgement on the XP budgets for encounters until I have a chance to playtest it with the hopefully updated monsters once the MM is released. Although the 2014 CR system was wildly inaccurate, I very much miss the table in the 2014 DMG that gave estimates for base monster stats per CR rating.

I lean toward liking the Bastion system, though it does contain a few very stupid design flaws (which should be easily rectified).
 
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Have you actually read the book?
I have. There are way better books for experienced DMs (IMO). ToV's Game Masters Guide is fantastic. I swear I'm not a shill for them, it's the best 5e core book I've read since A5E's stuff.

The Bastion rules did (surprisingly) inspire me because I didn't realize that I was missing that kind of turn-by-turn event procedure, and there are a few bits and pieces in there.. but otherwise the book really is aimed at new DMs.. which is fine; it's probably the least important 5.5 core book for someone who's already been running 5e for years... whereas for A5E and ToV, I'd say that their monster and GM books are more important than their player book.
 


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