Level Up is both really different and “fully compatible”. I really suspect anything WotC does will be less of a departure, but way more people will freak out about it. Narcissism of minor differences will run rampant on the internet, most people will acquire the new books at a pace matching their curiosity, eagerness for new exploits, love of picture books, and FoMO. Objectively none of the changes will actually matter, some will be convenient, some providing clarity, some satisfying common decency. The sun will revolve around the earth again and some people who have repeatedly asserted they are done with DND will say so again.
Aside from that pointless post, and new monster art, I hope and think the biggest and most interesting and most useful changes will be in the DMG. So much improvement and change and value and clarification could be added there while being fully compatible, entirely new optional rules (aren’t all rules optional outside AL?) can be done while being fully compatible…people will freak out and it will be fun to watch.
Aside from that pointless post, and new monster art, I hope and think the biggest and most interesting and most useful changes will be in the DMG. So much improvement and change and value and clarification could be added there while being fully compatible, entirely new optional rules (aren’t all rules optional outside AL?) can be done while being fully compatible…people will freak out and it will be fun to watch.