D&D General It's 2034, and the new PHB is in your hands.

[AK_Ambrian]

By 2034, I imagine most players will log on to D&D Beyond and then a WOTC 'official' AI dungeon master will run them through the adventure. Maybe fellow party members will also be AI? Maybe the PHB will have a QR code inside the front cover that you need to scan to authenticate yourself to get full access to the site. The AI dungeon master will have a whole bunch of preferences that you can configure (how difficult the battles are, the ratio of combat/exploration/socializing, which setting you want to adventure in etc). It will all use voice recognition software, you won't need to type anything. After you finish playing, the AI will upload all the data harvested from the player(s) to the WOTC servers and this data will then be used to 'tweak' future adventure/campaign settings to 'ensure the most enjoyment' for the widest range of players.

 

[beta-ray]

Pictures and words

 

[Maenalis]

Because it's too soon for arguing about the 2044 books.

In any case, I'm excited to see that goblins made the PHB as a playable race.

Pathfinder 2e?

 

[Minigiant]

A listed skill check for each skill.

 

[Stuart Kerrigan]

The 2034 D&D Player's Handbook (PHB) marks a return to form for the franchise. Various nods to pre-2014 lore show that the Design Team respects the classic works and acknowledges that treating pre-2014 content with disdain disrespects the giants on whose shoulders they stand.

The book itself is more tightly focused, aiming for a classic D&D feel through its art and prose. All the iconic 1e/2e/3e races are represented—humans, half-elves, dwarves, elves, halflings, gnomes, and more. It openly embraces a slightly more classic Tolkienesque/Gygaxian vibe but incorporates modern mechanics.

A second book will feature additional races like Goliaths, Tieflings, Tabaxi, Dragonborn, and Orcs, arriving in the forthcoming PHB II supplement. This book will also provide more context on integrating these races into campaigns or conducting "Reverse Dungeons." It will be the first of many such supplements. Additionally, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) notes in the PHB's appendix that each year they plan to release a hardback supplement for each of their storied campaign worlds while licensing additional world development to third parties. For example, Forgotten Realms will be published by Mystra Press, WotC's new prestige imprint, Ravenloft is headed to White Wolf, and Dragonlance will be developed by Margaret Weis's new company. The appendix of the PHB includes a range of notes related to the expanded D&D multiverse.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the DMG, which includes a 32-page write-up of Greyhawk. Previews suggest it will exhibit strong fidelity to the original setting.

 

[Milieu]

In 2034, Wizards of the Coast releases 5e 3rd edition.

The biggest new feature is that in addition to feats, characters now get a head, soldiers, needs, and tows, needs and tows.

For classes, there is a yet another new arcane spell caster class alongside the Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard. There's also a new version of the Ranger that everyone hates more than the previous one. Barbarians, Monks, and Rogues are now half-casters, too, leaving only the Fighter without. Sneak attack is now a series of spells, not unlike the Paladin's smite spells.

Also, they promise they fixed the math for real this time.

 

[Krachek]

Major update, Hunter’s mark don’t require concentration!

 

[Oofta]

My personal assistant robot gently places the new PHB in my hands, barely disguising it's disgust at my reverence for meatspace. I remind myself to get the "pleasant expressions" update, automatically adding it to my reminder app with a thought.

I know it's totally unnecessary to get a physical book but promise to actually look through it this time. I close my eyes and link back into Sigil Space, the only thing that really matters. For a brief moment I remember warnings, something about Sigil, microtransactions and the evils of AI but a tiny tingle of electricity from the implants the servant implanted soon make me forget.

It's okay. I have just enough money to buy that sweet, sweet, Helm of Awesomeness. I think I only have a little bit of money left in the bank but it doesn't matter. The Helm will be mine.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

In ten years, a lot can change. The big question for me will be whether they streamline the mechanics or add complexity? The 2024 iteration seems to have done a bit of both.

In any case, I'm excited to see that goblins made the PHB as a playable race.

Right?! I get that there's a certain balance in having Aasimar alongside Tieflings, but in my experience Goblins are more popular.

 

[Remathilis]

What's it in the book? What are we calling it?

Rules. And Art.

We call it Dungeons & Dragons.