OSR New edition of OSE in 2026 (updated with some links)

[Nikosandros]

How good are the new introductory materials? OSE is a fantastic retroclone... and not so good new players' book.

There are several short examples and they help make the rules clearer. Also, the organization is much improved, with initial overviews of the main rules elements and several indices. All that said, this is not meant as an introductory product. Necrotic Gnome is working on a starter set which should fulfill that role:

OSR Thread 'OSE Starter Set: Dungeons of the Undermoon'

Aug 25, 2025

Necrotic Gnome has been mentioning Dungeons of the Undermoon for a while, but I paid attention to it only with the latest development update email.

It is a boxed set with three books: players, referees (with a base town) and adventure + bestiary. It covers levels 1 - 3 (I wonder if they'll later release an Expert Set... )

The books are in layout and the set is supposed to come out next year. I'm mostly interested in the town and adventure, but I'm curious about how they'll present the rules for beginners.

• Nikosandros
• Replies: 8
• Forum: D&D Older Editions, OSR, & D&D Variants

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[SpellObjectEnthusiast]

I did not attend Lucca Comics & Games, but last week Need Games put the new edition out for general sale and I bought my copy, which arrived today (with included PDFs).

As mentioned previously, this is more of a revision than a new edition and the FAQs on Necrotic Gnome website are quite exhaustive, but if someone should have further questions, I'll be happy to answer them, as time allows.

Oh nice I hadn't seen the FAQ. This is super helpful

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

How good are the new introductory materials? OSE is a fantastic retroclone... and not so good new players' book.

They have an OSR A-Team working on their introductory boxed set. It stands every chance of being excellent.

 

[Alby87]

Didn't noticed the FAQ. I didn't like the text in OSE where they tell you "you don't know how to play? Go search in internet someone who explains you then go back for the real rules". This hurts expecially when you think the game is based on was the quintessential (alongside Mentzer one) of the "teaching starter set" that really explained you how to play no strings/no internet attached. Just a plain old book.

 

[Nikosandros]

I've updated the OP with a few links which were spread in the thread.

 

[Nikosandros]

Didn't noticed the FAQ. I didn't like the text in OSE where they tell you "you don't know how to play? Go search in internet someone who explains you then go back for the real rules". This hurts expecially when you think the game is based on was the quintessential (alongside Mentzer one) of the "teaching starter set" that really explained you how to play no strings/no internet attached. Just a plain old book.

I agree. Originally the project was simply a B/X clone for previous players (or those who would be introduced to the game by veterans), but now the situation has changed and a good starter set is... essential.

 

[sevenbastard]

Is there a rough timeline of when Dungeon of the Undermoon come out? I know it says 2026, but I did the math and 2026 has 365 days.

 

[Weiley31]

In any case, this seems like a good decision. I wonder if optional stuff like the necromancer will be folded in.

Necromancer is still coming separately.

I've played a Ranger twice and didn't really find them lacking. I'm wondering if the minor tweaks might just be better

In the FAQ about the new updated version, they list a number of the changes for the 2026 edition. The Ranger will be getting the Giant Slayer feature. (+2 damage against Large Monsters ala the OG DND Ranger).

 

[Weiley31]

These are the changes they plan on doing/adding/tweaking for the 2026 update:

OSE 2026 Update FAQ

Following the announcement of the 2026 Update to Old-School Essentials, we've compiled a collection of frequently asked questions and answers drawn from discussions in the online community, especially the Necrotic Gnome Fan Discord Server. What is the OSE 2026 Update? The OSE 2026 Update...

necroticgnome.com

 

[SpellObjectEnthusiast]

I'm glad I was right that the Knight update involved removing the Suicide Geas