OSR New edition of OSE in 2026

[Evaniel]

I'd like to see the Barbarian slightly upgraded. The prohibition against magic items isn't even close to being balanced out by the advantages compared to the fighter. We just started an OSE campaign with a barbarian in the group, and I don't want him to experience buyer's remorse.

 

[schneeland]

Don't we already have this if you own the Advanced edition of the Player's and Referee's tomes?

I think it's fair to say that the new books will basically be slightly revised, "OGL-free" versions of the Advanced Player's and Referee's Tome. Which are probably the most popular product right now, so economically it makes sense. I find it slightly sad, though, because having a cleaned-up version of B/X was a bit of an USP of OSE, and while I don't have too much nostalgic attachment to B/X, I like this because of the simplicity.
Not sure if I will really buy the new books, given that I have both old classic fantasy rules tome as well as the Dolmenwood books (and PDFs of all other products). But I'm also curious what introductory material and class tweaks will be introduced, and who will do the new illustrations.

 

[overgeeked]

Following a common trend for many clone games, this new edition will no longer use the OGL.

This will be the interesting bit. If that’s the case they will need to come up with a new license or anyone publishing for their “new” game will be taking a risk.

 

[overgeeked]

I find it slightly sad, though, because having a cleaned-up version of B/X was a bit of an USP of OSE, and while I don't have too much nostalgic attachment to B/X, I like this because of the simplicity.

Same. That it was a pure B/X clone was the draw. I like the optional AD&D stuff that’s ported in with Advanced, but making that core and discontinuing the pure B/X clone removes the reason OSE even exists.

 

[darjr]

From the Discord.

@everyone Gavin Norman, the author of OSE and Dolmenwood, and the reason this server exists, will be joining us this Thursday, October 30th, from 7-9 pm Eastern Standard Time, for an Ask Me Anything. We'll be setting up a channel closer to the time, with guidelines for asking questions.

 

[Alby87]

Those book will be published, in days, in their Italian version by Need Games, in the upcoming Lucca Comics and Games convention. You will be able to know some more info if someone who will get the book will care to share