D&D (2024) Removing Concentration

[Ralif Redhammer]

There's a reason why (at least in 2014) WOTC gives the advice, "you can change almost everything, but we don't recommend messing with Concentration". I absolutely wouldn't play a martial in this campaign.

Yeah, it's one of those things that is a fairly core component of balance at this point. It would not take much for martials to get completely outclassed in such a game.

I havent checked. Did any of the 2024 spells add or subtract the Concentration component?

I know Spiritual Weapon is now Concentration. I would assume that there were other tweaks as well.

 

[Nightfly]

This is a fun question, and I'm not trying to rain on the parade. But the actual right answer is "do not remove concentration". Anyone familiar with 3e (among others) could vouch for that.

Sorry, now back to your regularly scheduled broken combos.

 

[Mistwell]

If your DM removed concentration, but was very rigid and on top of spell durations, what spells would you abuse? What combos would you be concerned about?

I'd be concerned about any DM doing that in the first place because it would be a sure sign they don't have enough experience with the game and are not understanding the severe ramifications of such a rules change.

The entire basis of spellcasters is predicated on certain assumptions about concentration. It assumes spellcasters use only one concentration spell, and then non-concentration spells being used while the concentration spell is up. It assumes spellcasters won't risk melee range, because they risk losing concentration if it. It assumes spellcasters take feats and pay attention to Constitution to try and keep their concentration up if hit. It assumes concentration spells will be exceptionally more powerful relative to non-concentration spells because of these elements.

Ignoring these assumptions is one of the very few changes a DM can make to the game which actually breaks it. There is no complete list of "What awful thing could happen if I change this" because almost any combination will be awful. Spellcasters will absolutely dominate your game.

 

[Kurotowa]

The entire basis of spellcasters is predicated on certain assumptions about concentration. It assumes spellcasters use only one concentration spell, and then non-concentration spells being used while the concentration spell is up. It assumes spellcasters won't risk melee range, because they risk losing concentration if it. It assumes spellcasters take feats and pay attention to Constitution to try and keep their concentration up if hit. It assumes concentration spells will be exceptionally more powerful relative to non-concentration spells because of these elements.

That's an excellent point. Usually when this comes up, people focus on the overpowered spell combos it opens up. Very rarely do they talk about how playing around Concentration, both avoiding damage and investing in ways to make the save more reliably, is an important part of the caster gameplay.

I'll have to remember that for the (inevitable) next time it gets asked.

 

[Corinnguard]

Probably Pass Without Trace. I am currently playing a Bugbear Ranger, a friendly ambush predator.

 

[JasonZZ]

If your DM removed concentration, but was very rigid and on top of spell durations, what spells would you abuse? What combos would you be concerned about?

Just about every spell that had a concentration duration, with the possible exception of Witch Bolt.

 

[Xeviat]

I havent checked. Did any of the 2024 spells add or subtract the Concentration component?

Off the top of my head, Divine Favor lost concentration.

 

[Corinnguard]

I havent checked. Did any of the 2024 spells add or subtract the Concentration component?

Hail of Thorns lost its' concentration component.

 

[mellored]

I havent checked. Did any of the 2024 spells add or subtract the Concentration component?

The majority of the Smite spells also lost it.

 

[ECMO3]

Suggestion lasts longer and is only a level 2 slot.

Without concentration, Banishment is permanent.

"Run as far away as you can", for 8 hours, will mostly do the same thing. Plus all the other effects.

Until they run back.