D&D 5E There Will Be No More Hydro74 Alternate D&D Covers

For the past 10 years, there have been alternative covers for the Dungeons & Dragons hardcovers available at local game stores. These covers were usually designed by artist Joshua M. Smith, aka Hydro74.

Hydro74 has confirmed that Vecna: Eve of Ruin was their final alternate cover for D&D.

Just got my copy of Vecna, Eve of Ruin from D&D in. The Gold & Silver really are fantastic. Sadly [Wizards of the Coast] said this was my last book since they are changing direction, which is disappointing but freelance life! Was a fun ride!

Photo by Hydro74
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Here's a look at just some of Hydo74's alternate covers over the years.

 

[Queer Venger]

Volo's Guide to Monsters with Hydro75's alt cover is one of my most treasured TTRPG books.

Love his art, but 10 years is a good run and there are many other artists who deserve a shot.

This is also my favorite Hydro cover, and Tyranny of Dragons (obviously)

 

[MonsterEnvy]

I'm not one of those guys, but I still hate "cutesy" in my D&D, and am starting to really dislike "cozy" as well.

That’s been there since the start though?

 

[MonsterEnvy]

People demanded a pillory for the introduction of a new edition. Yet, here we are.

There is also the fact they have repeatedly stated they are not doing that.

 

[Scribe]

I wouldn't be surprised if the alternate covers carry on the storybook vibe of the 2024 core book alternate covers, which will no doubt enrage all the dudes with profile pics sitting in their pick-up trucks and wearing Oakleys who angrily post on all of WotC's FB ads. (Good news, my dudes: Kickstarter is full of edgelord 5E sourcebooks and campaigns. You will be fine.)

I someone completely against the twee, witchlight, tashas, whatever you want to call it vibe, I must protest.

I liked the new editions alternative covers, because they have a distinct style at least.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I someone completely against the twee, witchlight, tashas, whatever you want to call it vibe, I must protest.

WotC published Witchlight, but they also published Eye Eve of Vecna. I think they will continue to mix up the tone.

I liked the new editions alternative covers, because they have a distinct style at least.

The fact that all three have such a similar vibe is what makes me think it's possible that this is the new alternate cover style.

 

[Reynard]

That’s been there since the start though?

Where?

 

[MonsterEnvy]

Where?

Many examples but here is one from page 11 of the AD&D phb

 

[Reynard]

Many examples but here is one from page 11 of the AD&D phb

View attachment 370836

I think maybe we are using different definitions of cutesy and cozy.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

I think maybe we are using different definitions of cutesy and cozy.

This one is not cozy, but I think it is cutesy.

 

[Reynard]

This one is not cozy, but I think it is cutesy.

No, it's a cartoon. I'm ambivalent about them removing jokes and cartoons from the core books, but cutesy art direction turns me off. I do not want cute goblins or funny mimics or silly looking dragons.