D&D 5E What gaming aids from previous editions do you still use?

[Sacrosanct]

Someone made a comment about how they still use some 2e stuff in 5e. Which got me thinking. Which aids and supplements from previous editions do you still use in your 5e games?

I still use Core Rules 2.0 (from 2e). The map maker and even the encounter builder (hyperlinked to areas in the map) are still very valuable. I just use 5e monster stats instead. If you don't have another tabletop app you use, this is great.

I also use 2e's Creative Campaigning. Well, I've used it so much to learn from that I don't actively break it out, but rather it has a lot of valuable information that is system agnostic and is great advice.

 

[GlassJaw]

I'll go back and take a look at 3ed and 4ed mechanics when I'm designing.

I pull adventures from every edition when I'm DMing.

 

[Xeviat]

I use 4E monsters for ideas on spicing up 5E monsters.

I use a lot of the world building in the 3E DMG, Manual of the Planes, and Deities and Demigods. I use 3E's Heroes of Battle and Heroes of Horror for encounter and campaign design ideas.

I'm gearing up to use the 3E DMG for the magic item economy.

 

[SkidAce]

 

[jasper]

I gave away a lot of my gaming aids a decade or so ago. I just priced a Dragonbone (Dice wand). Ouch almost 300. And the battle mats I see today don't seem to be too hardy.

 

[Arilyn]

I mine 4e magic item books for inspiration to create new ones. I also adapt previous edition adventures.

 

[Weiley31]

I honestly look and use alot of 1st/2E and 3E for lore and stuff.

If I want Djinn, That one Secret of The Lamp supplement for Al-Qadim 2E.

If I'm running Temple of Elemental Evil, then the original 1E book with the conversion.

Planescape? 2E campaign setting.

Realms Lore/Races/classes(for reflavoring)? Step on up 3E/3.5.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

I use the Manual of the Planes whenever I can find an excuse to. As much as I love extraplanar adventures, I really need to get around to running a Planescape campaign.

Also, when running in the Forgotten Realms, Aurora's Whole Realms Catalog is great. I find the food and drink section to be particularly useful. The various Volo's Guides from that era are also quite handy for inspiration and lore.

 

[Zardnaar]

3.5 era battlemats and minis and a couple of d20 splats for worldbuilding.

 

[Tyler Do'Urden]

World Builder's Guidebook and Dungeon Builder's Guidebook - essential!

D&D Rules Cyclopedia - still my favorite domain and mass combat rules.

Michael Morris' (what ever happened to him, anyway?) 2nd edition Dusk books - he had a great events and timelines generator that is very handy

A Magical Medieval Society: Western Europe and Silk Road

All good stuff to have in your arsenal...