The New Rules are Coming! Character-Build Comparison for D&D 2024 Players Handbook

The updated version of the Dungeons and Dragons Players Handbook is just around the corner - and reactions have been mixed, from excitement to questioning if this change is really necessary. An update to rules can help balance classes and respond to player feedback, streamline hurdles for new and returning players, while adding interesting lore and flavour. But here at Vault, we thought we’d pose the question that is the most relevant for every player; just how difficult is it to port a beloved 5th edition character to the 2024 edition? Can it be done? And how good will that character compare to their early edition counterpart? I’m volunteering my Firbolg Warlock, Fearne, to be put to the test. Will he make it through unscathed? Let's take a look!

Races = Species

Races are species now! And unfortunately, Firbolg hasn’t made the cut as a core species in the 2024 Players Handbook. This isn’t surprising, as they were only added as an additional species in Mordenkainan Presents; Monsters of the Multiverse, and further in Volo’s Guide to Monsters.

That's the least surprising change though - half orc and half elf also haven't made the cut. But before the half elves and orcs in the audience start bringing out the pitchforks and torches, worry not - in a recent interview online, Jeremy Crawford stated; “The good news for fans of those options, the way we’ve structured the 2024 handbook, is that if that something appears in the 2024 handbook, it replaces the older version. If something does NOT appear in the handbook, you can keep using the version that already exists.“ Half elves, half orcs and Firbolgs are all fully compatible with the new addition, so no changes here! Easy as. (As a note, Goliath’s HAVE been added as a core species and I did consider changing Fearne to a Goliath if the species Firbolg hadn’t been compatible with the new addition. The Goliath have 6 giant ancestry options which is pretty exciting!)

Classes

The warlock class has always been extremely reliant on Eldritch Blast, with pretty limited spell slots (just 2 till level 11!). Thankfully, the 2024 Players Handbook has made some changes - giving Warlocks access to Eldritch Invocations from level one, and by level 5 giving Warlocks 5 of them. By having limited spell slots and focussing on Eldritch Blast, many Warlocks chose any Eldritch Invocation or Pact Boon which made Eldritch Blast stronger, limiting players options in creating a unique warlock. Thankfully now any Eldritch Invocation which powers up Eldritch Blast can also be used on any cantrip as well - meaning every turn at the table, you might hear something other than ‘and I cast Eldritch Blast!’ for the third turn in a row. With the 2024 Players Hand Book focussing on customisation and making each class and species feel unique, this is certainly a step in the right direction.

Overall Comparison

Overall, the 2024 Players Handbook is an interesting update focussing on customisation, and some tweaks in response to balancing complaints around both species and classes. There are definitely some highlights, like the fact that small species (like halflings, gnomes and dwarves) have been given 30ft of movement speed like everyone else, no longer punishing them for simply choosing a species they liked! Anything that people loved from the 2014 Players Handbook that hasn’t been rewritten can be used wholesale with the new edition. The focus is on customisation, and what that means for your character, and the story you want to make. If you’re ready to dive into the new Players Hand Book, check out our pre-order now!