10 Things I would Like to See from One D&D
2024 will mark the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons. As one way of celebrating, Wizards of the Coast is tweaking many of the rules of the game and putting out an updated set of Core Rulebooks. They have repeatedly declared that this is not a new addition of the game, and it will be compatible with all previously released D&D 5th edition material. Although WOTC is referring to this update as One D&D, some within the community have begun referring to it has D&D5.5.
WOTC is releasing material in phases and is offering playtesting to the community at large. They are looking for lots of input as the release date gets closer.
Some of these ideas have already been seen or hinted at. Others are still just my wild opinions. As someone who has enjoyed D&D for 40 of those 50 years, I wish the franchise nothing but continued success.
1. The ability to play without needing a device
It is very important that use of your tablet, computer, etc. can enhance your game experience at the table. I only hope that these tools remain enhancements and not necessary game components.
2. Firearms
Yes, firearms already exist in D&D 5e but they are extremely limited to only certain classes and character builds. While I think they should remain very expensive and rare and with a continual need to find or craft components; they should also be more available to the various characters.
3. Have a way to play the game solo built into the Core Rulebooks
4. Make slings better.
There have been various attempts in both published and home brew materials to accomplish this. Let's take another whirl at it.
5. Basic One D&D
Similar to days of old when we had both D&D and AD&D as parallel game systems. A version of this idea appears in the various 5e Starter Sets with the pared down rulebooks they include. This could be expanded upon.
6. More Grouping of Game Roles, Spells, and Focus
One of the few things I miss from D&D 4e was the way characters could be easily explained by grouping them into roles, powers, etc. Things like an Arcane Striker, or a Martial Controller. This both helped players better visualize their character's role in the party as well help others understand at a very basic level what your character does
We have already seen a little of this in the released play test materials. Let's hope the trend continues.
7. Racial Feats or Skills
While race and how it has been treated over the decades in D&D has been somewhat controversial, I've enjoyed playing characters where I've really leaned into being the most dwarvenly Dwarf or draconic Dragonborn that I could be. I would like there to be some ways for this to continue for those that like to highlight or exploit that aspect of their character.
8. Prestige Classes
At level 11, give players the option to continue in whichever class/subclass they've chosen for their character or choose a new class related to how their character has progressed to that point. This could bring new life into the game and encourage players to play through to the higher tiers of the game.
9. Character Level Titles
This idea harkens back to the earliest days of D&D. Each level of each class had a title attached to it. You didn't just have a 5th level Rogue. Your character was a Cutpurse.
10. Lean into the Golden Anniversary
I hope to see WOTC bring out many D&D publications, accessories, etc. that heavily emphasize gold and or 50. How much would I pay for a Golden d50 die? Make one and we'll find out.
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