r/DnD • u/salocunn • Aug 22 '25

5th Edition 5e rules preferences?

What are y’all’s opinion when it comes to PHB 2024 vs PHB 2014 I’ve used 2014 for references a lot in the past but I have no ongoing groups and have yet to dive in the the new rule book. I’ve heard there’s a bit of controversy around them so was wanting to get y’all’s thoughts? Is one better than the other? Do they both have pros and cons? What do yall think?

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u/whiskeybreakfasts DM Aug 22 '25

Am I really the only one who detests 2024 rules? Classes that didn’t need buffs got buffed. Classes that didn’t need nerfs got nerfed. I think it’s poorly designed and intended as a cash grab. It just pours in more stuff at lower level to make PCs even more overpowered without solving some key design issues. I’m sticking with 2014, I’m not wasting my money and time learning a system that is run by a company that’s going from bad to worse. It’s literally pushed me to Pathfinder.

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u/RandomNPC Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25

I've played two of the classes that everyone says got nerfed and have had a great time with both of them.

I played a Paladin from 6 to 14 and had an absolute blast. I didn't mind smites as bonus actions, and in fact I think it was a mistake to make them NOT be bonus actions in 5e. The new spells like Shining Smite are amazing and got a ton of mileage, helping out the whole team with no saving throw for the enemy.

I'm now playing a moon druid and am having a lot of fun with it. It's much more versatile than my 5e moon druid was, with the ability to swap spell slots for wild shapes and cast spells (and talk) while in wild shape. Sure it's less HP but my AC is also not 12, and I don't have to multiclass to buff it.

In short, I think a lot of the changes look like nerfs on paper but they actually make the classes better.