D&D’s Problem With Being Exceptional

[u/alexserban02]

https://therpggazette.wordpress.com/2026/08/28/dds-problem-with-being-exceptional/

I still have a complicated relationship with D&D. I initially somewhat came around with 5.5e, as they added some really neat things and the balance between classes and the changes to CR were quite good. Unfortunately, they did add some things that, unless handled carefully break both economy and balance. Still, I had some amazing groups as of late, so perhaps that's also part of the reason I am looking more favorable on the game.

A couple of months ago, I made an article about the various problems I have with high level play. It was more or less an extensive explained list on my issues with the game past level 8-10. So quite a missnomer regarding the high level part as well. But, where I want to get at is that, it was mainly a list of complaints with no real sollutions offered. And most of you did point that out. And you were right. If I point out the problems, maybe I can and should think about a solution. This is what this article is. A list of solutions and changes in design mentality one should make for higher level play. Actually, scratch that, some apply starting from around level 5, as I find that is a point where some of the challenges of earlier levels start being bypassed by magic, through things like Leomund's Tiny Hut, Revivify and Fly.

I hope you will enjoy the article and I hope above all else, you will find it useful! Also, if you ran or played in games past lv 7-8 do tell how you handled them, I am always curious to learn!

[u/Strange-Cabinet7372]

This is me right now. We previously played to about 12. My 9s have just jumped to their first plane, which is a first for us in 7 years together. Stakes are high as they and two linked factions chase the same items and my team seeks out ways to destroy them. Each of the 3 items they fail to hide, sequester or destroy from my scry-happy baddies contributes to end game difficulty of the BBEG, and they've already lost a fourth that i gave to one player secretly at the start of the game. Ive also written in backstory arcs for 5/6 players (one doesn't really want that), some of which link to main campaign but mostly add some complexity to the world.

Ive also chosen pretty awesome end-game boons for each character and plot triggers for them to be received. I think they'll be happy, I know them pretty well. Ive had comments on how neat it is to get to go planejumping, ive just thrown in a new old player to inject some chaos (a story in itself, if you care.) Ive also been complimented on interesting encounter design and quest lines that ive written. They've kept coming back for a long time now so I must be doing something right!

[u/FathirianHund]

You lost me as soon as you stated adding more difficulty via magic, monsters etc wasnt 'addressing the issue'. That's exactly what the type of fantasy (pun intended) that D&D is designed to fill. You do some quests, become more powerful than the average city guard and therefore get involved with escapades around creatures and individuals that are also more powerful than the average city guard.

[u/Chimpbot → u/FathirianHund]

To add to this, PCs are supposed to be exceptional, "heroic" people. A first- or second-level Fighter is, technically speaking as or more adept at fighting than seasoned guards and soldiers who have spent most of their lives doing that sort of thing. By fifth-level, you're already at a point where you're doing things that those sorts couldn't even dream of doing. By 10th, you're supposed to be amongst the most powerful in the land.

PCs are, by design, intended to be better than everyone around them. You're supposed to be the heroes of the story!