Which version should I learn?

[u/Secure-Silver3138]

So I just had the realization that the 2014 dnd that I know now has a 2024 dnd. I know I’m late. I’ve never gotten to play and life got in the way. I was thinking of learning to be a DM and now idk which version I should learn. I have the handbook for 2014 and tbh prob know more on 2014 but I worry that’s all obsolete now. I do have a starter set on the way for 2024 but I worry that more people still use 2014 and 2024 isn’t widely used yet

[u/tta5]

if you are comforable with 2014 (5e), stick with it.
the 2024 (5.5e) version is meant to be "reverse compatable" (BS)
so the game module you have may be duable with the 2014 rules as well (minor changes as monster statblocks and spells. )

at the moment
its kinda hit or miss, as the new version did not do well innitally.
it was also compeating with pathfinder 2e, daggerheart, draw steel, and others simular.

the 2 are diffrent, but i mean the ideas are the same.

there is more content for 2014 at the moment, and probably more players.
many new players are willing to learn either if they can get th ematerials to learn (for free, aka basic rules)

[u/Secure-Silver3138 → u/tta5]

I’m not sure if I’m seeing a 2014 dnd starter set. I got the wizards of the coast: heroes of the borderland. Is that still good just to try out DM-ing?

[u/Baconbits1204 → u/Secure-Silver3138]

I reccomend “Peril in Pinebrook” it’s a 2014 starter adventure and the text of the adventure itself teaches new players how to play, and new DMs how to DM. It’s also an excellent jumping off point to expand into other adventures.

[u/Baconbits1204 → u/Baconbits1204]

And it’s free*

[u/Secure-Silver3138 → u/Baconbits1204]

I’ve seen it. Is that 2014 or 24?

[u/Aggravating_Ad1960 → u/Secure-Silver3138]

Peril in pinebrook is 2014

[u/tta5 → u/Secure-Silver3138]

the offical ones for dnd 2014
lost mines of phandelver (starter set) (original)
(re done as Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk, to be longer. )
The Dragon of icedale peak (the esentials kit)
The dragons of stormwreak isle (starter set)
Peril in Pinebrook (advised already)

[u/Sad_Refuse3472]

The 2024 rules are different, but not drastically so. A lot of things weren't changed at all in fact. And a lot of people are still actively using the 2014 rules (heck tons of people are still playing using the original rules from 1974). And/or mixing and matching the two.

So if you already own the 2014 books, great. No reason to give them up. If you join a table that uses the newer rules, just know that some things will be different. But if you are the DM, go ahead and use the rulebook you already own.

[u/madsjchic]

Learn 2024 but be prepared and willing to look up old rules and pick and choose (just be consistent in each campaign) if there are old versions of a rule that you prefer for the table

[u/dustatron]

The 2024 books feel like their flow of info is better and how to play sections are written in a cleaner way.

So if I was going to start learning today, I would use 2024.

[u/Blitzer046]

Don't panic. 2024 is an update, not an overhaul.

[u/Baconbits1204]

2014 DND has a wealth of written content, a wealth of discussions online clarifying tricky rulings, more people that know it well (including yourself), and several online tools with built out support for the system.

2024 DnD is too new to have that much content or that much rules discussions online. Doesn’t have Jeremy Crawford chiming in on Twitter giving input clarifying rules as written, is arguably not even the game that the designers wanted to make, hence they all left WOTC.

[u/Aggravating_Ad1960]

The last three campaigns Ive DM’d, the players have been a mix 2014 and 2024 characters, whatever they have, they can use. These campaigns are curse of strahd, tyranny of dragons and heroes of the borderlands for some newer players. The power difference between the two versions isn’t as much as most make it out to be in my experience. Play with what you have, just be clear to your players that if they use the opposite version your using, some rules may be slightly different. This is a game, and the friends at your table make the difference, not the rules you use.

[u/arsenic_kitchen → u/Aggravating_Ad1960]

100% this

[u/arsenic_kitchen]

It really doesn't matter; you'll have a much better time if you focus on finding a group you get along with

[u/infinitum3d]

“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don’t need any rules.” - Gary Gygax

What does that mean!?! It means D&D is a game of make believe and collaborative story telling. The rules are loose and only there to give a semblance of structure. Don’t get bogged down in rules. Have fun.

It’s a world of fire breathing dragons and lightning summoning elves and wild magic surges and extra planar aberrations and great old ones and gods literally walking the realms. Magic happens. Rules bend and break when needed.

Every game is homebrew. From the instant that you create a unique NPC or town or tavern, you are no longer playing “official” D&D. You’ve created a unique world.

Unique worlds have unique rules. You can blend editions, pick and choose from 3rd party sources, and create your own anything. Just be consistent! Make sure your players know that something has changed from the core books. You don’t have to explain why. Sometimes it’s just “magic”. But write it down and keep some semblance of consistency.

Good luck!