The Player’s Handbook 2024: Dungeons & Dragons (DDN) is the newly revised Player’s Handbook released in September 2024.
This is officially the biggest Player’s Handbook in Dungeons & Dragons history which is quite an exciting and bold statement. I was a returning player from the days of old, AKA the 3rd edition of Dungeons & Dragons. After many years away I decided to get back into playing. I skipped the 5th edition series from 2014 as this book was released and on comparing, there looked to be enough of a difference to make it worth buying the updated edition.
The first difference that I noticed was the size of the book, it really was a lot thicker and felt more substantial than what I remembered the 3rd edition books being. When compared to the 5th edition from 2014 it was a bit chunkier, the artwork on the cover was a bit more vibrant as well which was nice.
One of the biggest changes, which is one that I have said over the years that it was needed, was that the game needs to start with how to play the game. It has taken them this long to implement this change which is at least a good start in the right direction for future editions.
Starting with how to play the game is a great start. Compared to the editions of old, which were starting with how to create a character which always seemed a bit odd. How do you create a character for a game that you don’t know how to play?
Artwork
The illustrations are lovely and it has some nice pieces within the Player's Handbook 2024. From the front cover, all the way through right to the back cover. They are all vibrant and well done. It does give me the vibes from the earlier editions of the handbooks with the front cover reminding me fondly of the 2nd edition of the Player’s Handbook.
Using The Player’s Handbook In-Play
Onto the use of the Player's Handbook 2024 in actual gameplay, with the updated order layout it really helps with flipping between pages quicker and in a more sensible order.
We have 12 classes with a whopping 48 subclasses available from the get-go. This alone makes character creation a dream. Having so much to hand in just the Player’s Handbook is the perfect companion for all player’s new and old.
10 Species are included in the Handbook, from the reliable Human up to a Tiefling which was a new race to me and added a whole new level of playstyle. With the large background list for the characters this makes an even more in-depth character design and playstyle tool for all types of players.
My Favourite Part
The best part for me is the Rules Glossary at the end of the Player's Handbook 2024. Having it all to hand in a dedicated section is amazing. It helps with looking up different rules as along with them all in one place, they are also in alphabetical order which speeds play up immensely.
After playing a few times, you will learn the rules but it is always nice to have an easy-to-use reference tool pre provided for you from the get go.
Final Thoughts
For new and returning players the Player's Handbook 2024 will benefit them all immensely for the simple reason that it is more of a well-rounded edition. The layout and simplicity have made the Player's Handbook 2024 an easier edition to pick up and play from the get go.
On a final point, I will add that throughout the Player's Handbook 2024 there are handy little boxes on certain pages that are labeled ‘What’s new in the 2024 version?’. These are another great little help from the writers to make our lives easier and way more enjoyable while playing the great Dungeons & Dragons.
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