The upcoming 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook is set to introduce 10 species for players to choose from, including some new additions and updated options. Wizards of the Coast has confirmed that these rules revisions will be compatible with the current 5th edition of the game rather than replacing it entirely.
Some of the new species choices include Aasimar and Goliaths, while Half-Orcs have been replaced by Orcs. Aasimar are mortals with celestial descent, offering players a new option alongside tieflings. Goliaths, who have ties to giants, can choose an ancestry that provides unique abilities and traits.
In addition to the new species, familiar options have been updated to remove weaknesses and enhance their usefulness. For example, Dark Elves no longer have sunlight sensitivity, and Gnomes and Halflings now have a speed of 30 feet per round. Dwarves gain enhanced Stonecunning and Darkvision abilities, while Dragonborn can now shape their breath weapon and access wings for temporary flight.
The 2024 revisions also focus on tying ability scores to backgrounds rather than species, emphasizing nurture over nature. Humans, in particular, are portrayed as resourceful and versatile, similar to the popular “variant human” rule, granting them a free feat and skill proficiency.
The 2024 Player’s Handbook is scheduled for release on September 17, followed by the Dungeon Master’s Guide on November 12 and the Monster Manual on February 18 of the following year. These updates aim to enhance gameplay and provide players with more diverse and engaging options for creating their characters in the world of Dungeons & Dragons.