{"id":971472,"date":"2026-01-04T12:18:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T12:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/?p=451969"},"modified":"2026-01-04T12:18:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T12:18:19","slug":"the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arcader.org\/news\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again\/","title":{"rendered":"The new D&#038;D Player\u2019s Handbook is a treasure, and we may never see its equal again"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" data-caption=\"\" data-portal-copyright=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again.jpg\" \/><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap has-text-align-none\">The journey to create the 2024 version of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/dnd-dungeons-dragons\">Dungeons &amp; Dragons<\/a> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/24210741\/dnd-players-handbook-2024-phb-impressions\">Player\u2019s Handbook<\/a><\/em> has been long and almost comically rocky. Where to even begin\u2026 Should we start with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/23587624\/non-dnd-dungeons-dragons-ogl-controversy-indie-sales-numbers\">the OGL debacle<\/a>, an attempted rug-pull that would have irrevocably damaged the franchise\u2019s biggest third-party creators? Should we instead focus on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/23998290\/hasbro-layoffs-before-christmas\">gutting layoffs that came a year later<\/a>, right before Christmas, that torpedoed morale and reduced headcount during the final push to publication? Or should we instead focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/23728470\/dnd-dungeons-dragons-6e-5e-changes\">the poorly conceived attempt to rebrand 5th edition as \u201cOne D&amp;D,\u201d<\/a> a gaffe that still lingers in the air like a troll fart?<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">Yet despite it all, the <em>Player\u2019s Handbook <\/em>(2024) \u2014 out now at major retailers \u2014 is an exceptional document, fat and rich with precisely the kind of materials that the community has been clamoring for. The team at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/23824713\/dnd-dungeons-dragons-rules-revision-simple-vs-complex\">Wizards of the Coast<\/a> should be commended for creating something so extraordinary while under such immense and absurd pressure. This new 384-page tome is a treasure, and, just like a clever rogue would, fans should snatch it up quickly \u2014 and run.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-vox-media-highlight vox-media-highlight\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"\" data-portal-copyright=\"\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\"><em><small>When we award the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/recommends\">Polygon Recommends<\/a> badge, it\u2019s because we believe the recipient is uniquely thought-provoking, entertaining, inventive, or fun \u2014 and worth fitting into your schedule. If you want curated lists of our favorite media, check out <\/small><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/what-to-play\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em><small>What to Play<\/small><\/em><\/a><em><small> and <\/small><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/what-to-watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em><small>What to Watch<\/small><\/em><\/a><em><small>.<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Let\u2019s start with the bullet points: Inside the <em>PHB<\/em> (2024) you\u2019ll find 10 species, 12 classes, and 48 subclasses. Compared to the <em>PHB <\/em>(2014), with nine species and far fewer subclasses, it\u2019s a massive upgrade. Every character option feels more capable, more distinct than its predecessor. And in some cases, like the previously mid-tier Druid and Ranger, they\u2019ve been radically reinvented. These and other foundational changes came after lead designer Jeremy Crawford and the team at Wizards sought <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/23778566\/dnd-dungeons-dragons-unearthed-arcana-6-bard-cleric-druid-monk-paladin-ranger-rogue\">direct engagement with its massive community<\/a>, using data gleaned from hundreds of thousands of anecdotal bits of playtest feedback that they\u2019ve eagerly mined out of the earth for the better part of a decade. Now that hoard of precious data is on full display, and it\u2019s players who will ultimately reap the rewards.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"\" data-portal-copyright=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">But it\u2019s the overall look and feel of the <em>PHB<\/em> that has received the most attention. Lead graphic designer Matt Cole and art director Emi Tanji should be given medals, because the very shape of the brand feels suddenly glossy, modern, and new.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">From the structure and the layout of the page itself, to the new design for monster stat blocks, to the way that character art shows heroes who seem to leap out of their frames and practically into the reader\u2019s lap, the entire package is more lively and engaging than ever before. It\u2019s also filled with more in-jokes and visual Easter eggs than any Wizards product in recent memory, barring maybe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/sdcc\/23274559\/mtg-unfinity-stickers\"><em>Magic: The Gathering<\/em>\u2019s novelty <em>Un<\/em>-sets<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re a fan of the 1980s-era Saturday morning cartoon, or you first discovered the seminal TTRPG through excellent anthologies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/23269854\/dnd-journeys-through-the-radiant-citadel-review\"><em>Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel<\/em><\/a>, or you returned to the franchise for the retro-inspired setting books like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/22430494\/dungeons-dragons-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft-review\"><em>Van Richten\u2019s Guide to Ravenloft<\/em><\/a>, there\u2019s something that should delight everyone inside. It is truly the first version of the <em>PHB<\/em> where everyone is invited to join in \u2014 even those who enjoy fancy tacos alongside rustic turkey legs.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"An illustration of the spell Hero\u2019s Feast includes maki rolls and a floating, spectral taco. The quality of printing is consistent between all three copies shared with Polygon. Like the 2014 edition of the book, these &lt;em&gt;PHB&lt;\/em&gt;s were all printed in the United States.\" data-portal-copyright=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">That openness extends to the <em>PHB<\/em>\u2019s most important function, which is seamlessly onboarding new players.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">In the <em>PHB <\/em>(2014), new players were greeted by a section of the book called \u201cBuilding Bruenor,\u201d where they first learned how to roll up a character. While that section was fairly thorough, it was in no way built for first-time players. In fact, it actually <em>preceded<\/em> the part of the book that taught you how to play the game.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"The &lt;em&gt;PHB&lt;\/em&gt; (2024) includes scenes of people actually playing the game in the real world, with their actions at the table contrasted with their actions in the game.\" data-portal-copyright=\"\" \/> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"Classes and subclasses include fresh new art that delightfully frames the text, with energetic poses that leap off the page. | Photo: Charlie Hall\/Polygon\" data-portal-copyright=\"Photo: Charlie Hall\/Polygon\" \/> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"While classes are arranged vertically, backgrounds are horizontal to showcase rich and varied landscapes. \" data-portal-copyright=\"\" \/> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"Every image in the book seems pulled from a different fantastical realm, like this Ghibli-inspired take on a young wizard and their familiar. | Photo: Charlie Hall\" data-portal-copyright=\"Photo: Charlie Hall\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">The <em>PHB <\/em>(2024), on the other hand, is far more user-friendly. For one, it comes after a lengthy discussion of how the game is played. It also expands the character creation section from just five pages out to eight, with detailed explanations throughout. The game\u2019s unique vocabulary \u2014 with important concepts like ability scores, ability score modifiers, saving throws, and passive perception \u2014 is clearly called out and carefully cross-referenced by an actual rules glossary in the back of the book. Finally, here is a document, both robust and readable at the same time, that you can confidently hand to a new player to let them find their own way.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"The rules glossary located in the back of the book is a godsend.\" data-portal-copyright=\"\" \/> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"Meanwhile, the index is nuanced, specific, and packed with helpful page numbers.\" data-portal-copyright=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">Yet even as the physical incarnation of the <em>Player\u2019s Handbook<\/em> has been honed to a keen edge, Wizards of the Coast\u2019s digital implementation lags woefully behind. Where the <em>PHB <\/em>(2024) is colorful, careful, and clean, the comparable experience on D&amp;D Beyond\u2019s digital toolset looks much the same as it did a few years ago. For new players coming to D&amp;D for the first time, D&amp;D Beyond is an experience so cluttered and complex, so filled with speed bumps and interruptions, that I feel it\u2019s best to skip it entirely \u2014 at least at first. Unless you know exactly what you\u2019re doing, I wouldn\u2019t touch it with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/2017\/4\/4\/15107222\/dnds-tomb-of-horrors-tips-for-dms-5th-edition-yawning-portal\">a 10-foot pole<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">This lagging digital refresh is particularly jarring, especially since the tea leaves clearly indicate that Hasbro\u2019s leadership sees opportunity in D&amp;D\u2019s digital future. Since Hasbro acquired D&amp;D Beyond in 2022, the game and toy giant has been funneling new players and old alike to that digital storefront en masse, making it the de facto landing page for the entire franchise. They\u2019ve done the hard work of forcing everyone to log in there, then began doling out the add-ons and the freebies over months and years. They\u2019ve also rolled out a byzantine digital-first release schedule, with all the early access windows and digital tchotchkes that fans of video games have come to dread over the last two decades.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">This is the part that you should run away from.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" data-has-syndication-rights=\"1\" data-caption=\"\" data-portal-copyright=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">It makes me feel old and tired trying to explain this, but purchasing the $29.99 digital version of the <em>Player\u2019s Handbook <\/em>(2024) means <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dndbeyond.com\/terms-conditions\">buying a license to use that material online<\/a>. Nothing about that transaction means that Hasbro, or its Wizards of the Coast imprint, owes you anything at all in perpetuity. Twenty years from now, I am uncertain if this license will be of any real value. Just as they tried with the OGL, they could take it away from you tomorrow \u2014 or just stop working on it, allowing D&amp;D Beyond to fall into disrepair.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">Buy this book instead. Hold it in your hands. Leave it open to your favorite spread for a day, or a week, or a month, or a year. Drop it on the ground. Shower it with soda, or wine, or blood. Write in the margins and make it yours, because there is no single trove of information in a digital world that you can expect to have ownership of forever. But books\u2026 books they\u2019ll never take away from us. Once they\u2019re out in the world, all we have to do is hold onto them. So take this <em>Player\u2019s Handbook <\/em>(2024) as your own, a gift from the dozens of souls in the Pacific Northwest coast and all around the world who helped bring it to life over the last 10, 20, 50 years and more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">Hide it away underground if you have to, for we may never see its equal again. <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-none\">Dungeons &amp; Dragons Player\u2019s Handbook <em>(2024)<\/em> <em>is available at local game shops and online<\/em>.<em> The book was reviewed using retail product provided by Wizards of the Coast. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. You can find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/pages\/ethics-statement\">additional information about Polygon\u2019s ethics policy here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.polygon.com\/dnd-dungeons-dragons\/451969\/new-players-handbook-review-2024\">Source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The journey to create the 2024 version of the Dungeons &amp; Dragons Player\u2019s Handbook has been long and almost comically rocky. Where to even begin\u2026 Should we start with the OGL debacle, an attempted rug-pull that would have irrevocably damaged the franchise\u2019s biggest third-party creators? Should we instead focus on the gutting layoffs that came a year later, right before Christmas, that torpedoed morale and reduced headcount during the final push to publication? Or should we instead focus on the poorly conceived attempt to rebrand 5th edition as \u201cOne D&amp;D,\u201d a gaffe that still lingers in the air like a troll fart? Yet despite it all, the Player\u2019s Handbook (2024) \u2014 out now at major retailers \u2014 is an exceptional document, fat and rich with&hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"excerpt-more\"><a class=\"blog-excerpt button\" href=\"https:\/\/arcader.org\/news\/the-new-dd-players-handbook-is-a-treasure-and-we-may-never-see-its-equal-again\/\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":971473,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-971472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-polygon"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The new D&#038;D Player\u2019s Handbook is a treasure, and we may never see its equal again | Arcader News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The journey to create the 2024 version of the Dungeons &amp; Dragons Player\u2019s Handbook has been long and almost comically rocky. 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