The current version of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition is a throwback to the best parts of Advanced DnD (2nd Edition) as well as 3rd Edition. It also includes many of the best parts of 4th Edition, but with simplified, streamlined mechanics. This makes DnD 5e easy to learn for new players, while still feeling familiar to veterans of the game. It is enjoyable for players of all experience levels.
I began playing DnD 5e when it was released in 2014, and find this edition to be my favorite of the several that I’ve played. The rules are sensible, accessible, and consistent, while still being mechanically satisfying. I’ve taught dozens of new players in-person and found that they picked the rules up much faster than I’d seen with previous editions. Based on the incredible size of the 5e community, my experience is not unique.
WotC’s return to the Open Gaming License (OGL) for 5th edition has fostered a massive, thriving community of 3rd-party content creators. This includes large creatures such as Frog God Games, Kobold Press, Mage Hand Press, MCDM, as well as all manner of smaller independent creators. The sheer volume of excellent content available means that even if production stopped today you could play 5e for the rest of your life and never run out of content.
Book Abbreviations Guide
Alphabetized list of abbreviations used to indicate source material throughout our other articles.
How to Play Dungeons and Dragons 5e
New to 5th Edition? Having trouble with the rules? We’re here to help. In this article series, we provide a full walkthrough of the rules in simple, approachable terms, as well as general advice and insight on how to get started with the game.
We also recommend our podcast series on how to get started playing.
- RPGBOT.Podcast – How to Play Part 1 – Concepts and Themes
- RPGBOT.Podcast – How to Play Part 2 – Characters
- RPGBOT.Podcast – How to Play Part 3 – Playing the Game
- RPGBOT.Podcast – How to Play Part 4 – Questions and Answers
Character Optimization
Comprehensive guides to character optimization including feedback, guidance, and example builds, detailing every aspect of building and playing your character. Articles cover all classes, sub classes, and races, as well as a selection of feats as spells that require deeper examination. Character optimization content is what built RPGBOT into the site you see today, and is the part of TTRPGs that I enjoy sharing with others the most.
In addition to guides to specific character options, this section also includes articles that dig into systems of the game such as the Fundamental Math of Character Optimization and the Practical Guide to Mounted Combat.
Player Resources
General resources for players looking to play better or to get more out of their games. Includes character ideas and roleplaying advice. These are all of our guides that do not include character optimization.
Dungeon Master Resources
Support for DMs hoping to improve their games. Includes detailed analysis on complex, mechanical aspects of the game.
Tools
Automated tools to improve your game. This is where you can find The Monsterizer, the DPR Calculator, the Encounter Builder, and the Random Treasure Generator.
DMsGuild
An article on how to write for DMsGuild and links to our own DMsGuild content. Useful if you are looking to get into publishing homebrew content.
External Links
- Basic Rules – The free verison of the DnD 5e rules. The Basic Rules includes everything that you will need to play, but only contains a small subset of available rules options such as classes, races, and magic items.
- Errata – Answers to common questions and corrections to rules errors in the published books.
Recent DnD 5e Posts
- New 2014 Scout Rogue GuideThe Scout Rogue is the closest we’re likely to see to a Ranger without spellcasting. Despite not being especially powerful, it’s a novel take on the Rogue’s capabilities. Scout Rogue Handbook: DnD 5e Subclass Guide
- D&D CLASS SELECTION: It’s like speed dating, but with swords and spell slots… – RPGBOT.Podcast S5E46Show Notes Not sure which D&D class to start with? We break down the best and worst picks for new DnD players—featuring confused Wizards, exploding Artificers, and the ever-reliable Barbarian. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts explore which Dungeons & Dragons classes are best suited for new players. With humor, experience, and a
- DnD 5e to 2024 DnD Transition Guide and Change Log: Everything That’s Different in the New 2024 Player’s HandbookIntroductions A lot has changed in the DnD 2024 rules. In this horrendously long article, we’ve dug into everything that has changed in the Player’s Handbook in excruciating detail. There’s a lot here. It is possible that we have missed things. If we have, please let us know so that we can make updates. 2024