D&D 5E: 2014 vs. 2024 CORE MECHANICAL CHANGES

While the "D20 + Modifiers" loop remains, several tactical rules have changed.

--- 1. WEAPON MASTERIES --- 

Martial classes now have "Mastery" properties that trigger on every hit:

NICK: Off-hand attack is now part of the Main Action (saves Bonus Action).

TOPPLE: Force a saving throw to knock the target Prone.

VEX: Gain Advantage on your next attack against that target.

PUSH: Knock a creature 10ft away (no saving throw).

SLOW: Reduce target speed by 10ft.

--- 2. UPDATED CONDITIONS ---

EXHAUSTION: Each level gives a flat -2 to all D20 tests and -5ft speed.

SURPRISE: Creatures no longer lose a turn; they just take Disadvantage on their Initiative roll.

GRAPPLING/SHOVING: The attacker makes an attack roll against the target's Saving Throw DC (8 + Str/Dex + Prof) rather than a contested check.

--- 3. ACTION ECONOMY ---

POTIONS: Drinking a potion yourself is now a Bonus Action.

EQUIP/UNEQUIP: You can draw or stow a weapon as part of every attack.

INVISIBILITY: Grants Advantage on Initiative rolls.

MAGIC ACTION: Casting spells and using magic items are now grouped under one action type for clarity.

--- 4. NEW FORMALIZED ACTIONS ---

STUDY (INT): Action to identify creature weaknesses or recall lore.

SEARCH (WIS): Action to find hidden creatures or objects.

INFLUENCE (CHA): Set DCs for social interaction based on NPC attitude (Friendly, Indifferent, or Hostile).

--- 5. HEALING & INSPIRATION ---

HEALING BUFF: Most healing spells now roll double the dice (e.g., Cure Wounds is 2d8 instead of 1d8).

HEROIC INSPIRATION: You can now use it to reroll a die AFTER seeing the result. You can also gift it to an ally if you earn a second one.