Summary
During its panel at GenCon,Dungeons and Dragonsrevealed tons of information about its new core rulebooks and its virtual tabletop, codenamedProject Sigil. This free-to-play VTT will featureD&D Beyondintegration, and will give fans a whole new way to playDungeons and Dragonsusing the refurbished rules set.
Dungeons and Dragonshas been working on updating the 5thEditionfor the system’s 10-year anniversary. It recently announced an in-development virtual tabletop, as well as revamps for thePlayer’s Handbook,Dungeon Master’s Guide, andMonster Manual, with myriad blog posts and videos over the last month teasing some of the thingscoming in these newDungeons and Dragonsbooks.
The panel forDungeons and Dragonsat GenCon introduced even more information about these new products. Fans who were in attendance, like TTRPG advocate Mike Balles, live-tweeted highlights from the presentation, including tidbits about the upcoming rulebooks. TheDungeon Master’s Guidewill include tons of new stuff, including rules for Bastions, worldbuilding information for Greyhawk –the original setting ofD&D– and crafting and gold prices for magic items. TheMonster Manual, on the other hand, will have over 500 creatures to use, including powerful high-CR “apex” monsters, improved stat blocks, and suggestions for treasure drops.
The panel also spoke Sigil, the code name given tothe newDungeons and DragonsVTT. It will be a free-to-play PC app to begin with, though mobile and console support are likely to follow. The program will feature variable levels of automation, homebrew support, and evenD&D Beyondintegration, allowing players to drop character sheets and more straight intoProject Sigil.
With a focus on inclusivity, ease of use, and accessibility, these newDungeons and Dragonsproducts sound quite impressive. The2024 Player’s Handbook, the first of the new books, releases September 17, but fans can access them earlierif they have a subscription toD&D Beyond.
Dungeons and Dragons
Created by Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game in which players craft their own worlds and band together to take on adventures through mysterious realms outlined in companion materials. One of the best role-playing games ever made, it has been adapted into a variety of video games and other media.
