D&D 5e vs 5.5e (2024)
The 2024 revision (commonly called "5.5e" or "One D&D") brings significant changes while maintaining backward compatibility with existing 5e content. Here's everything that changed.
Backward Compatible
The 2024 rules are designed to be backward compatible with 5e. Your existing characters, monsters, spells, and adventures still work. The tools on DND Tools support both editions — core data like the SRD spell list, monster stat blocks, and item databases are shared across both versions.
Character Creation
Ability Score Increases
Granted by your chosen Race (e.g. +2 DEX for Elves)
Granted by your Background instead (+2/+1 or three +1s). Races now focus purely on innate traits.
Backgrounds
Minor feature: 2 skill proficiencies + 1 tool/language
Major overhaul: now grants Ability Score Increases, a 1st-level Origin Feat, skill proficiencies, and a tool proficiency. 16 backgrounds available.
Species (formerly Races)
Called "Races" — included ability bonuses, Half-Elf and Half-Orc as distinct options
Renamed to "Species" — focus on innate physical/magical traits only. Half-Elf and Half-Orc removed. Orc, Goliath, and Aasimar added to PHB.
Standard Array
15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
Improved to 16, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. No character can have more than one score below 8.
Subclass Timing
Varies by class (Level 1, 2, or 3)
Standardized — all 12 classes now receive their subclass at Level 3.
Feats
Feat Categories
All feats were optional variant rules, no categories
Feats are now categorized: Origin Feats (level 1 from backgrounds), General Feats, Fighting Style Feats, and Epic Boon Feats (level 19+).
Ability Score Increase
Only some feats included an ASI
All General Feats now include a +1 to one Ability Score, making them less punishing to take.
Combat
Weapon Mastery
Did not exist — weapons were mostly interchangeable
New system: martial classes gain Weapon Mastery properties. Each weapon has a unique ability (Cleave, Slow, Topple, Vex, etc.) making weapon choice tactical.
Surprise
Surprised creatures skip their entire first turn
Surprised creatures now roll initiative with Disadvantage instead of losing their turn entirely.
Exhaustion
6-level system with escalating, complex penalties
Simplified: each level of exhaustion applies a cumulative −1 to all d20 rolls. 10 levels = death.
Healing Potions
Drinking a potion requires a full Action
Drinking or administering a healing potion is now a Bonus Action.
Heroic Inspiration
DM-granted Inspiration for advantage on one roll
Renamed "Heroic Inspiration" — lets you reroll any die immediately. Can be passed to another player if unused. Natural 20 on an attack grants Inspiration.
Bloodied
Not an official mechanic in 5e
Reintroduced: a creature at or below half HP is considered "Bloodied" — an official in-game term for DMs and players.
Spellcasting
One Spell Per Turn
Could cast a cantrip + bonus action spell, but rules were ambiguous
Clarified: only one spell using a spell slot per turn. Cantrips are still free alongside.
Healing Spells
Standard healing dice
Single-target healing spells have their dice doubled (e.g. Cure Wounds heals significantly more).
Summoning Spells
Each summon spell had unique, complex stat blocks
Standardized summoning with unified stat blocks, making summons easier to run.
Rules & Terminology
D20 Tests
Ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls were separate concepts
"D20 Test" is now the unified term for all three. Rules that affect "D20 Tests" apply to all of them.
Long Rest Rules
8 hours, 1 hour of watch allowed
Must wait at least 16 hours between Long Rests. Interruption rules clarified.
Glossary
Terms scattered across rulebooks
Formal glossary of defined game terms introduced for consistent reference.
About SRD 5.2
Wizards of the Coast has released the SRD 5.2 under a Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0) license, containing the updated 2024 core mechanics. This coexists with SRD 5.1 — both remain valid. DND Tools currently uses SRD 5.1 data and will progressively add SRD 5.2 content as it becomes fully available.