D&D: ‘Player’s Handbook’ 2024 Definitely NOT Coming in May, but Everyone Loves the New Monk
In a new video discussing the latest playtest survey results, Wizards of the Coast let slip that the Player’s Handbook is not coming in May.
In a new video examining the results of the latest Unearthed Arcana playtest results, Wizards of the Coast also explained that the upcoming 2024 Player’s Handbook, a revision/new edition of the core rules of D&D 5E, was initially teased with “an erroneous release date”. This refers to the images that circulated briefly in December which teased a Player’s Handbook coming in May.
Pictured: the erroneous release date
Around 8 minutes into a video discussing the results of the new survey, Jeremy Crawford, lead designer of the Player’s Handbook, that he (and the others on stage at PAX at the time) were surprised to find out that they were releasing the book in May. Especially since it won’t be done by then.
The new PHB will also feature tons more new art—the image above is not the cover of the new PHB, but rather just the art that accompanies the Fighter section. Crawford also revealed that the latest Unearthed Arcana playtest was the last one for the Player’s Handbook. This means the future ones we’ll see relate to the new Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual.
D&D Playtest Survey Results
We realize there was an erroneous release date published with regards to the 2024 players handbook. that was definitely incorrect. The Player’s Handbook is NOT releasing in May. (but it will be coming this year) Stay tuned for an official announcement soon…
This playtest document is part of a series of Unearthed Arcana articles that present material designed for the 2024 version of the Player’s Handbook. The material here uses the rules in the 2014 Player’s Handbook, except where noted. After we conclude the public playtest for the Player’s Handbook, Unearthed Arcana will explore material for the Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual.
In the video, Crawford also discusses the results of the latest Unearthed Arcana Playtest Survey. That’s the core issue, and it turns out this last one knocked it out of the park. The latest playtest rules featured a revision to Barbarians, Druids, and Monks. And of all of them, Monks scored extremely high in terms of Player satisfaction.
While both the Druid and Barbarian have a lot of features that seem to resonate with the audience, the Monk has some new features that are a much-needed overhaul, with Crawford reporting satisfaction in the 90% range, which is a high achievement indeed, given the varied tastes and wants of D&D’s audience.
With this UA being the last player focused on, it seems a high note upon which to end things.
Look for the new 2024 Player’s Handbook later this year (if not May, maybe September or November).
