Dungeons and Dragons' 2024/2025 rules update is finally complete, with each of the three core rulebooks having now gotten their remasters. Looking back on how this new series of books kicked off with the 2024PHBreveals a particularly curious aspect ofD&D2024: how the game is handling spells in this rules update.
A big part ofD&D 2024’s rules updateis its effort to patch over5e’s flaws, with some of that edition’s spells being a point of particular critique. While there are some nerfs throughout the newPlayer’s Handbook, most notably to the ‘Conjure’ genre of spells from 2014, the book focuses more on elevating martial classes than knocking down spellcasters. In fact, the newPHBexpands the repertoire of these classes greatly, adding many new spells that weren’t in the 2014PHB.
Dungeons and Dragons Player’s Handbook 2024’s Added Spells
There are 12entirely new spells in the 2024Player’s Handbook, but they aren’t the only additional spells here. With the 2024PHBaiming to be a definitive take on the last 10 years of5e, the book ropes in elements from other5esourcebooks. When looking at spells, the book includes selections fromXanathar’s Guide to Everything,Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, and theElemental Evil Player’s Companion.
•Toll the Dead (Cantrip)
• Word of Radiance (Cantrip)
• Synaptic Static
• Summon Fiend
A decent selection of spells carried over fromnon-PHB D&Dsourcebooksinto 2024, including a long list of ‘Summon’ spells. These spells have effectively replaced the old ‘Conjure’ spells; those spells in 2014 summoned multiple creatures that used existing statblocks, leading to incredibly strong spells that clogged up initiative and made the whole game harder to run. These statblocks only summon a single creature, which acts on the same initiative as the summoner rather than a unique initiative. They also have statblocks that level according to the level the spell is cast at.
The returning cantrips here also make a great deal of sense. In particular, Toll the Dead has become the de-facto damage to cantrip forD&D 5e’s Clerics(outranking Sacred Flame in most areas). Mind Sliver is also a fan favorite, whereas Thunderclap and Word of Radiance offer additional debuffs and AoE integration.
• Fount of Moonlight
• Tasha’s Bubbling Cauldron
• Yolande’s Regal Presence
When it comes toD&D 2024’s cantrip additions, everything new is easy to explain. Elementalism is essentially another version of spells like Druidcraft and Prestidigitation, offering minor utility along with extra flair for roleplaying. Sorcerous Burst emphasizes the more chaotic identity of the Sorcerer, while Starry Wisp gives the Bard a new attack option and a lesser version of Faerie Fire.
Moving ontoD&D 2024’s new leveled spells, most act as new ways to deal damage—though a few stand out against the rest. Arcane Vigor stands out as a way for Wizards to increase their durability while not acting as a healing spell outright (as it allows the caster to expend Hit Dice rather than simply healing). Instant Summons is a great way for casters to recover stolen objects, and has fantastic potential for utility and storytelling. Fount of Moonlight is another spell that encourages spellcasters to enter melee, but being Concentration means it will likely only produce a short-lived effect.
