Discover Every New Spell in D&D 2024 That Wasn’t in the 2014 Player’s Handbook!

by

The long-awaited rule updates for Dungeons & Dragons, set for 2024/2025, have been finalized. Each of the three main rulebooks has undergone a facelift. A retrospective look at the initial release of the Player’s Handbook (PHB) in 2024 offers an intriguing insight into how D&D 2024 manages spells within this rules update.

A significant portion of the rule changes in D&D 2024 is aimed at addressing the shortcomings of 5e, with specific concern over some spells causing much debate. Although there are adjustments (or “nerfs”) across the new Player’s Handbook, the most notable being a reduction in power for the ‘Conjure’ spells from 2014, it primarily focuses on enhancing martial classes rather than weakening spellcasters. In fact, the new PHB extends the range of these classes by introducing numerous new spells that were not included in the 2014 PHB.

Dungeons and Dragons Player’s Handbook 2024’s Added Spells

12 brand new spells can be found in the 2024 version of the “Player’s Handbook,” however, it’s important to note that these aren’t the only additional spells included. The 2024 “PHB” aims to encapsulate the last decade of the “5e” game system, and in doing so, it incorporates elements from various other “5e” sourcebooks. When examining spells, the book draws on selections from “Xanathar’s Guide to Everything,” “Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything,” and the “Elemental Evil Player’s Companion.

Spells From Outside The 2014 PHB In 2024

• Mind Sliver (Cantrip)

• Thunderclap (Cantrip)

•Toll the Dead (Cantrip)

• Word of Radiance (Cantrip)

• Ice Knife

• Dragon’s Breath

• Mind Spike

• Summon Beast

• Summon Fey

• Summon Undead

• Charm Monster

• Summon Aberration

• Summon Construct

• Summon Elemental

• Vitriolic Sphere

• Steel Wind Strike

• Summon Celestial

• Synaptic Static

• Summon Fiend

In 2024, some spells from D&D sourcebooks other than the PHB were incorporated, including numerous ‘Summon’ spells that have supplanted the original ‘Conjure’ spells. The latter, in 2014, would summon multiple creatures utilizing existing statblocks, resulting in powerful spells that slowed down the game due to their impact on initiative. In contrast, these new ‘Summon’ spells only call forth a single creature and act on the same initiative as the caster, making the game less complicated to manage. Additionally, the statblocks for these spells adjust based on the level at which they are cast.

As a dedicated D&D 5e gamer, I’ve found that the returning cantrips have really hit their mark. Among them, Toll the Dead has taken the crown as the go-to damage cantrip for Clerics, outperforming Sacred Flame in many scenarios. Mind Sliver is another crowd pleaser, while Thunderclap and Word of Radiance bring extra debuffs to the table and integrate well with Area of Effect play.

D&D 2024’s Entirely New Spells

• Sorcerous Burst (Cantrip)

• Starry Wisp (Cantrip)

• Elementalism (Cantrip)

• Arcane Vigor

• Befuddlement

• Drawmij’s Instant Summons

• Fount of Moonlight

• Jallarzi’s Storm of Radiance

• Power Word Fortify

• Shining Smite

• Tasha’s Bubbling Cauldron

• Yolande’s Regal Presence

In terms of the new cantrips in D&D 2024, everything is straightforward to understand. Elementalism, similar to spells like Druidcraft and Prestidigitation, provides minor practical uses with an added touch for roleplaying. Sorcerous Burst underscores the chaotic nature of the Sorcerer, while Starry Wisp offers a fresh attack option for the Bard and a scaled-down version of Faerie Fire.

Transitioning to the fresh leveled spells in D&D 2024, many function primarily as ways to inflict damage; however, some are notable exceptions. Arcane Vigor is exceptional because it lets Wizards enhance their resilience without serving as a direct healing spell (it allows the caster to utilize Hit Dice instead of just restoring health). Instant Summons is an effective tool for casters to recover misplaced items, and offers excellent opportunities for utility and narrative development. Fount of Moonlight is another spell that prompts spellcasters to engage in melee combat, but since it requires Concentration, its effects will likely be short-lived.

Read More

2025-02-25 22:56