Every Dungeons and Dragons 2024 Druid Change Explained

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Every Dungeons and Dragons 2024 Druid Change Explained

As a long-time fan of Dungeons and Dragons, I’ve witnessed the evolution of the game over the years, and I can’t help but be excited about the major updates in the new 2024 Player’s Handbook (PHB). I remember the thrill of playing as a Druid, with its Wild Shape ability being the primary appeal that drew me to the class. I was always in awe of the transformative powers it held, allowing me to take on different animal forms and harness their unique abilities.

Dungeons and Dragons has long been the most popular tabletop RPG, achieving a resurgence in the last few years due to its vast portrayal in the media. A decade after the Player’s Handbook’s initial release in 2014, a new version comes with major overhauls that aim to make Dungeons and Dragons’ 5th edition easier to learn and play.

As a seasoned Dungeons and Dragons player with years of experience under my belt, I’m particularly excited about the upcoming changes to the Druid class. You see, I’ve always had a soft spot for these nature-loving spellcasters, but their Wild Shape feature has always been the real draw for me. So, you can imagine my delight when I heard that this would be the focus of an in-depth examination.

Druids are Made More Powerful in the 2024 Player’s Handbook

D&D Wild Shapes See Massive Improvements

The Druid’s Wild Shape ability is a key feature that makes the class appealing, so enhancing it in the latest edition made good sense. Notably, the Wild Shape now can be activated using a bonus action, which represents a significant shift as it enables shape-shifting during battles without losing a full round first to attack with newly acquired abilities like claws.

Instead of transforming into any animal they desire, Druids are restricted to a specific list of predetermined forms that they can change between during a long rest, similar to how they prepare spells. This feature simplifies the process of selecting the appropriate stat blocks for encounters and enhances the Druid’s connection with the chosen animals. Additionally, newcomers to D&D find it less daunting to have a defined selection of Wild Shapes at their disposal. Furthermore, Druids can now clearly communicate in Beast form, eliminating the inconvenience of only being able to utter animal noises while shapeshifted.

As a druid advances in level, they gain more opportunities to use Wild Shape and more efficient ways to recharge. Previously, all uses could be restored only during short or extended rests. However, this system has been upgraded with a more intricate and flexible mechanism.

  • Regain one Wild Shape use on a short rest.
  • Regain all Wild Shape uses on a long rest.
  • At level 5, gain Wild Resurgence, using spell slots to regain Wild Shape uses or vice versa.
  • At level 20, rolling initiative with no Wild Shapes restores one use.

When a Druid transforms using Wild Shape, they don’t obtain a fresh set of hit points for that form. Instead, they receive temporary hit points equivalent to their character level. Although this change might weaken some Druids, it restores balance in the game by preventing Druids from amassing an enormous pool of hit points and acting as tanks. Consequently, damaging a Druid to force them out of their shape would only be achievable once they have been reduced to 0 hit points.

At level 7, players have the option to acquire Primal Strike as an ability. This skill enhances elemental damage when wielding a shaped object. The damage intensifies further at level 15. Additionally, Druids are able to utilize Wild Shape once to summon Find Familiar, granting them a faithful animal companion akin to those of Rangers or Wizards. These abilities cater well to both combative and role-playing aspects related to nature.

The Circle of the Moon Better Embodies its Lunar Strength

The Druid subclass famous for its ability to transform into animals has seen significant enhancements with Wild Shape, making it high time for a comparable upgrade. Circle of the Moon Druids now lean towards their lunar domain by inflicting greater radiant damage instead.

At level 3, when choosing this subclass, a player’s Armor Class (AC) in Beast form is enhanced to 13 plus their Wisdom bonus (unless the Beast’s AC is superior). In addition, they receive three times their Druid level in temporary hit points instead of the standard amount. Furthermore, unlike basic Druids who can cast spells while in Wild Shape starting from level 18, Circle of the Moon Druids have this ability from level 3 onwards.

At level 10, Moon Druids in D&D 5e lose the ability to assume Elemental Wild Shapes and instead gain Moonlight Step. This is a bonus action teleport move allowing them to transfer to an unoccupied space within 30 feet, accompanied by an advantage on the following attack roll during the same turn. Additionally, at level 6, Moon Druids can transform their normal attack damage into radiant damage. At level 14, they acquire Lunar Form, adding an extra 2d10 radiant damage to each Wild Shape attack. Previously deficient in moon-themed abilities, this subclass now excels in that regard.

The 2024 PHB Introduces Druids Centered on the Seas

Wizards of the Coast is introducing a new druid subclass called Circle of the Sea. Previously available as a trial run in Unearthed Arcana, this subclass will now be officially included in the Player’s Handbook update in 2024.

A druid specializing in sea terrain was a logical addition, as druidic domains usually encompass various types of terrain. This new concept brings about intriguing roleplay opportunities and flavor. With the introduction of new “D&D” spells for water-related magic in the upcoming “PHB,” as well as existing aquatic races like tritons, a Sea Druid is poised to thrive. Furthermore, this development paves the way for imaginative concepts such as a druid pirate, among other captivating ideas that are expected to emerge following the “PHB”‘s release.

Although Druid isn’t the most frequently chosen class according to Dungeons and Dragons’ data, it certainly ranks high in terms of iconic fantasy archetypes. With these recent updates enhancing their durability and authenticity, Druids might attract more players to join their ranks as guardians of nature.

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2024-07-22 16:34