D&D Versions Compared (5e, 3e, 3.5e, 4e) (Dungeons & Dragons | GM Tips)

Today we're diving into a highly requested topic: comparing different versions of Dungeons & Dragons. Which edition is the best? Which one do I prefer? This discussion was inspired by a fantastic question from ‪@DirtySocks1990‬ Big shoutout to Dirty Socks for always bringing great topics to the table!

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In this video, I’ll break down my thoughts on D&D editions 5e, 3e, 3.5e, and 4e. I’ve got eight criteria that I use to evaluate these versions, and you might be surprised by what I prioritize! From cantrips to rangers, and feats to the iconic wish spell, I’ll cover the elements that define my preference for these editions.

I'll also share my experiences with each version, including homebrew rules I've added to enhance gameplay. While this could easily be a much longer discussion, I’ve condensed it to give you the most important insights in less than 20 minutes. If you’re a D&D enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this.

Key Points Discussed:

Cantrips: Why I think 5e nails it. Cantrips in 3e were limited like low-level spells, requiring preparation and offering very few options. 5e transformed cantrips into a limitless, essential tool for spellcasters, making them more versatile and engaging to play.

The Ranger: How different editions treat this class and my take on it. The ranger has evolved significantly across editions. In 3e, rangers felt underpowered and overshadowed by other classes. I used house rules to make them more appealing. In 5e, rangers have a better balance and more unique features, making them a viable and exciting class to play.

Feats: The evolution from 3e’s feat-heavy system to 5e’s streamlined approach. Feats in 3e were abundant and sometimes overwhelming, leading to very complex character builds. 5e simplified feats, making them optional and more impactful, which I find improves the gameplay experience by focusing more on class abilities.

Reincarnate Spell: Comparing the magical and varied 3e list to the more limited 5e version. In 3e, the reincarnate spell offered a wide range of possibilities, including animal forms, adding a fun, unpredictable element. 5e's version is more restricted to humanoids, which I find less exciting. I often use the 3e list for its whimsical and varied outcomes.

Wish Spell: Why I prefer the 5e mechanics. The wish spell in 3e was powerful but came with heavy penalties and complexities. 5e streamlined wish, making it simpler and more balanced with clear consequences, which I believe enhances its utility and fun without bogging down the game with excessive mechanics.

The Paladin: My favorite D&D class by far. The paladin has seen significant improvements in 5e. Previous editions had paladins with fewer impactful abilities. 5e enhanced paladins with more dynamic features and better spellcasting, making them formidable and versatile. I appreciate how 5e allows paladins to shine in both combat and role-playing scenarios.

Bloodied Condition: A 4e innovation that I still use today. The bloodied condition in 4e marks a creature that has lost half of its hit points, triggering new abilities and making combat more intense. This mechanic adds excitement and strategic depth to battles. I incorporate it into my 5e games to maintain that thrilling edge when enemies become desperate.

And two more special points that I believe truly elevate the gameplay experience but you’ll have to watch to find out!

At the end of the video, I’ll give you a score for each version on a scale of 1 to 5 and reveal my favorite edition to play today. Stick around to see if you agree with my final verdict!

If you’ve got thoughts or disagreements, drop a comment and let me know! I love engaging with all your perspectives. Don’t forget to give a thumbs up and subscribe to help grow the channel. Your support means the world to me.

Thank you so much for watching. I'm here almost every day creating videos about the best game in the world, D&D. I’ll see you awesome people in the next one!