D&D 2024 for Dummies
Playing the Game
How to Play
- DM describes the scenario.
- You Say what you want to do.
- (A die roll may be requested).
- The DM describes the results.
The Roll of the Dice
20-sided die (d20) defines success/ failure in the game. A roll, with modifiers, that meets or tops a DM-set target succeeds.
- Advantage: Roll a d20 twice and use the higher number.
- Disadvantage: Roll a d20 twice and use the lower number.
Round Down
If a roll ever results in a fraction, round down.
Heroic Inspiration
If you have Heroic Inspiration, you can use it to reroll any die immediately. You can't have more than 1 at a time. This can be gifted to other players.
Reactions (once per round)
Reactions are unique actions triggered by specific events. They can occur anytime, even during another player's turn.
On Your Turn
- Move up to your speed.
- Take an Action.
- Take a Bonus Action (if available).
- Interact with something.
Actions
Attack
Make one attack with a weapon or an Unarmed Strike.Dash
Take more movement equal to your speed this turn.Disengage
When you move past enemies this turn they can't make Opportunity Attacks.Dodge
Attacks against you have Disadvantage. Your DEX saving throws have Advantage.Help
Assist someone with a task or attack, giving them Advantage.Hide
Make a Stealth check to hide.Influence
Make a Charisma or Wisdom check (DM decides skill) to change a creature’s attitude.Magic
Cast a spell, use a magic item or a magical feature. Many spells use one Action, some take longer.Ready
Choose an Action and an event to trigger it. If the event occurs, take that Action as your Reaction (see Reactions).Search
Make a Wisdom (Insight, Medicine, Perception, or Survival) check.Study
Make an Intelligence (Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, or Religion) check.Utilize
Use a nonmagical object.Combat
Initiative
To decide turn order, roll a d20 plus your Dexterity Modifier when combat begins.Making an Attack
- Pick a target in range.
- Roll a d20 - add Attack Modifier and add your proficiency bonus. If it equals or tops target's Armor Class, roll damage.
- Roll damage - Add your modifiers from weapon/attack details.
Critical Hits
A roll of 20 is a critical hit. Roll all damage dice two times, then add any modifiers.Ranged Weapons
Ranged weapons list two ranges (eg. 20/60). Beyond normal range, attacks have Disadvantage and can't exceed long range.Knocking a Creature Out
If a melee attack brings a creature to 0 HP, you can opt to knock them out instead of killing them.Opportunity Attacks
If a visible hostile creature next to you moves out of reach, you can react with a melee attack.Special Movements
- Drop Prone; no cost.
- Stand Up; half your movement
- Jump; Jump 1ft, per ft cleared
- Difficult Terrain, Climb, Crawl, Swim; Move at half speed (cost 10ft for every 5ft travelled)
Hit Points (HP)
HP indicates your durability, going from Hit Point Maximum to 0, decreasing with damage, rising with healing.Instant Death
If leftover damage, after reducing you to 0 HP, equals or tops your HP max, you die.Falling Unconscious
Upon reaching 0 HP without dying, you fall unconscious. If starting a turn with 0 HP, roll a d20 for a Death Save.| Rolling 1 | 2-9 | 10-19 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Failures | 1 Failure | 1 Success | Gain 1 HP |
