The 2024 Player's Handbook introduced significant changes to how characters are created. If you're coming from the 2014 rules, some of these changes might surprise you. This guide breaks down the key differences and explains how ICE5e handles them.
Species, Not Race
The most visible change is terminology. What was previously called "Race" is now called "Species." This isn't just a name change - it reflects a philosophical shift in how ancestry works in the game.
Ability Score Increases
Old way: Your race determined which ability scores increased (+2 to one, +1 to another for most races). New way: Species no longer grant ability score increases. Instead, your Background determines these bonuses.This means you can play any species with any class without feeling like you're making a suboptimal choice. Want to play a Half-Orc Wizard? Go for it!
Size and Speed
Species still determine your size category and base walking speed, as well as any special movement modes like flying or swimming.
Species Traits
Each species still has unique traits that make them special. Dragonborn still have breath weapons, Elves still have Trance and Fey Ancestry, and Dwarves still have Dwarven Resilience.
Backgrounds Are More Important
Backgrounds have been significantly upgraded in the 2024 rules.
Ability Score Increases
Your background now provides:
- +2 to one ability score
- +1 to another ability score
- OR +1 to three different ability scores
Origin Feats
Every background now grants an Origin Feat at 1st level. This is huge! You start the game with a feat, giving your character more capabilities right from the start.
ICE5e includes all SRD origin feats plus several unique additions:
- Alert
- Crafter
- Healer
- Lucky
- Magic Initiate
- Musician
- Savage Attacker
- Skilled
- Tavern Brawler
- Tough
Skill Proficiencies
Backgrounds still grant two skill proficiencies, but these are now more customizable. If a skill from your background overlaps with your class, you can choose a different skill.
Subclass at Level 3
Most classes now choose their subclass at level 3, standardizing the experience across classes. This gives you more time to understand your base class before committing to a specialization.
Exceptions:- Clerics and Sorcerers still choose at level 1 (their subclass is integral to the class fantasy)
- Warlocks choose at level 1 (your patron defines your character)
How ICE5e Implements These Changes
Our character builder fully supports the PHB 2024 rules:
The builder guides you through each step and automatically applies all bonuses and features.
Tips for Building Your Character
Think Story First
With ability scores now tied to backgrounds instead of species, you can focus on the character concept you want to play. Ask yourself:
- What species resonates with my character's story?
- What background explains how they became an adventurer?
- What class fits their skills and goals?
Consider Your Origin Feat
Origin feats are powerful! Consider which one synergizes with your planned build:
- Alert - Great for anyone who wants to act first in combat
- Lucky - Universally useful for any build
- Magic Initiate - Add spellcasting to any class
- Tough - Perfect for front-line characters
Plan for Level 3
Since most subclasses unlock at level 3, think ahead about which specialization you want. This might influence your early choices for spells, skills, or ability scores.
Conclusion
The 2024 rules make character creation more flexible and meaningful. Your mechanical benefits come from your choices and backstory, not just your ancestry. ICE5e embraces these changes fully, making it easy to create characters that are both mechanically sound and narratively rich.
Ready to build your PHB 2024 character? Start now for free!