Crafting in games has always been a divisive topic among players. Some find it to be a relaxing and rewarding aspect of gameplay, while others, like Lauren Morten, believe it to be the worst part of the experience. Morten’s sentiment that crafting can be tedious and uninteresting resonates with many gamers who would rather be out exploring, fighting monsters, or completing quests than gathering resources and creating items.
In the world of tabletop role-playing games, crafting has often been a neglected aspect of gameplay. Previous editions of Dungeons & Dragons had cumbersome downtime rules for crafting that required a significant time investment and often left players feeling disengaged. However, the 2024 Players Handbook for D&D 5E introduces new crafting rules that promise to make the process more streamlined and engaging.
One of the key improvements in the new crafting rules is the inclusion of specific requirements for crafting certain items. For example, players with a herbalism kit and the relevant proficiency can now craft potions of healing by spending a full day’s work and 25 GP of raw magic goo. This not only adds depth to the use of tool proficiencies but also provides players with a tangible goal to work towards when crafting items.
Additionally, the new rules make drinking potions a bonus action rather than a full action, a change that has been widely adopted in popular video games like Baldur’s Gate 3. This small adjustment streamlines combat and makes the use of potions more strategic and efficient.
Furthermore, the 2024 rules expand the utility of tool proficiencies by allowing players to craft a wider range of items. Adept users of painter’s supplies can now create their own holy symbols or druidic focuses, while those proficient in mason’s tools can use them to investigate secret rooms. These additions not only make tool proficiencies more useful but also encourage players to think creatively about how they can use their skills in different situations.
The introduction of the Crafter feat, which allows players to craft useful items overnight, adds another layer of depth to the crafting system. Players can now create essential items like grappling hooks, nets, torches, and rope without having to spend excessive amounts of time or resources.
Overall, the new crafting rules in D&D 5E offer a more engaging and rewarding experience for players who enjoy the creative aspect of gameplay. While some may still find crafting to be a chore, the improvements made in the 2024 edition of the game make it a more viable and enjoyable option for those looking to enhance their characters and immerse themselves in the world of Dungeons & Dragons.