Mage Armor 5e: Aka How to Not Die

Mage Armor 5e – or simply the Mage Armor spell in D&D 5th edition – is an easy and long-lasting spell that helps protect otherwise unarmored characters. This 1st level spell is also popular among players, and is really a must-have in every caster’s arsenal. 


One of the absolute big things you need to keep an eye out for in every D&D campaign is character hit points. When it comes to combat, it's - clearly - just about the only important thing. Obviously, you need to be aware of your group’s current HP, too. But what I’m talking about is that wizard-types need to select spells that take their group’s max HP into account, and plan defensive spells accordingly.


For example, spell casters, in particular, are notorious for their fragility. Compared to bulky Barbarians and Paladins, Wizards and Sorcerers are vulnerable to really any level of damage. From a roleplay perspective, they’ve sacrificed their Constitution and Dexterity so that they’re able to maximize their spell casting stats (spending long hours in the library instead of long hours in the field, training, like a warrior).


Spell casters are a beloved part of any TTRPG, and their archetype inspires great quest ideas and character ideas, but their frailty often does leave them needing some help.

Mage Armor 5e

Mage Armor 5e Keeps Spell Casters Alive

Having low HP and (basically) the inability to wear armor, for a wizard, is not the end of the world. In most cases, spell casters are able to stay in the back line during combat encounters, allowing their stronger frontline allies to keep them safe.


However, there are times when even spell casters get targeted, so thankfully there are options to increase survivability. One of the best defensive options for Sorcerer or Wizard classes is the Mage Armor spell.


It’s a handy little effect that protects fragile characters from continuous blows. The +3 to AC (basically) may not seem like a big deal, but for a frail wizard, it can be a literal lifesaver. Try it and see; your character will no longer be the punching bag!


For the uninitiated or Dungeon Masters-in-training, you’ll want to know the basics of this spell. Those who’ve already finished dozens of campaigns may also be looking for novel ways to use the Mage Armor spell in their strategies. For this article, I’m here to share some arcane (but not really) knowledge with those who seek it. Keep reading to learn more about mage armor 5e.


What Is Mage Armor?

Here are the stats of the Mage Armor spell from the D&D 5th Edition Handbook:


1st-level Abjuration

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: Touch

Components: V, S, M (a piece of cured leather)

Duration: 8 hours


“You touch a willing creature who isn’t wearing armor, and a protective magical force surrounds it until the spell ends. The target’s base AC becomes 13 + its Dexterity modifier. The spell ends if the target dons armor or if you dismiss the spell as an action.”


Mage Armor 5e is one of the first abjuration spells you’ll encounter in the handbook. Under this school of magic, you can cast spells that provide various forms of protection, not just the physical barrier that Mage Armor creates. Other abjuration spells can negate harmful effects, shield the mind, and create magical barriers.


As for Mage Armor, you’re essentially creating a magical force that surrounds characters which increases their armor class. A higher number for AC represents better protection, lowering the chances that an enemy will hit your character.

Using Mage Armor

Since it’s a 1st-level abjuration spell, Mage Armor 5e is relatively easy to cast. It takes one action to create the spell, but the magical barrier lasts for eight hours. So long as your character doesn’t wear any other armor, or you don’t dismiss the effect, then the spell will endure.


To cast mage armor, you need to touch an unarmored creature who’s willing to receive the spell. “Unarmored” is critical here, so don’t just cast the spell on any character that you think needs an AC buff. Only those who aren’t wearing any kind of armor can benefit from mage armor’s effect. Remember: even a shield is considered armor in D&D.


Another critical component of casting the Mage Armor spell is consent. You can only cast the spell on the character if they are willing. Otherwise, the spell will fail and you waste an action. Once these conditions are followed, the spell’s magical force will surround the character and provide protection.


Effects of Mage Armor

Since the Mage Armor spell lasts for eight hours after it takes effect, it’s an ideal and convenient spell choice for long campaigns. Especially if your group will be entering on long journeys exploring hidden forests, abandoned castles, forbidden dungeons, and other campaign idea settings.


On the more technical side of things, Mage Armor modifies the character’s base AC to 13 + Dexterity modifier. Creatures normally have only AC of 10 + their Dexterity modifier when they’re not wearing armor. With the Mage Armor spell, you effectively add three more points to the creature’s AC.


For example, normally, if a sorcerer had a Dexterity modifier of + 2, their total AC would be 12. With the Mage Armor, however, the base would be 13, so their total AC would then add up to 15. In this instance (which is probably pretty common), the sorcerer’s 25% increase in AC is significant, and anyone playing that character will definitely notice the spell’s effects.


One of the absolute best features of Mage Armor is that it’s not a concentration spell. This means that the spellcaster doesn’t need to focus on keeping the armor intact for its entire duration. Since concentration spells can fade when the spell caster takes damage (and concentration spells are quite common), mage armor actually gets a huge boost in value from lasting regardless of concentration.


Needless to say, you still have to be cautious when using Mage Armor though, as the spell isn’t so amazing that it’ll make you invulnerable.

Mage Armor 5e Potion Bottles

Have you ever seen the "Potion" bottles people make on Instagram? I made these from glass "rocks" and small bottles you can find at Hobby Lobby. Imagine a Potion that contains the Mage Armor spell.

Classes that can Cast Mage Armor 5e

As mentioned, only two classes can cast Mage Armor 5e, the Sorcerer and Wizard. These two are the only classes without any armor proficiency, so you best believe it when I say that Mage Armor is an essential spell for them.


There is a third class that doesn’t have armor proficiency: the Monk Class. However, this limitation is compensated by the Monk’s Unarmored Defense feature. For Monks, in addition to their base AC and Dexterity modifier, they get to add an additional Wisdom modifier. Thanks to unarmored defense, Monks are generally tougher than Wizards and Sorcerers, at least until Mage Armor is cast, that is.


Subclasses that can Cast Mage Armor

Certain subclasses have the ability to learn spells that are usually available to only Wizards and Sorcerers, such as Mage Armor 5e.

  • Clockwork Soul Sorcerer: while this subclass belongs to the Sorcerer class, the Clockwork Soul Sorcerer has something called a Clockwork Magic feature. With this ability, you can access more spells, and you can also change one spell you gained from the sorcerer spell list with every level up. This ability means you can change one spell into Mage Armor, if you skipped acquiring the spell at an earlier level.
  • Arcane Trickster Rogue: this subclass has the ability to access spells from a Wizard. So, an Arcane Trickster Rogue can use Mage Armor, though the value for this class may not be as high since they already have light armor proficiency.
  • Eldritch Knight Fighter: the Eldritch Knight Fighter can use spell books, so they can cast spells so long as they follow the standard rules for spellcasting. However, Mage Armor doesn’t do much in terms of boosting AC for them either, given that the Fighter class also already has armor proficiencies, by default.


Mark of Warding Dwarves

Aside from classes and subclasses, some races can cast also Mage Armor — the Mark of Warding Dwarves, in particular. The race has a Wards and Seals feature that allows them to cast Mage Armor 5e. The only caveat is that dwarves can only accomplish the feat once after a long period of rest. In addition, Mark of Warding Dwarves do not need any materials to cast Mage Armor, which is a nice little perk.


Eldritch Invocation

The last method of casting Mage Armor can be accomplished by the Warlock class. These characters have access to forbidden knowledge thanks to dealings with mysterious beings. With this forbidden knowledge, they can cast Mage Armor on others and themselves.


Additionally, the best thing about Warlocks casting Mage Armor is that they don’t need to expend a spell slot, nor do they need the spell’s material components.

Spell Card Decks for Mage Armor and Everything Else

As a quick aside, I always find it valuable to have my game's spells and abilities printed out in some way or another. Nothing's worse than rolling for initiative against a major adversary only to have the wizard say, "wait a second, I have to look that up." To keep your game moving faster and keep your players in the game's flow, check out these D&D 5e spell decks through Amazon. You can either purchase them all together, or separately, if you just need one or two. I definitely recommend them for faster, more in-the-flow gameplay.

Is Mage Armor 5e Any Good?

Before laying down my thoughts on the effectiveness of Mage Armor, I just want to say that no spell is “good” or “bad” – as an overall rule, that is. What’s important is to consider how you can apply a spell to fit your strategy and make it worth any drawbacks. There are plenty of spells, such as Silence, Cause Fear, Charm Person, Bless, and Haste that are all excellent when used in the right scenario – and actually kind of awful when used incorrectly.


Mage Armor, in particular, has been the subject of debate among D&D veterans and casual players alike. Still, it all boils down to each players’ preferences and how they plan to use the spell.


Here are two scenarios that can help you figure out how to best employ Mage Armor 5e for your upcoming RPG campaigns.


Increase in AC

Say that Wizard starts with a base AC of 10 + 2 Dexterity modifier for a total of 12 in AC. With these values, the character has a 45% chance of getting hit by an enemy with +0 hit chance to their weapon attack. The truth is though that many monsters have more than a +1 hit chance modifier, so the chance of being hit is actually much higher, on average.


When Mage Armor is cast, the boost in the same example results in an AC of 15. This significantly reduces the chances of a character taking a hit, giving them only a 30% chance of being hit by a +0 hit chance enemy.


The reduction to being hit is already great, but what makes Mage Armor 5e even better is that you’re casting it on characters with low AC and no armor proficiency, meaning that the armor boost is actually sort of more dramatic. The spell reduces the chances of getting hit from one in every two attacks to one in three.


Preservation of Spell Slots

One of the common arguments against Mage Armor is that its relatively low boost to AC (which again, see above) is not worth the spell slot it takes. Given how characters at lower levels have limited spell slots, the trade-off may not seem worth it.


There is an alternative to Mage Armor, which would be to cast the Shield Spell. While this effect offers a higher + 5 boost in AC, it only lasts for a single round. Mage Armor, meanwhile, lasts for practically an entire day of adventuring, including every battle you may have during that time.


Since the Shield spell only lasts 1 round, you may need to cast it fairly often. Casting more spells is problematic, as low-level characters (of course) don’t have a lot of spells that they’re able to cast each day. So, why not just cast Mage Armor one time and call it good?

Eternity TTRPG Article Shop

Comparing Mage Armor to Other Types of Armor

Finally, I think it’s valuable to compare the three armor classifications in D&D with Mage Armor. The Light, Medium, and Heavy Armor types all make use of an equipped item, ranging from Leather to Plate armor.


Light Armor

The top tier of light armor is Studded Leather, which turns your base AC of 10 into a base AC of 12. Mage Armor, meanwhile, turns your base AC to 13, meaning that it’s actually slightly more advantageous than light armor, on the whole.


Medium Armor

Medium armor is where equipped armor actually begins to surpass Mage Armor. Though the lower-tier of medium armor, Hide, only provides a base AC of 12, Half Plate goes much higher at a base AC of 15.  


Of course, you have to remember that Wizards and Sorcerers may not equip medium armor, so they won’t be able to wield the non-magical armor without spell casting penalties. That being accounted for, when it comes to spell casters, Mage Armor 5e provides a little less protection than medium armor, but is still a better fit for them, overall.


Heavy Armor

Generally, Heavy Armor items easily outclass Mage Armor’s defenses. The caveat is that a character needs to reach relatively high levels of strength to equip Heavy Armor without sacrificing speed. In addition, Heavy Armor reduces stealth, which can sometimes be valuable for spell casting classes.


I don’t advise using Heavy Armor for spell casters since they usually don’t have the strength to carry the items, not to mention the lack of armor proficiency. Even though Plate Armor provides a base AC of 18, I still think Mage Armor is the better choice for casters, by far.


Final Thoughts on the Mage Armor 5e Spell

Mage Armor’s really a simple spell, but hopefully you can still take advantage of using its effects to the maximum. It’s an easy and long-lasting spell that helps your weaker spell casters avoid damage. With the right strategy, this effect will let you preserve spell slots while managing dangers at the same time.


Mage Armor 5e is also a great way to protect to help spell casters maintain concentration spells such as Bless 5e, Cause Fear 5e, Charm Person 5e, and Haste 5e. It's also an excellent way to keep healers alive for those beautiful spells like Cure Wounds 5e.


So long as a spell caster's still alive, they can keep pushing out value for the group. And when it comes to tough fights, even 1 point of AC can make all the difference.

Mage Armor 5e for Villains

Mage Armor in D&D 5e vs. Eternity TTRPG

In D&D, the Mage Armor 5e spell is pretty unique, and is practically a god-send to many spell casting classes. In the Eternity TTRPG Game System, most classes have multiple ways – both large and small – of increasing their defenses. The options are so much wider in Eternity TTRPG for spell casting classes to protect themselves, actually, that the two games almost can’t be compared, in this particular way.


For example, in Eternity TTRPG, any class can upgrade their defenses upon level up. Spell casting classes are typically not able to improve their defenses as much as some melee classes, by comparison, but they can still increase their durability even without defensive spells being cast.


When it comes to actual spells and abilities, however, Eternity TTRPG provides classes with numerous defense-boosting choices. Though not every class has a spell like Mage Armor, per se, they usually have critical options which they may select that provide the same (or often, better) protection.  

Dungeon A Day Article

What Classes in Eternity TTRPG can Cast a Version of Mage Armor?

In the Eternity TTRPG Game System, I wanted players to have choice in creating the characters they wanted to play, not only for roleplaying, but also for combat. In traditional TTRPGs like D&D 5e, class archetypes are fairly set, and though players have choices of spells, feats, and stat upgrades, those choices aren’t always extremely broad.


As a side note, I do think D&D 5e has improved player choice with their implementation of character backgrounds and what amounts to class specializations, but the choices are still fairly limited.


In Eternity TTRPG, players can literally create a “tanky” spell caster, or a magical fighter, often without needing to select one special class to fill that role. Instead (and even though there are 30-total classes in Eternity TTRPG), players may adjust their characters as they see fit, with very few limitations.


Cryomancer – Core Class Spell

Flash Freeze (Magic): Instant Action. 4Range, the target gains +13Resilience, +13Dodge, and +13Will for 1turn. When you cast or Critical this Spell, you can’t use any more Wisdom this turn. 1Day Recharge.

  • (Frost Knight) Lasts for 2turns.
  • (Spells of Everwinter) After this Critical has been used on the target, the next time a debuff or negative Status effect is cast at or used against the target, roll d20. If you roll 6-20, that debuff or negative Status effect is automatically Reflected back upon the attacker. Debuffs or negative effects that are Reflected cannot be dispelled. 3turn Duration.
  • (Elemental Ice) The next enemy who attacks your target, -3Faith vs. Resilience. If this Critical hits, the target is Dazed for 2turns, after their attack. This Critical effect cannot Double-Hit or give a Block.


Fallen Paladin – Core Class Spell

Wicked Armor (Magic): 4Range, after this Spell has been cast, the target gains +3Will. When you cast this Spell on yourself, you instead gain +4Will. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Spell for 1Inspiration, per target.

  • (Sword of Shadows) If a target attacks you while you are affected by “Wicked Armor,” you gain either +4Strike Bonus or +4Faith against that target. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 4Inspiration (and 0Wisdom), per target.
  • (Shield of Corruption) Gives +7Will. When you use this Critical on yourself, you instead gain +8Will. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 3Inspiration (and 0Wisdom), per target.
  • (Blood Healing) The target gains immunity to all damage and negative effects the next time they are attacked. This effect also Fatigues the target, giving -1Resilience, -1Dodge, and -1Will for 1Day Duration (can stack without limit).


Judge – Core Class Ability

Relentless Lawbringer: 4Range, gain +1Dodge, plus an additional +1Dodge every turn (can stack to +7Dodge). You can instead choose to continually maintain this Ability for 1Inspiration, per target.

(Dazed): gaining additional stats each turn from “Relentless Lawbringer” is temporarily interrupted while you are Dazed.

  • (Voice of the Realm) Also, Weapon Range, Strike Bonus vs. Resilience or 4Range, Faith vs. Resilience. If this Critical hits, that target has -3Resilience, -3Dodge, and -3Will. This Critical effect cannot Double-Hit or give a Block. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical as an aura for 3Intelligence (plus the base 1nspiration, and 0Wisdom), making it an Instant Action at the start of every Battle.
  • (Shield of Order) Also, gain +1Resilience every turn for the rest of the Battle (can stack to +7Resilience). You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 2Inspiration, per target.
  • (Swift Justice) Instant Action. When you use this Critical, you can’t use any more Wisdom this turn. 1turn Recharge.


Pyromancer – Core Class Spell

Magma (Magic): creates a “Magma” space in every space adjacent to you, that remains for Battle Duration. Any target who begins their turn in, or moves through each “Magma” space, roll d20. If you roll 18-20, deals 1damage (can stack to 15-20 after two applications – deals 2damage to cryomancers). You also gain +3Resilience, +3Dodge, and +3Will, but have -3Initiative, for 2turns.

  • (Flames of the Abyss) Roll 15-20.
  • (Magic of the Silver Lands) Also, up to 3 enemies in 2Range, -4Faith vs. Resilience, throws affected targets target up to your Speed value in any direction.
  • (Elemental Fire) You can only use this Critical if you have “Phoenix Flame” selected. You also cast a non- Critical “Phoenix Flame” in the same turn. When you use this Critical, you can’t use any more Wisdom this turn.

 

Royal Guard – Core Class Ability

Stoicism: 4Range, the target gains +3Resilience. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Ability for 1Inspiration, per target.

  • (Executor) Gain +3Strike Bonus while “Stoicism” is active on yourself. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 4Inspiration (and 0Wisdom).
  • (Life-Sworn) Gives +6Resilience. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 2Inspiration (and 0Wisdom), per target.
  • (Ancient Blade) Instant Action. When you use this Critical, you can’t use any more Wisdom this turn. 1turn Recharge.


Sage – Core Class Spell

White Aegis (Magic): 4Range, after this Spell has been cast, the target gains +3Dodge. When you cast this Spell on yourself, you instead gain +4Dodge. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Spell for 1Inspiration, per target.

  • (Darkness and Light) You also gain +3Faith while “White Aegis” is active on yourself. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 3Inspiration (and 0Wisdom), per target.
  • (Secrets of the Ancient Tomes) Gives +7Dodge. When you use this Critical on yourself, you instead gain +8Dodge. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 3Inspiration (and 0Wisdom), per target.
  • (Powers of the Eternals) Whenever the target is healed, roll d20. If you roll 14-20, they heal an additional +1HP. You can only cause additional healing with this Critical once per turn. This Critical allows the affected target to heal 2HP above their normal max HP. Healing from this effect also Fatigues the target, giving -1Resilience, -1Dodge, and -1Will for 1Day Duration (can stack without limit). You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 3Inspiration (and 0Wisdom), per target.
Mage Armor Keeps Wizards Alive

So long as a spell caster has 1HP left, they can cause incredible damage to almost any enemy. That's why Mage Armor is so valuable. Even if it just provides barely enough protection, it's all worth it.

When to Focus on Armor in Eternity TTRPG

In most RPG campaigns using Eternity TTRPG, spell casters probably won’t opt for heavy defenses, thereby placing offense as a low priority. Unless the spell caster is by nature a healing or buffing class, spell casters in Eternity TTRPG are still most often best-suited for aggression, damage, and debuffing enemies.


As with most games, spell casters in Eternity TTRPG should focus on defense if they’re often finding themselves as the target of enemy attacks. The only difference with Eternity TTRPG as compared to D&D 5e and other games is that there are many more options for spell casters who want to defend themselves, than just one spell like Mage Armor.

Epic World Builder Promo

Counters to Mage Armor in Eternity TTRPG

If basically every class in Eternity TTRPG can use some version of a Mage Armor spell, you may be wondering what the point even is to attacking anyone, at all. If spell casters are archetypically the frailer classes and so many of them can gain substantial armor, doesn’t that kind of ruin basic strategies such as rushing spell casters?


As with all great tactical games, Eternity TTRPG also provides counters to highly-armored enemies so that even spell casters focused on defense are not unkillable. It’s also worth noting that enemies in the game never have insane defenses, and most enemies with defense-boosting spells and abilities do not use them 24/7, so a typical campaign never runs into the situation of a highly-armored caster.


In most cases, if anything, the players are most capable of building armored casters, and enemies need counters to them.


Dispelling Mage Armor

One great way to deal with mage armor-like spells is to simply get rid of them. Many spell casting classes have some form of “dispel,” though there are also dispel scrolls available to even fighting classes.


White Whispers (Magic): 4Range, -7Faith vs. Resilience, removes all stacks of all ongoing Magic, maintained effects, or Status effects from the target (excluding summons). Or alternatively, 4Range, +5Faith vs. Resilience, deals 1damage to a summoned unit. This Spell is cast on any target you’d like, but the roll is made against the Character who cast the Spell or used the Ability you are attempting to remove, unless the target is a summon.

(Double-Hit): also, deal 1damage to the target.


Dispel Scroll : 4Range, Strike Bonus vs. Resilience or 4Range, Faith vs. Resilience, removes all stacks of one ongoing Magic, maintained effect, or Status effect from the target (excluding summons). Or alternatively, 4Range +5Strike Bonus vs. Resilience or 4Range, +5Faith vs. Resilience, deals 1damage to a summoned unit. This Spell is cast on any target you’d like, but the roll is made against the Character who cast the Spell or used the Ability you are attempting to remove, unless the target is a summon. This Item cannot Double-Hit or give a Block.


Tank Breakers

For cases when dispelling is not an option, every class additionally has their own version of what’s known as a “tank breaker,” which are spells and abilities specifically designed to combat heavily armored enemies. If for some reason a spell caster opted to really boost their defenses, a tank breaker may be the perfect way to counter them.


Berserker – Core Class Ability

Mania: after you use this Ability on yourself, at the end of every one of your turns, roll d20 against up to 3 enemies who were within 2Range at any point during your turn. If you roll 19-20, you deal 1damage. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Ability for 3Inspiration.

(Dazed): the effect from “Mania” is temporarily interrupted while you are Dazed.

  • (Decimation) Instead roll 17-20. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 5Inspiration (and 0Wisdom).
  • (Recklessness) You also have +3Initiative while “Mania” is active on yourself. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 5Inspiration (and 0Wisdom).
  • (Dauntless Fury) Also roll to deal damage with “Mania” two (2) times against every enemy within 2Range who attacks you. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical for 5Inspiration (and 0Wisdom).

 

Oracle – Core Class Spell

Doom (Magic): 4Range, if the target currently has 1HP at the end of their 3rd upcoming turn,

they die. Use the following chart to modify hit chances based on the target’s current HP:
2HP 8-20 4-5HP 18-20 7-10HP 20 3HP 14-20 6HP 19-20 11HP+ Can’t Doom

You can instead choose to continually maintain this Spell as an aura for 3Intelligence, per target you want to cast at, making it an Instant Action at the start of every Battle.

(Dazed): the effect from “Doom” is temporarily interrupted while you are Dazed.

  • (Blessings of the Eternals of Light) 10Range. You also have 10Range when casting this Spell, for Battle Duration.
  • (Blessings of the Eternals of Shadows) When you initially cast this Spell, the target also automatically has either -3Strike Bonus or -3Faith, at your choice. You can instead choose to continually maintain this Critical as an aura for 5Intelligence (and 0Wisdom), per target you want to cast at, making it an Instant Action at the start of every Battle.
  • (Memories of Eternity) Instant Action. When you use this Critical, you can’t use any more Wisdom this turn. 1turn Recharge.


Try out Mage Armor in Eternity TTRPG

If you like D&D 5e but you’ve often felt like it doesn’t provide the level of options you want when it comes to combat, I created the Eternity TTRPG Game System for that very reason. I love D&D but always felt like I couldn’t quite “do” what I wanted with my characters, and wanted something more tactically satisfying – something that even felt a little chess-like, at times.


Want to play a truly mage armored spell caster? You can do that in Eternity TTRPG and see for yourself how fun it is.

If you want more information first, you can check out my page on the Eternity TTRPG Game System. See the game’s races, classes, and resources for getting started with the game.


You can also purchase an inexpensive PDF copy of the game at the Eternity TTRPG shop. Though the Eternity TTRPG site and game are comparatively small now, we’re growing quickly. With that growth is coming more and improved artwork, an upcoming release of a print version of the game, better graphic design, etc.


If you choose to check out the game or even purchase, let me know what you think! I’d love to hear from you.

Share This Article

Jacob Tegtman Eternity TTRPG Creator

Author - Jacob Tegtman

Dear reader, I hope you enjoyed this article. Tabletop gaming has been a passion of mine since I was 6 years old. I've played just about every game from Dungeons and Dragons to video games like Final Fantasy. These games have inspired me, made me laugh, made me cry, and brought me endless hours of enjoyment.


I started Eternity TTRPG - and the indie tabletop game that goes along with it (Eternity Shop) - to share my love of gaming with others. I believe that in our technology-driven age, tabletop games help bring a sense of magic and community back into our world.


If you love the site, please share it with others! I have lots of gaming-related material for you to peruse and use in your own gaming sessions. If you have any questions about the site or want to contribute, just send me a message using the "Contact" page, which you can find in the site's footer.

A vampire sits on a dark throne holding a wine glass, with the text

The Future of D&D Books in 2026 - Eight New Books to Dive Into

By Jacob Tegtman • March 11, 2026
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z2fTaAQS3g Transcription For months the D&D community has been asking the same question… “Where are all the new books?” Well—Wizards of the Coast finally answered. 2026 is bringing Ravenloft horror, high-magic arcana, a Feywild heist romance, and… a crochet owlbear. Yes. Really. Today we’re breaking down every single Dungeons & Dragons book announced for 2026 —what they are, who they’re for, and which ones might actually change your campaign. Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG—your party’s reliable source for Dungeons & Dragons news, lore, and tabletop chaos. Today we’re going through the entire 2026 D&D release schedule . There’s quite a few books, so this list is meant to give you the quick, clean, and minimal filler low-down. If anything sounds good, you have something to start on for your own in-depth research. So, let’s get started. The biggest announcement so far for 2026 is: Ravenloft: The Horrors Within , Releasing June 16th, 2026. This new sourcebook expands the Domains of Dread , the gothic horror setting originally ruled by Strahd. For Dungeon Masters, the book adds: • new Darklords • new monsters • and expanded guidance for running horror-themed campaigns . That includes subgenres like: • gothic horror • cosmic horror • and psychological horror. Players get new options too: • horror-themed subclasses • new species and backgrounds • and expanded Dark Gift feats . The book also expands the fear and dread mechanics , which could add some serious tension to horror campaigns. And yes… Legendary monster hunter Rudolph van Richten is making another appearance. Preorders begin April 13th , and digital versions hit D&D Beyond early in June . So horror fans—Is Ravenloft your favorite setting, or are you still loyal to Curse of Strahd? Then in September 2026 , we get one of the most mysterious releases: Arcana Unleashed. Wizards of the Coast calls it a “high-magic sourcebook.” What we know so far is that it introduces new arcane subclasses from earlier Unearthed Arcana playtests. Plus: • new spells • magic items • artifacts • and expanded customization options. But the biggest addition might be a new “evolving magic item” system . That means magical gear that levels up alongside your character, which if done properly – could be pretty cool. This kind of thing could also change how treasure progression works in campaigns. We also know though that if this idea is done poorly… Well… could lead to certain things from this book being banned at some tables. Launching alongside Arcana Unleashed is an adventure expansion called: Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall. This adventure ties directly into the main Arcana Unleashed book and features the infamous Red Wizards of Thay . The story reportedly involves a massive magical war , with new lore about the organization. And interestingly… A Red Wizards adventure was originally teased way back in 2023’s D&D Direct event , so this might finally be that storyline. We don’t yet know if this will be: • a full physical book • or only a digital D&D Beyond adventure . But if you like Forgotten Realms villains… The Red Wizards are about as dangerous as it gets. Next up is something aimed at specifically Dungeon Masters : the Dungeon Master’s Workbook of Worldbuilding, releasing May 5th . This one is all about building better campaigns. The book includes exercises designed to help DMs: • design campaign worlds • create memorable NPCs • build maps • and improve improvisation skills. Which honestly might be the most important DM skill of all. Because no matter how much you prepare… Players will always find a way to kick down the door that has nothing behind it. At least until you create something on the fly, that is. So, this workbook aims to help DMs build living worlds instead of static storylines. I got some really great advise when I first started DMing, which was to steal everything. I think these kind of thought-provoking books help synthesize great material into something that’s also – at the same time – entirely your own. Alongside the DM book, and launching the same day, is something aimed at new players and storytellers . This is an interactive companion to the D&D 5.5e Player’s Handbook . Instead of rules, the book focuses on guided character creation . It includes prompts that help you: • build backstories • connect your character to the party • and design personal motivations that actually matter in the campaign. Think of it like a creative writing workbook for D&D characters. If you’ve ever stared at a blank character sheet thinking… “Uh… I guess I’m an edgy rogue with amnesia? Oh yeah, and I’m an orphan – definitely, always an orphan.” This book might actually help. And I mean that in a kind way. Nearly everyone benefits from a bit of help thinking through interesting character creation, without relying on the same tropes that Final Fantasy characters have been relying on for a few decades. Then, we have something completely different. The Feywild Job releases June 30th . And this one is actually a D&D novel , not a game book. It’s written by C.L. Polk , a Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winning author. The story follows two former lovers turned thieves hired to steal a magical artifact from the Feywild. So imagine: • magical heist story • romantic tension • with chaotic Feywild politics. Basically romantasy meets D&D crime caper. Which honestly feels like the most Feywild thing possible. Every now and then I can get into a D&D novel. Maybe you’re like me and it’s been enough time to give a new novel a try. Finally, we have Dungeons & Dragons Crochet: A Book of Many Patterns. Yes—this is a real official D&D book. Written by longtime D&D contributor Stacy King , it includes 20 crochet patterns inspired by the D&D multiverse . We’re talking: • Owlbear cub plushies • Mini beholders • And even a handmade Bag of Holding So, this obviously isn’t a rules book. It’s basically crafting for D&D fans who want to bring the monsters to life—literally in yarn. Kind of like D&D cook books, but crafts version. Which, by the way, I’ve seen a lot of these kind of things selling like hot cakes at local conventions, so you know it’s going to be in-demand. Buy it for the ladies in your weekly D&D group who are into crochet. Ok, so I lied. There’s a bonus round here, which is one possible future release. There are strong hints that Dark Sun might be returning, which I shared about a couple months ago in a previous video. Recent playtests included subclasses tied to the setting like: • Gladiator Fighter • Defiler Sorcerer • and Sorcerer-King Warlock. Those are classic Dark Sun themes . So, while nothing is officially confirmed… It’s very possible we’ll see a new Athas sourcebook in 2027. And if that happens? It would be the first major Dark Sun release in decades. I’d be super into seeing something like that come down the pipeline. That’s the full Dungeons & Dragons book roadmap for 2026. From crochet monsters… To gothic horror… To evolving magic items. It’s actually a pretty diverse lineup. But, now I want to hear from you: Which of these books are you most excited for? And which one are you skipping entirely? Drop your thoughts in the comments. And if you want more weekly D&D news, lore, and tabletop chaos— Make sure you subscribe. Until next time… May your dice roll high and your players never step through the door that you never prepared for.
Dungeons & Dragons logo with text:

D&D is Now Officially called D&D 5.5e - No more One Dnd or Dnd 2024

By Jacob Tegtman • March 4, 2026
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vE0niUm8vU Transcription Wizards of the Coast has finally done it. After years of calling it “One D&D(?)”… then “D&D 2024”… and pretending it wasn’t a new edition, while kind of also insisting that it was… They’ve now officially named it what I had assumed the community at-large has been referring to it as now for probably at least a year, which is: D&D 5.5e. Was this the right call? Did, in fact, the community already decide this for them? And does this mean we’ve now officially entered into an edition war era again? Let’s talk about it. Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG — your go-to source for all things Dungeons & Dragons. Today we’re breaking down Wizards of the Coast’s official confirmation that the latest, 2024 rules update is now officially known as D&D 5.5e , what it means for the community, and whether this name change actually does anything. So, after years of brand confusion, Wizards of the Coast has indeed officially confirmed via a detailed FAQ that the 2024 rules update will now be called: Dungeons & Dragons 5.5 Edition. On D&D Beyond, all 2024 material will carry a “5.5e” tag, while legacy 2014 content will simply remain labeled “5e.” According to the FAQ, the reasoning is simple: Players mixing 2014 and 2024 content were confused about which rules applied. Which, yeah. No kidding. And honestly? If you’ve ever tried building a character using mixed subclasses, spells, and feats… you know that confusion is real. For years this thing – this edition – has had an identity crisis. First it was called One D&D — for some reason – positioned as “the future of D&D.” Then marketing shifted heavily toward “D&D 2024.” And now? We’re back to the old-school edition numbering convention. Wizards of the Coast says using “5e” and “5.5e” makes it quicker and easier to tell what rules you’re using — especially on digital platforms. Which, I agree. I actually got my start into D&D during the 3.5e era, so nothing crazy there for my generation. From a UX standpoint I think this also makes sense, especially as D&D continues to push their online gaming and presence. D&D Beyond has kind of always been a bit of a mess, to be honest. So any naming convention upgrade to simplify is kind of a win in itself. But here’s where it gets interesting… Wizards claims that “5.5e” matches how the community already talks about the game. But, to my surprise, it turns out the data tells a slightly different story. According to Google Keyword Planner data (March 2, 2026) — filtered across the US, Canada, UK, and Australia — here’s how the search terms stack up: “dnd 2024” – 6,600 monthly searches (+50% Year over year growth) “dnd 5.5e” – 1,300 monthly searches (+19% Year over year growth) “dnd 5.5” – 1,000 monthly searches “d&d 5.5e” – 140 monthly searches So while “5.5e” and its variant search options is growing… “D&D 2024” absolutely dominates search volume — almost 2.5x higher, and growing substantially faster, it turns out. Now, that doesn’t mean 5.5e won’t become standard over time. Especially with this “official switch,” it will. But this is an interesting choice since – this admittedly limited data, shows – that people were perhaps by-and-large finally beginning to actually adopt the “D&D 2024” title. So, I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this on the channel, but my main profession is marketing. One small thing that immediately comes to mind is social media hashtags. You can’t use a period in hashtags. That means: #dnd5.5e – that’s out So is it #dnd55e then (?) #dnd2024, however, totally fine All this to say is that from a modern branding and searchability standpoint, “D&D 2024” is cleaner. It’s more searchable. More social friendly. Maybe a little easier to type. So this decision feels less like a marketing move… and more like a database clarity move. This is about tagging systems. Cataloging. Digital sorting. I think D&D is still having a bit of an identity crisis, basically. And with all this, here’s the bigger philosophical question. If it’s called 5.5e… Does that mean it’s officially a half-edition? Historically, we’ve seen this before. Like I’ve referred to a couple times already, Wizards of the Coast released 3.5e back in 2003 — and that absolutely felt like a mechanical overhaul. But 5.5e? Is... more like a systemic refinement. Core math remains largely intact. Bounded accuracy is still king. Monsters hit differently, classes are tuned, spells adjusted… But I’m not sure I’d say it’s such a huge departure from 5e, like perhaps 3.5e was from 3e. The community sentiment is mixed. Some players are relieved there’s finally more clarity. Others feel like the branding mess could have been avoided entirely, and I certainly agree with that. And then there’s the group that’s been calling it 5.5e for two years going, saying: “I told you so.” Ultimately though? The name doesn’t change the gameplay. By most metrics, the 2024 rules have been widely adopted and actively played. Which means whether you call it: 5.5e 5e 2024 One D&D Or “The Patch Update” The dice still roll the same. This move feels like an administrative correction. Maybe it’s helpful for clarity, but isn’t really what D&D needs to move forward right now after all of the mixed feelings people have had about D&D, Wizards, and Hasbro. Wizards of the Coast is aligning the digital ecosystem with how people track rules versions internally. Will 5.5e stick? Probably. Will people still Google “D&D 2024” for years to come? Absolutely. You know they will. But at the end of the day… A game by any other name still crits on a 20. So, what are you calling 5.5e at your table? Thanks for watching today! If you want more weekly D&D news, rule updates, and community deep dives — make sure you like, subscribe, and ring the bell. Otherwise, I’ll see you next session.
D&D book cover: adventurers face a huge monster with a snowy-white head. Emerald and blue hues create a forest scene.

D&D Beyond's Book Where Guaranteed - Everyone Dies - Beadle & Grimm's

By Jacob Tegtman • March 1, 2026
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvU0p3UMOiU Transcription What if I told you there’s a brand-new D&D book…  where your party is supposed to die? Not “might.” Not “if you roll badly.” But guaranteed total party annihilation. And now it’s officially on D&D Beyond . Today we’re diving into Faster, Purple Worm! Everybody Dies, Vol. 1 — the adventure anthology where death isn’t a failure… it’s the feature. Let’s talk about what’s inside, what’s new, and whether this is actually one of the best low-level chaos tools of 2026. It’s been a minute guys, but welcome back to Eternity TTRPG, your go-to source for all things Dungeons & Dragons — from rule shakeups to purple worm-sized chaos. Last summer, third-party RPG publisher Beadle & Grimm’s released something… deeply unhinged. A 138-page anthology. 15 one-shot adventures. All for level 1 characters. All playable in 1–2 hours. And every single one ends in a Total Party Kill. Not “balanced.” Not “scalable.” Not “talk it out with the villain.” Just. Dead. The book ties directly into the actual play series Faster, Purple Worm! Kill! Kill! , which features celebrity players like Deborah Ann Woll , Seth Green , Anjali Bhimani , and co-founder Matthew Lillard . The whole concept? Lean into the absurdity of low-level adventurers making catastrophically bad decisions… and go full cinematic disaster mode. And honestly? That’s kind of genius. Because most tables never actually experience a true TPK. And this book says, “Cool. Let’s make that the entire point.” So what’s new now that it’s on D&D Beyond ? Mechanically? Same 15 adventures. But digitally? It’s juiced up. You get: 11 Quickplay Maps integrated into the Maps VTT 25 monster stat blocks (9 brand-new creatures + 16 variants) 17 new magic items ready to drop into character sheets 8 shareable handouts That’s actually pretty solid integration. And here’s the real surprise… The price. On D&D Beyond? $19.99. Compare that to: $45 for print $25 for PDF $50 for bundle That’s… unusually reasonable. For D&D... to be honest. Which is not something we say often about digital toolsets. Content-wise, it also leans into classic D&D chaos — including trips to Strahd von Zarovich in Barovia , and even tangling with the beholder crime lord Xanathar . Level 1 characters. Against that. You already know how that ends. If you’re newer to the scene, Beadle & Grimm is known for their ultra-premium boxed editions of official 5E books. We’re talking: Physical handouts In-world props Encounter cards Massive maps High-end collector-tier stuff. Founded in 2018 by Matthew Lillard and partners, they built a reputation on premium experiences. But this anthology? This is original content. Not just luxury packaging. And that’s interesting. Because it signals something bigger: Third-party publishers integrating more directly into official digital ecosystems. That’s a big deal. Here’s why this isn’t just a novelty book. It’s low-commitment D&D. Perfect for new players. It reframes failure as entertainment. Which is actually very healthy for the hobby. We can all take a solid step away from min-maxing, and pretending like we all need to be “good” at our favorite hobby, which to me is often besides the point of “having fun.” Three - It gives DMs a safe sandbox for chaos. Ever wanted to: Drop a meteor? Let the villain monologue uninterrupted? Run a trap that is wildly unfair? Now you can. Because the players know. They signed the waiver. And weirdly? That kind of expectation-setting creates some of the most memorable tables. This also feels very aligned with modern D&D culture — faster, punchier, content-friendly sessions. And for $20 digital? This might quietly become one of the best pickup party-night modules out there. We’ve seen serious campaigns. And they’re awesome. We’ve seen grimdark epics. And they’re also awesome. But this? This is D&D saying: “What if we just lean into the madness?” And honestly… I love it. Would you run a guaranteed TPK night at your table? Or is that sacrilege? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoy weekly D&D news, breakdowns, and community chaos — hit like, subscribe, and ring the bell. And tell me: What’s the wildest TPK you’ve ever experienced? That’s it for today! Until next time all, I’ll see you next session.
Show More