D&D 2024: Understanding the New SRD 5.2 Creative Commons License

The Dungeons & Dragons System Reference Document, or SRD, is fundamental to the game’s widespread appeal. It allows independent creators and companies to develop content using the core mechanics of D&D without needing to secure a license. With the upcoming 2024 rules revisions, a revised SRD was anticipated to reflect these changes.

While it didn't appear immediately after the new Monster Manual, Wizards of the Coast unveiled the SRD 5.2 in April, promising a more open approach. Let's delve into how this new license works and what it means for the D&D community.

How D&D's SRD 5.2 Works The core principle of SRD 5.2 remains consistent with previous iterations, but significant changes have been implemented. Following controversy surrounding proposed restrictions to the open-game license in early 2023, D&D has adopted a more permissive Creative Commons License. This license was applied to SRD 5.1 and will be applied to SRD 5.2 from its launch. D&D’s official announcement of SRD 5.2 clarifies its function and highlights key changes.

Releasing on April 22, 2025, SRD 5.2 presents the fundamental rules from the 2024 revisions in a condensed format. Expect core mechanics and references, but specific world-building details and unique monsters will be omitted. Anything included in SRD 5.2 is free for third-party publishers to use as a foundation for their products, ensuring compatibility without licensing fees. This fosters a vibrant ecosystem of community-created content.

Understanding the Creative Commons License The primary requirement for utilizing SRD 5.2 is adhering to the Creative Commons attribution guidelines, which are simpler than the previous open-game license requirements. Unlike the open-game license, which required a full copy of the license in all derived material, Creative Commons only mandates a brief attribution statement. This statement can be found within the SRD 5.2 document itself.

More detailed legal information about the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which SRD 5.2 employs, is available on the official Creative Commons website. Materials using the 5.1 license can declare compatibility with the phrases "compatible with fifth edition” or “5E compatible," but Wizards requests that their company name be omitted from third-party products.

Key Benefits of the Creative Commons License While SRD 5.2 might refine the attribution requests to acknowledge the 2024 rules, the overall process should remain unchanged. Crucially, Creative Commons licenses are irrevocable, ensuring that content creators using SRD 5.2 won't face sudden licensing changes like the proposed 2023 restrictions. By releasing SRD 5.2, D&D guarantees the continued free availability of the 2024 ruleset elements included in the document.

D&D Beyond Basic Rules Update Alongside SRD 5.2, D&D is also releasing an updated free ruleset accessible on D&D Beyond, eliminating the need to purchase the core rulebooks. This resource provides an easier entry point for new players looking to explore the game for free. However, it’s important to note that this free ruleset is not governed by the Creative Commons license and cannot be used for third-party content creation.

The current D&D Free Rules (2024) already feature essential character options, limited Dungeon Master guidance, and a selection of monsters. While it remains to be seen how much the revised D&D Beyond Basic Rules (2024) will change, it's unlikely that any previously available free content will be removed. The introduction of SRD 5.2 and the corresponding free rules update primarily finalizes the rollout of the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons rules, setting the stage for the future of third-party content creation.