Do you think 5.5E is actually easier for new players, or just different?
I’ve seen a lot of discussion about whether 5.5e is better designed, more polished, or more balanced, but I’m curious about something slightly different:
Do you think it is actually easier for a brand new player to learn and enjoy?
For me, I go back and forth on this a bit. On one hand, 5.5e feels cleaner in a lot of places. The rules seem more organized, some terminology feels more standardized, and a few things look like they were clearly meant to make the game easier to teach.
But at the same time, I’m not fully convinced it is simpler overall for a completely new player. Character creation feels a little more front-loaded now. Backgrounds matter more right away, Origin feats add another choice early, and things like Weapon Mastery can make even straightforward martial characters feel a bit less plug-and-play than before.
So to me, it sometimes feels less like the game got strictly easier, and more like it got smoother for people who already kind of understand how 5E works.
What do you think?
If you’ve introduced someone new to the game with 5.5e, did it seem easier for them to pick up?
Or are there parts that still create the same confusion as before, just in different ways?
I’d be especially curious to hear from DMs who have taught both versions.