D&D – System Reference Document v5.2
Big news for third-party creators: Wizards of the Coast just released SRD 5.2 under the Creative Commons license, expanding on the foundation laid by 5.1, and it’s a pretty big deal.
SRD 5.2 isn’t just a rules update. It’s a toolkit packed with more spells, feats, monsters, and gear for designers to build adventures, homebrew campaigns, and entire new settings… all while keeping full ownership of their creations. That’s right: what you build with SRD 5.2 is yours, no strings attached.
Even better? The SRD is now part of the official errata process. That means regular updates, clear version numbers, and less guesswork when you want to align with official Core Rulebook changes. If you’ve been working with SRD 5.1, transition resources are on the way to help make the shift smooth.
The community has always been the heart of D&D. With 5.2, creators get more freedom and better tools to shape their own worlds,and we’re excited to see where your imagination takes you.
LINK: https://media.dndbeyond.com/compendium-images/srd/5.2/SRD_CC_v5.2.pdf
Here are the deets from DnD Beyond website:
The System Reference Document (SRD) contains D&D rules content you can use and reference to publish content under Creative Commons.
The purpose of the SRD is to provide a foundation of Dungeons & Dragons content on which third-party publishers can build their products. It allows creators to reference and use the base game rules of Dungeons & Dragons in their products without the need to pay a licensing fee to Wizards of the Coast.
The SRD and Creative Commons do not apply to the use of D&D content in streaming, fan art, cosplay, and other fan content; these are permitted as described in Wizards’ Fan Content Policy.
In addition to the SRD and its FAQ, we’ve also established a Creator FAQ that further details how content creators of all kinds can develop content, fan works, and other products legally with D&D IP.
Creative Commons and the DMsGuild offer different kinds of publishing opportunities. Below is an overview of the programs.
This information was last updated on April 22, 2025. See below for the SRD v5.2 FAQ. You can also find more information on SRD v5.1 below.
| Activity | SRD 5.1* (OGL & CC) | SRD 5.2 (CC) | DMsGuild |
|---|---|---|---|
| I want to design content using the 2014 fifth edition ruleset for D&D | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| (NEW) I want to design content using the 2024 fifth edition ruleset for D&D | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| I want to publish my own campaign using the 2014 fifth edition ruleset for D&D | ✓ | — | — |
| (NEW) I want to publish my own campaign using the 2024 fifth edition ruleset for D&D | — | ✓ | — |
| I want to publish content using the Forgotten Realms | — | — | ✓ |
| I want to print and sell 2014 or 2024 fifth edition content on my own | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| *SRD 5.1 was originally published under both OGL 1.0a and Creative Commons. Going forward, all new SRD versions will be released exclusively under Creative Commons (CC-BY-4.0) for consistency and broader compatibility. | |||
SRD 5.2 FAQ
What are the differences between SRD 5.1 and 5.2?
See the following table for the differences between SRDs. All content in SRD 5.2 has been updated to 2024 core rules wording and mechanics.
| Section | SRD 5.2 Difference |
|---|---|
| Legal Disclaimer | Wording changes only |
| Table of Contents | New |
| Playing the Game | Added: Rhythm of Play, Exploration |
| Character Creation | Wording/mechanics changes only |
| Classes | Wording/mechanics changes only |
| Character Origins | Added 3 Backgrounds, 2 Species:
Removed: Half-Elf (race), Half-Orc (race) as these are not in the 2024 core rules. |
| Feats | Added 16 Feats:
|
| Equipment | Added:
|
| Spells | Added 20 Spells:
|
| Game Rules | Added: Rules Glossary
Removed: “Between Adventures” section as that is not featured in the 2024 core rules. |
| Gameplay Toolbox | Added:
|
| Magic Items | Added 15 Magic Items:
Additionally, two items have a different name in SRD 5.2:
|
| Monsters | Added 17 Monsters:
Updated: Monster names and stat blocks follow the Monster Manual. You can reference Monster Conversions in Appendix B for stat block conversions from 2014 to their 2025 equivalent. |
| Appendix | Removed: “Fantasy-Historical Pantheons” and “The Planes of Existence,” as those are not rules-bearing to play fifth edition. |
| *Renamed in SRD 5.2 only to avoid using protected trademarks; still referred to as Deck of Many Things in official products. | |
| **Renamed in SRD 5.2 only to avoid using protected trademarks; still referred to as Orb of Dragonkind in official products. | |
Why are some of the names of [spells, items, monsters] different from the names in the Core Rulebooks?
We’ve renamed some of the content so that it can be freely used by creators without worrying about infringing Wizards’ IP. The functionality of that content remains the same.
Why is [class, spell, monster, etc.] not in SRD 5.2?
SRD 5.2 includes a wide range of content from the 2024 core rulebooks, but some classes (such as the Artificer), species (like Aasimar), and monsters (including the Beholder) have been excluded. These exclusions are based on brand identity protection, licensing strategy, and intellectual property rights.
Further, in SRD 5.1 there was confusion around whether any named monsters, items, etc. that appeared in descriptions but not as stat blocks were part of the actual content of the SRD, so we’ve taken steps to ensure that there’s no further confusion there. Names like Strahd, Orcus, and Tiamat won’t appear in SRD 5.2.
SRD 5.2 is designed to give creators a strong foundation for building original material, not to replicate every element of the D&D brand or setting. Where content is omitted, creators are encouraged to design and name their own equivalents.
Can SRD 5.2 ever be revoked or changed?
No. Once a document is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-4.0), it is permanently available under those terms. Wizards of the Coast cannot revoke or alter SRD 5.2 or remove it from Creative Commons.
As rules evolve, we may publish future SRD versions (e.g., SRD 5.2.1, 5.3) that reflect errata or new releases. Each version will remain available and independently licensed under Creative Commons.
Why is the SRD released under Creative Commons and not OGL 1.0a?
Creative Commons (CC-BY-4.0) is a globally recognized, legally stable, and community-endorsed license that provides greater transparency and flexibility. It allows creators to freely use, adapt, and publish compatible content with simple attribution.
The community’s strong support of SRD 5.1’s release under Creative Commons confirmed it as the preferred standard moving forward. All future SRDs will use Creative Commons exclusively.
How will errata interact with SRD 5.2?
SRD 5.2 already includes all second-printing errata as of its release. When future errata to the 2024 core rulebooks are issued, Wizards may release updated SRD versions (e.g., SRD 5.2.1, 5.2.2) reflecting those changes.
Each version will retain its own license and will remain available for use under the same Creative Commons terms.
When will localized versions of SRD 5.2 be released?
Localized versions of SRD 5.2 are planned for release later in 2025, following the launch of the Monster Manual in French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Watch official D&D channels and social media for updates.
Can I use both SRD 5.1 and SRD 5.2 in the same product?
Yes. Both SRD 5.1 and 5.2 are available under the Creative Commons CC-BY-4.0 license. You are free to use content from either—or both—in your published work, as long as proper attribution is provided.
Can I mix SRD 5.2 content with older editions?
Yes, but you’ll need to ensure compatibility on your own. SRD 5.2 is based on the 2024 rules, so mechanics may differ from older versions.
Can I use SRD 5.2 for crowdfunding (Kickstarter, Patreon, etc.)?
Yes. SRD 5.2 can be used commercially under Creative Commons, including for crowdfunding and ongoing support platforms, as long as you follow attribution guidelines.
