5 D&D Rules That Bug Me and What I'm Testing to Fix Them

D&D combat doesn’t always feel as smooth or satisfying as it should—and that’s what this video is about. In this playtest, I’m trying out a set of homebrew rules for D&D 5.5e designed to improve how combat flows at the table. These aren’t final rules—they’re ideas I’m actively testing in 2026 to see what actually makes combat faster, more engaging, and more fun. We cover updates to surprise, critical hits, critical fumbles, grappling, and reaction-based opportunity attacks—each aimed at solving common friction points without overcomplicating the game. If you’ve ever felt like combat drags, lacks impact, or just doesn’t quite click, try these at your table and see what works for you. Let me know what you think, what you’d change, and what’s worked in your own games. #dnd #dungeonsanddragons #dnd5e #dndcombat #dmtips #ttrpg #dndhomebrew #dndrules #howtodm Art of Character Podcast D&D Homebrew Rules for 5.5e (2024 5e) - Google Drive link here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WZuipz3quWfbvcOlwhYICZ5qyE1MZwmy/view?usp=sharing Art of Character Podcast D&D Homebrew Rules for 5.5e (2024 5e) v2 - added edit for grapple as an option for Opportunity Attack, which is aligned with current 5.5e rules on Opportunity Attacks. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IAHYWigq8uZnnJY9HbVeu-2oDquc2vN1/view?usp=sharing How to DM D&D Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLufAqKH_haJ_m3bsntA--CEva92-NurXd How to Play D&D Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLufAqKH_haJ9WA5wP3apNFq5KG8xMX40Q How to Play D&D Part 1 — What Is Dungeons & Dragons? (5-Minute Beginner Guide): Art of Character https://youtu.be/QTBDBu3jCHs How to Play D&D Part 2 — D&D Dice Basics Explained: Art of Character https://youtu.be/EmhBK8cRJCQ How to Play D&D Part 3 — Free Beginner’s Guide for 2024 5e Basic Rules: Art of Character https://youtu.be/EheOe7h2BZY How to Play D&D: The 6 Ability Scores Explained (Beginner Guide): https://youtu.be/64GueI2OmFs How to Play D&D: The D20 System | Ability Checks, Saving Throws, Attack Rolls - https://youtu.be/3nf7tK7hBSU D&D SRD 5.2.1 5th Edition Rules Download https://www.dndbeyond.com/srd D&D Beyond online Free 2024 5th Edition Rules https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/br-2024 Hit that like button! Tell us what you like or disliked in the comments. Share with friends! Social https://discord.gg/AAxCv9jGWz Support the Channel Here https://www.patreon.com/c/ArtOfCharacter Merch Store https://space-rambler-productions-shop.fourthwall.com Video and Audio Equipment I use. If you like any of my sound or video work, here’s what I use. These are my Amazon Affiliate Links Sony ZVe10ii Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/44q4xTu Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E (402965) Black -https://amzn.to/4q7VTBh Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E | Mount Lens/APS-C Format -https://amzn.to/4qdDWl7 OWC Atlas Pro 256GB SDXC UHS-II V60 Media Card - https://amzn.to/3KPp3Gz Zoom P8 Soundboard - https://amzn.to/4pC3MPH Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/44WQuoC Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones - https://amzn.to/4iV159n Rode ps1 Mic Stand - https://amzn.to/44UBTKo Pyle Heavy Duty Microphone Stand-Height Adjustable PMKS56 - https://amzn.to/4iRpXyI SmallRig 35"/90cm Softbox LA-O90 Quick Release Octagon Soft Box for Bowens Mount – COB - https://amzn.to/4rWJRww Aputure Amaran COB 60X S LED Video Light Bowens Mount,33,300 lux @1m Bi-Color 2700-6500k Photography Studio Lighting - https://amzn.to/4aUZu1c