Free5e: D&D for Everyone

In a move that could reshape the future of TTRPGs, Wyrmworks Publishing is officially launching Free5e Tuesday, March 25. For the first time ever, a full 5e variant is being made fully free and open-source, without the corporate licensing or financial barriers that have traditionally limited access to the hobby. Free5e isn’t just a “lite” version of D&D—it’s a complete, open alternative designed with accessibility and community at its core.

What Is Free5e?

Free5e is an ambitious project designed to make the Dungeons & Dragons 5e (5th Edition) experience truly open and free for everyone, forever. It includes three full core books—the Player’s Guide, GM Handbook, and Free Range Monsters—completely free to download and play. These books are packed with character creation tools, game master guidance, a diverse bestiary, and plenty of options for creating rich, immersive experiences for both players and GMs.

Open-Source for Everyone

Free5e is open-source and licensed under CC-BY (Creative Commons Attribution). That means anyone, from amateur creators to established publishers, teachers, therapists, Friendly Local Game Stores, churches, community groups, conventions, or anyone else can modify, adapt, share, publish, and even sell Free5e content without restrictions. This is a groundbreaking shift, giving the community unprecedented freedom to innovate, translate, and build upon the system.

The project is designed not just to benefit players but to foster creative ownership. Whether you're a small publisher or a solo creator, Free5e lets you use its rules, human-made art, and other tools as a foundation for your own projects—without worrying about copyright or licensing fees.

The Accessibility Factor

Anyone familiar with Wyrmworks Publishing will expect this project's commitment to accessibility. Free5e is the first 5e-based system built from the ground up to be accessible for all players. Available in dyslexia-friendly PDFs, digital braille, ePub, markdown, and other formats, plus at-cost print-on-demand options, it ensures that everyone can throw dice together, regardless of ability or finances.

Moreover, Free5e integrates disability representation in ways never before seen in a core D&D-compatible system. Players have the option to build characters with disabilities using three different systems for inclusion, allowing for greater representation across the table. Free5e weaves diversity and inclusion throughout the system as part its goal to invite everyone to play.

A Global Game for All Cultures

Free5e also aims to break down cultural and linguistic barriers. The open licensing allows for easy translation and adaptation into any language, dialect, or cultural context, making it a perfect system for global play. Whether you’re in Mandarin Chinese or Hindi-speaking regions, or you prefer Mexican Spanish over Castilian Spanish, Free5e offers the opportunity to create new localized content—a massive step for a game that has, until now, had limited non-English editions.

Making It Fantastic

Free5e is just getting started, and the Kickstarter campaign launching on March 25 is the next step in bringing this fully open system to the world. The goal of the campaign is to fund professional editing, layout, and human-made artwork, ensuring that the books meet high-quality standards while keeping the core content freely accessible for everyone.

Backers of the campaign can look forward to exclusive rewards such as printable game tools, engraved GM screens, metal art prints, and more while helping ensure that Free5e stays free and accessible forever.

Why It Matters

Free5e’s launch is a massive step for the TTRPG community. Originally announced on the second anniversary of the OGL fiasco that nearly destroyed the 5e creator community, by removing the barriers that have limited access to roleplaying games for so many, Free5e is creating a truly inclusive gaming experience. This system welcomes new players, provides representation for marginalized communities, and ensures that the benefits of TTRPGs remain accessible to all, regardless of background or ability, forever.

It’s more than just a game; it’s a movement for equality, community, and creativity. Free5e is changing the game in ways that will benefit the hobby for generations.

How to Get Involved

If you haven’t already, download the draft manuscripts for free from DriveThruRPG to start exploring the system and contributing to the grassroots feedback that has already improved the initial drafts. And don’t forget to support the Free5e Kickstarter launching March 25. With your help, we can make 5e truly free and open for everyone, everywhere.