The Final Alpha Releases February 1

It's finally here! The last alpha playtest of Dungeon World 2, which we've been working on since the start of November, is nearly ready to release. It will include all of the following and more:

• A middle ground of mechanics between Blue and Red, in a way that we hope embodies the strengths of both D&D and PbtA at the same time
• Paths — A new structure for classes that combines the strong identities of playbooks with the modularity of Class Warfare
• Conflicts — A simple, modular take on backstories, each with its own move or mechanic
• Bonds — Relationship mechanics  shared by two PCs that “level up” over time
• Battle Moves — Four moves that reflect dramatic moments and cooperative goals within a fight scene/situation
• New Classes — The Druid, Paladin, and Ranger join Dungeon World 2, putting our total number of classes up to 9 so far
• Magic Items — With 30 sample items (or 64 if you count scrolls and potions individually), several tables for creating custom items, and 120 minor trinkets, magic items are back with a vengeance
• Artifacts — Powerful objects with their own methods of advancements. Six sample ones have been added as a test for artifacts in general, with many more coming in the future

For an alpha, this game is bursting at the seams with choices and options, and we're brimming with ideas for even more.

When beginning design for the Final Alpha, I focused on approachability first and foremost. I'm not a professional layout designer (which we do plan to use for the finished game), but I considered questions like "how will you create and update your character?" and "how many sheets do you need to look at?" and created the game's appearance accordingly.  Because of this, the Final Alpha will be released as a horizontal PDF, rather than a Google Doc.

Like previous alphas, it will still come with an online Player Sheet and GM Screen, and it'll have an extensive feedback form for you to fill out.

It was amazing to see my own group's eyes light up about this version of DW2, in a more exciting and enthusiastic way than they had for quite a while after the months of playtesting. I'm very satisfied with the work put into this version, and I hope you all experience the same excitement, once we're finished with the last few finishing touches before this Sunday.

Thanks to everyone for your continued passion and investment in this game,

Spencer

Co-Designer Commentary - Helena

This is it, people! The Final Alpha represents a major milestone in our road towards DW2, as after this final playtest period and feedback we’ll move firmly towards Beta, a phase in which, after showing you the definitive fundamentals of the game, you as the community and us as the designers will work together to polish the final text as much as we can.

Because of this, your feedback is even more important than ever. So whether you’re still playing vBlue, vRed, or are ready to try the Final Alpha, please fill out the respective feedback forms before the final deadline for doing so (which will be revealed alongside our next release), as well as keep on commenting on the DW+ Discord and Reddit.