The 2024 Monster Manual introduces static initiative values for monsters. This change, while seemingly simple, has the potential to significantly alter the flow of combat. Let’s explore what this means for your games.
Monster Stat Blocks have Static Initiative
The new 2024 Monster Manual entries have made the initiative modifier clearer and provided a calculated Initiative value in the stat block.
How does Initiative work?
Initiative is calculated for monsters by the DM rolling a Dexterity check once for each group of identical monsters.
For example, the party enters combat with a Lizardfolk Shaman and 4 Lizardfolk.
This is two groups of monsters:
- a group of 1 Lizardfolk Shaman
- a group of 4 Lizardfolk
The DM would make a Dexterity check for the Lizardfolk Shaman and then make a second check for the Lizardfolk. The Lizardfolk Shaman would act on it’s own Initiative order while all of the Lizardfolk would act on a shared Initiative order.
This is the same for both 2024 and 2014 rules.
2014 Initiative Variants
The 2014 Dungeon Master’s Guide lists some optional Initiative Variants under Combat Options in the Chapter 9: Dungeon Master’s Workshop. This is where the “Initiative Score” is introduced.
Initiative Score: 10 + DEX modifier
In this variant, Initiative is calculated as 10 + DEX modifier for each identical monster group
Side Initiative
In this variant, the PCs and the monsters alternate their Initiative order. A group check is made for Initiative of the PCs and the DM rolls for the monsters; no modifiers are applied.
Speed Factor
Tables for Initiative modifiers are given for factors like Spellcasting (subtract the spell’s level), range/melee weapons, and creature size.
2024 Initiative Variants
In the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, Chapter2: Running the Game, Initiative can have Advantage or Disadvantage.
- If a character initiates combat, they gain Advantage on their Initiative roll or would add 5 to their Initiative score.
- Anyone surprised would have Disadvantage or would subtract 5 from their Initiative score.
What about individual Initiative?
Oddly, the rules for 5e do not describe an option for individual Initiative values. I was surprised by this, since this is the method I personally use in my games.
I’m not even sure where I got this idea from. Below is an example of how I use individual Initiative.
Shwaffle’s Encounter Sheet
Shwaffle’s Encounter Sheet is a PDF, with monster stat blocks, which I use for my encounters.
I pre-roll the initiative for each monster in the encounter and record it in the initiative tracker on the side of the page.
Then at the table I just fill the player initiatives around the monster entries.
It isn’t up to date for 2024, so I’ll have to find an alternative option.
Shwaffle’s Encounter Sheet has an initiative tracker, which I use to log pre-rolled initiative values for each monster.
I write the player initiative during the game.
Having this ahead of time speeds up my encounters and provides balance in the Initiative order.
What are your thoughts?
Which do you prefer: the new way or the old way?
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