Is encounter-building that a big deal? In short, yes. So how has it changed in 2024?
Encounter balance in 2024: better or worse?
Players: you need a combat crib sheet
A combat crib sheet is an order of operations: a brief instruction manual for how to ‘optimize’ my character. For spellcasters, high-level characters, and characters with interesting feats and abilities, it can really come in handy.