Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition
Revised 2nd EditionReferee-led fantasy campaigns of classes, proficiencies, spells, and dungeon expeditions
View on DriveThruRPG →Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best For
Groups who want referee-led fantasy campaigns with class-and-level characters, prepared spells, optional proficiencies, and detailed combat procedures.
Core Mechanic
Roll 1d20 to attack and meet or exceed THAC0 minus the target’s descending Armor Class. Ability and proficiency checks roll a d20 against an appropriate score. Spellcasters choose spells to memorize before casting.
ComplexityHow much there is to learn
High
A d20 attack roll and ability checks provide a consistent entry point. Character options and advancement add classes, race limits, prepared spells, proficiencies, equipment, and combat procedures. These procedures interlock across player and GM books, making the full game demanding to master.
AvailabilityHow you get the rules
- Free to tryNothing freeNo free rules or starter
- Get it nowSold newIn print or as a legal PDF
RunnabilityWhat the book gives you to run it
- ✓IndexFind any rule by page number
- ✓GM guidanceA chapter on how to run the game
- ✓Examples of playRules shown in action at the table
- ✓Quick referenceCheat sheet or summary tables
- –Cross-referencesRules rarely point to each other by page
4 of 5 book tools found in the core book
Highlights
- THAC0 expresses attack chances as a single target-number calculation against descending Armor Class.
- Parallel PHB and DMG organization and a DMG index covering both books make rules topics easier to locate.
- Optional proficiencies add chosen weapon and nonweapon capabilities to class-based characters.
Considerations
- Core rules remain split between the Player’s Handbook and Dungeon Master Guide, including DM-only procedures.
- Descending Armor Class, initiative modifiers, and special combat procedures require reference beyond a basic d20 roll.
- Optional proficiency rules increase character choices and exception handling.
Rules license All Rights Reserved
Similar systems
- OSRIC — A faithful recreation of 1st Edition Advanced D&DCompare Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition vs OSRIC
- White Box: FMAG — The original fantasy RPG distilled to its simplest form: four classes, compressed modifiers, and room to make it your ownCompare Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition vs White Box: FMAG
- Dragonslayer RPG — Classic old-school dungeon crawling from the creator of Barrowmaze: torches, rations, and descending ACCompare Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition vs Dragonslayer RPG
- Basic Fantasy RPG — Delve into monster-filled dungeons and build strongholds in the wildernessCompare Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition vs Basic Fantasy RPG
- Swords & Wizardry — Dungeon delving, deadly wilds, and strongholds carved from the frontierCompare Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition vs Swords & Wizardry
- The Lost March — Settlers of a colonial reconquest raid a Chaos-held frontier for gold, faction rank and landCompare Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition vs The Lost March