OSE 2026 Update

OSE 2026 Update FAQ – Necrotic Gnome 

"The 2026 Update is not a new edition of the rules; it's just a new printing of the game with an updated presentation."

I put a link to the OSE 2026 Update FAQ, where they are cleaning up the core books and presenting a unified product core. They are breaking from the OGL and using CC content (finally), and cleaning up the game and providing examples of play.

Assassins get the thief backstab, and fighters get an optional "under 1 HD" multiple-attack rule. We are also getting an option for AD&D-like hit dice. We also include optional rules for "hovering at death's door" at 0 HP, which better align with 1E rules.

We are also getting a book for demons (launching tomorrow), which is a long-awaited addition.

The game is becoming OGL-free and more like the amazing OSRIC 3.0. OSRIC and OSE are already highly compatible (a 1-point ascending AC difference and the advanced class HD differences), and OSE 2026 gives you a rules-light BX version of the game, compared to OSRIC's 1E. It comes down to personal preference what you play.

Do you like the slower, more methodical, survival-focused play of 1E, and don't mind the extra rules baggage? Play OSRIC. I love 1E, and there are times I am down for all the extra rules, but there are times I want something where I can turn my brain off and just adventure with a rules-light game. For those times, grabbing a digest-sized copy of OSE and just starting to play instantly is a winner for me.

If you like the OSE race options, those are easily ported into OSRIC 3.0.

OSE, to me, feels like the rules-light, instant action version of the game. This is also the most compatible game with the world of BX, including the Without Number games, the modern versions of BX, Dark Places & Demogorgons, and everything else. If you want cross-compatibility, OSE is the winner. The Carcass Crawler zines also bring the game up to date with 5E, especially in terms of race options.

Another strong 1E option is Adventures Dark & Deep. If you want "all the extra stuff, plus 1E, and the kitchen sink," then ADAD is your game. If you want an easier game that focuses only on 1E, stick with OSRIC 3.0, and you will have less to learn and manage. I love ADAD, but the part of my mind that does not want all the extra complexity leans towards OSRIC 3.0.

OSRIC 3.0 and ADAD are essentially the same game, just done differently. It comes down to how much extra stuff you want, the additional systems ADAD introduces (revised combat, skill system), and the minor differences and tweaks to class designs. ADAD also raises the level caps of non-humans by the ability score modifier of the class's prime requisite ability, so ADAD feels heavily house-ruled. But these are all likely popular house-rules and logically consistent.

Both OSRIC 3.0 and ADAD are OGL-free for guilt-free gaming. Swords & Wizardry is here, too, OGL free and a solid choice. S&W is like OSE for 1E (built off a 0E base).

OSE is the easiest of these games.

I would put Swords & Wizardry here, between the middle and rules-light, but still strongly 1E.

OSRIC 3.0 is the happy middle.

ADAD is the most feature-complete, but the most complex.

It feels like the OSE 2026 Rules Update is a realignment towards the 1E rules, OSRIC 3.0, and ADAD. The BX side of the game remains the default mode of play, but the popularity of 1E seems to be driving this shift toward a presentation that supports the most popular 1E options and traditions, with optional rules to support them.

Also, OSRIC 3.0 and ADAD come with "batteries included," and the demons and other classic monsters ship with the core game. OSE wisely keeps them separate because the original game didn't have them, but there are times when it's just easier for me to have everything together in one place.

Is the hobby moving to standardizing on 1E and OSRIC 3.0? We still need a strong BX core, and OSE fills that role. But OSE shifting more towards 1E feels like the strength of 1E coming home and becoming the de facto standard for 2026 and beyond.

Is the OSR moving towards 1E?

I guess we shall see.