The 2024 rules for character creation are actually fantastic, but unfortunately, this new builder doesn't follow them. Instead it follows the 2014 rules with a few steps reordered, meaning that it follows neither rulebook.
What makes the new creation rules good is that they ask the player to make all of the biggest decisions first before filling in fine details. This builder, like the 2014 one, asks you for every detail every step of the way, making it an even more intimidating process than before, as there are more choices in the 2024 rules. I assumed the reorganization was because of this increased complexity.
It gets worse.
Certain options that are new to 2024 simply aren't present in the builder at all, such as Common Sign Language and Rare Languages. Some Rare Languages are displayed if you own a source with more languages, even with Legacy and Expanded Rules disabled, but Druidic and Thieves' Cant are notably absent, despite their presence on the table in 2024.
Backgrounds in particular are a disaster. You're first asked to choose two languages, which, technically, is no longer part of the background step, then you're asked to select a background. However, selecting a Legacy background gives you two more languages (or two tools), no feat, and no Ability Score bonuses. In its current form, pre-2024 backgrounds are unplayable trap options, even the ones clearly designed for forwards-compatibility (such as Wildspacer). There's a box on page 38 of the 2024 PHB that pretty clearly explains how to use older backgrounds, and this is not following it. The Custom Background option uses the 2014 rules, even if you have Legacy disabled, giving it the same problems without even a label. These problems persist with Customize Your Origin enable, which only impacts Legacy species.
In the past, I would have encouraged new players to use the D&D Beyond Character Builder, but in its current state, I can't do that in good faith.
We should expect nothing less than two completely separate builders: one using the 2014 rules and one that actually uses the 2024 rules, properly this time.
The 2024 rules for character creation are actually fantastic, but unfortunately, this new builder doesn't follow them. Instead it follows the 2014 rules with a few steps reordered, meaning that it follows neither rulebook.
What makes the new creation rules good is that they ask the player to make all of the biggest decisions first before filling in fine details. This builder, like the 2014 one, asks you for every detail every step of the way, making it an even more intimidating process than before, as there are more choices in the 2024 rules. I assumed the reorganization was because of this increased complexity.
It gets worse.
Certain options that are new to 2024 simply aren't present in the builder at all, such as Common Sign Language and Rare Languages. Some Rare Languages are displayed if you own a source with more languages, even with Legacy and Expanded Rules disabled, but Druidic and Thieves' Cant are notably absent, despite their presence on the table in 2024.
Backgrounds in particular are a disaster. You're first asked to choose two languages, which, technically, is no longer part of the background step, then you're asked to select a background. However, selecting a Legacy background gives you two more languages (or two tools), no feat, and no Ability Score bonuses. In its current form, pre-2024 backgrounds are unplayable trap options, even the ones clearly designed for forwards-compatibility (such as Wildspacer). There's a box on page 38 of the 2024 PHB that pretty clearly explains how to use older backgrounds, and this is not following it. The Custom Background option uses the 2014 rules, even if you have Legacy disabled, giving it the same problems without even a label. These problems persist with Customize Your Origin enable, which only impacts Legacy species.
In the past, I would have encouraged new players to use the D&D Beyond Character Builder, but in its current state, I can't do that in good faith.
We should expect nothing less than two completely separate builders: one using the 2014 rules and one that actually uses the 2024 rules, properly this time.
The Ability Score bonuses will be on the Abilities page. At least they were for me when I checked.