Bloody Hell, D&D Just Dropped a Playtest With Major Subclass Revisions – Are Your Favourites Getting a Buff?
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Dungeons & Dragons has dropped a new Unearthed Arcana playtest, buffing and reworking several beloved subclasses from *Xanathar's Guide* (and the Oathbreaker Paladin), promising exciting changes for the upcoming 2024 core rules update, and asking players to weigh in via survey.
Right then, gather 'round, mates, because Wizards of the Coast has been at it again, tinkering with the fabric of reality – or at least, the core rules of Dungeons & Dragons. You know that feeling when you're messing with a spell, and it suddenly decides to work *better* than expected? That's kinda what's happening in the latest Unearthed Arcana, and frankly, my inner nerd is doing a little jig.
This isn't just some minor bug fix; we're talking about a significant polish to some truly beloved subclasses, many of which first burst onto the scene in the legendary *Xanathar’s Guide to Everything*. For those who've been playing 5e since the beginning, *Xanathar's* wasn't just another sourcebook; it felt like the 'missing half' of the *Player's Handbook*, brimming with fantastic new options that quickly became tabletop staples. And now, several of those iconic choices are getting a proper facelift for the upcoming 2024 core rules update.
This fascinating dive into D&D's future was recently highlighted in an article by Eric Law for Game Rant, where he broke down the specifics. So, let's peel back the layers and see what these digital wizards at WotC have brewed up, shall we?
**The Big Five: What's Getting the Treatment?**
The latest Unearthed Arcana (which, for the uninitiated, is D&D's public playtesting ground – where they throw ideas at us to see what sticks) features revisions to five subclasses. Four of these are from the aforementioned *Xanathar's Guide*, with one outlier from the *Dungeon Master's Guide* getting a much-deserved overhaul.
1. **Barbarian – Path of the Spiritual Guardian (formerly Ancestral Guardians):** Oh, you thought your ancestral spirits were just there for moral support and a bit of ghostly shielding? Think again, mate! The Path of the Spiritual Guardian has received some rather lovely buffs. Your 'Spiritual Protectors' now come with options for dishing out extra damage – because sometimes, a stern spectral glare just isn't enough. The 'Spirit Shield' ability now properly scales with your level (fair dinkum, that's a welcome change), and they've added a new capstone called 'Vengeful Spirits' which can even grant you extra attacks. Imagine your ancestors not just protecting you, but giving your enemies a proper ethereal wallop for touching their favourite barbarian. Sounds like a proper family reunion gone wild!
2. **Barbarian – Path of the Storm Herald:** If you're anything like me, you picked Storm Herald because the idea of literally radiating elemental fury sounded utterly metal. But let's be honest, sometimes it felt a bit... underpowered, eh? Well, good news! The Storm Herald's 'Storm Aura' now scales with your Barbarian Rage Damage. This is huge, meaning your elemental burst of chaos will actually feel more impactful as you level up. Plus, there are reworks to the 'Raging Storm' environmental effects. Finally, your raging tempest can scale with your actual rage – it's about time your enemies felt the true wrath of the elements, not just a gentle breeze.
3. **Fighter – Cavalier:** The Cavalier Fighter, often considered one of the stronger Fighter subclasses already, is getting even more oomph. If you've ever dreamed of being the unshakeable knight, holding the line, and generally being an absolute menace on the battlefield, these changes are for you. Your 'Unwavering Mark' can now be used with impunity (no more worrying about limited uses!), and you get a speed boost on the first round of combat with 'Ferocious Charger'. Always felt a bit underwhelmed by the mounted combat fantasy, or just wanted to be the immovable object? Looks like WotC heard you, mate. Giving that Unwavering Mark some real teeth and a proper gallop to start things off is a cracking good idea.
4. **Monk – Warrior of Intoxication (formerly Way of the Drunken Master):** Ah, the Drunken Master. Who doesn't love a subclass that turns dodging blows into a chaotic, graceful dance? Now rebranded as the 'Warrior of Intoxication' – a bit of a fancy name change, perhaps a nod to not *just* alcohol but any mind-altering substance (or perhaps just extreme focus!) – the core idea of weaving around like a chaotic ballet dancer with a tankard in hand is still there. The big new addition here is the ability to make special beverages with 'Mystic Brew', letting you double down on the alcohol-themed subclass. My inner alchemist (and possibly my inner party animal) is doing a jig. Imagine mixing up a potent concoction that gives you a combat edge. That’s not just flavour; that’s a whole new layer of tactical shenanigans.
5. **Paladin – Oathbreaker (from Dungeon Master’s Guide 2014):** Now this, *this* is a glow-up that has me rubbing my hands together with glee. The Oathbreaker Paladin, the only subclass in this batch not from *Xanathar's*, has received a massive rework. No longer just a moody paladin who broke a promise, but a proper lord of the damned! You can now summon undead (yes, you read that right!), combo your smites with even more dread power, and enhance your 'Aura of Protection' with genuinely terrifying abilities. Bloody hell, they've gone full dark side, and frankly, it sounds epic. Someone's been reading a few too many grimdark novels, and I am absolutely here for it. This isn't just tweaking; this is a proper re-envisioning, turning a cool concept into something truly formidable at the table.
**So, What's the Big Picture, Jeff?**
It's always interesting to see WotC revisit older content, especially as they gear up for what's effectively D&D 5.5e (or whatever they're calling the 2024 core rules update). This isn't just about making things 'stronger' for the sake of it; it's about refining abilities, ensuring they scale better, and really delivering on the fantasy promised by the subclass name. It shows they're listening to player feedback about what feels good at the table and what might need a bit of a buff.
Of course, there's always a touch of gentle skepticism to apply. Will these changes stick? Will they be too strong, or just right? That's where *you*, dear reader, come in. The survey for these subclasses opens on November 6th, so if you've got strong feelings – whether you love 'em or reckon they still need a bit more work – jump in and make your voice heard. After all, shaping the future of D&D is a bit like casting a powerful spell; you want to make sure it lands just right, eh?
It's currently unclear which D&D book these options will appear in eventually, with other announced books already having their subclass content revealed. So, we're likely looking at a future, unannounced product for these beauties. But for now, let's get playtesting and see if these revisions truly live up to their potential. Fair dinkum, I'm excited to see where this goes!
Tags: D&D 5e, Tabletop RPGs, Game Design, Subclasses, Playtesting
Original article: Game Rant