As Dungeons & Dragons celebrates its 50th anniversary, Wizards of the Coast has unveiled the 48 subclasses featured in the upcoming 2024 Player’s Handbook. This new edition offers revamped character creation rules, a blend of new and reworked spells, and significant revisions to the 5th Edition ruleset. Each of the 12 core classes will have four subclasses, including returning favorites from the 2014 Player’s Handbook and 15 new or substantially changed subclasses. This comprehensive overhaul aims to ensure a fresh and balanced gameplay experience.
The 48 Subclasses in D&D 2024 Player’s Handbook
The subclasses for each class are designed to provide diverse playstyles and unique abilities, enhancing character specialization and strategic depth.
Barbarian
- Path of the Berserker
- Path of the Wild Heart (formerly Totem Warrior)
- Path of the World Tree
- Path of the Zealot
Bard
- College of Dance
- College of Glamour
- College of Lore
- College of Valor
Cleric
- Life Domain
- Light Domain
- Trickery Domain
- War Domain
Druid
- Circle of the Land
- Circle of the Moon
- Circle of the Sea
- Circle of the Stars
Fighter
- Battle Master
- Champion
- Eldritch Knight
- Psi Warrior
Monk
- Warrior of Mercy
- Warrior of Shadow
- Warrior of the Elements (formerly Four Elements)
- Warrior of the Open Hand
Paladin
- Oath of Devotion
- Oath of Glory
- Oath of the Ancients
- Oath of Vengeance
Ranger
- Beast Master
- Fey Wanderer
- Gloom Stalker
- Hunter
Rogue
- Arcane Trickster
- Assassin
- Soulknife
- Thief
Sorcerer
- Aberrant Sorcery
- Clockwork Sorcery
- Draconic Sorcery
- Wild Magic
Warlock
- Archfey Patron
- Celestial Patron
- Fiend Patron
- Great Old One Patron
Wizard
- Abjurer
- Diviner
- Evoker
- Illusionist
These subclasses aim to enrich the D&D experience, providing a plethora of options for character development and adventure.
Why This Matters to Me
Normally, I don’t cover D&D news, focusing instead on my own class and subclass designs. However, as a designer deeply invested in creating new and exciting options for D&D, the 2024 Player’s Handbook presents an interesting opportunity to see what Wizards of the Coast has planned. While I approach this with a keen and critical eye, evaluating the balance and creativity of these new subclasses, it provides invaluable insights that inspire and inform my own work.
It would mostly likely also mean for me to re-work some of my designs such as warlock subclasses for a new warlock and other D&D 2024 subclasses.
My Take on the Ranger Class
Upon hearing the latest updates on the 2024 Ranger class and subclasses, I’ve decided to design the entire Ranger class from scratch. My goal is to provide the Ranger with a unique identity and capabilities that distinguish it from other classes, addressing long-standing concerns and elevating its role within the game. Stay tuned for my upcoming designs and insights!
