D&D Releases Forgotten Realms Playtest with Eight New Subclasses
Dungeons & Dragons previews upcoming Forgotten Realms content through extensive playtest material.
Dungeons & Dragons has released a new Unearthed Arcana playtest featuring eight subclasses themed around the Forgotten Realms setting. The material serves as a preview of content planned for the upcoming Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide, scheduled for release on November 11.
The playtest introduces five entirely new subclasses, each drawing inspiration from different regions of the Forgotten Realms setting. The College of the Moon Bard incorporates elements from the Moonshae Isles, while the Oath of the Noble Genies Paladin connects to the desert realm of Calimshan. The Winter Walker Ranger brings the frozen wilderness of Icewind Dale to life, and the Scion of the Three Rogue reflects the influence of Baldur’s Gate’s notorious cults. The Spellfire Sorcerer rounds out the new options, featuring abilities tied to the magical Weave of Mystra.
Revamped Classic Subclasses
Alongside the new content, three subclasses from the 2015 Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide receive significant updates. The Knowledge Domain Cleric gains expanded spell options and telepathic abilities, while the Bladesinger Wizard now incorporates Intelligence-based attacks and spell-strike combinations. The Purple Dragon Knight Fighter undergoes the most substantial revision, introducing an Amethyst Dragon companion system while maintaining its supportive combat role.
- College Of The Moon Bard
- Knowledge Domain Cleric
- Purple Dragon Knight Fighter
- Oath Of The Noble Genies Paladin
- Winter Walker Ranger
- Scion Of The Three Rogue
- Spellfire Sorcery Sorcerer
- Bladesinger Wizard
The playtest material has sparked discussions regarding potential changes to established Forgotten Realms lore, particularly concerning the Purple Dragon Knights’ relationship with dragons and the accessibility of Spellfire abilities. These elements may indicate upcoming revisions to the setting’s traditional narrative.
Players interested in testing these subclasses can access the material through the official Unearthed Arcana document. The feedback period opens on February 4, preceding the November release of both the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide and Adventure Guide.