Dungeons and Dragons’ 8 New Subclasses Target a Specific Type of Player

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The Forgotten Realms-themed books, Heroes of Faerun and Adventures in Faerun, add eight new character subclasses to Dungeons & Dragons. These include both familiar options, like the Knowledge Domain Cleric, and brand new ones, such as the Scion of the Three Rogue. Each subclass comes with unique abilities and spells, from powerful elemental attacks to supportive healing. These new subclasses are especially great for players who like to combine different classes, as they offer strong benefits early on, opening up almost limitless character customization and exciting new possibilities.

The New Dungeons and Dragons Subclasses Beg For Multiclass Experimentation

The eight new character classes in Dungeons & Dragons are complete and can be played from level 1 to 20 without needing to combine them with other classes. But for players who enjoy mixing classes to create something special, these Heroes of Faerun options are perfect for experimentation and unique character builds.

While some of the character options in this book might seem fresh, they’re actually updated versions of classes that originally appeared in a previous edition of Dungeons & Dragons from 2014.

Wizards of the Coast did a great job designing the eight new character subclasses with strong abilities that players can access relatively early in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, usually around levels 3 and 6. Here are a few examples of what these subclasses can do early on:

  • At Level 3, Oath of the Noble Genies Paladins can access four powerful Elemental Smites, cast spells such as Chromatic Orb and Thunderous Smite, and add bonuses to their Armor Class when not wearing armor.
  • Spellfire Sorcerers who hit Level 3 can create a burst of flame that heals or harms, as well as casting Cure Wounds, Scorching Ray, and more.
  • College of the Moon Bards can become Invisible and increase their healing at Level 3, while Level 6 allows for casting a modified version of the spell Moonbeam that heals, damages, and sheds light.

It’s not that the advanced abilities gained at levels 15 and 20 are weak – some just don’t feel particularly impactful, like the Banneret Fighter’s immunity to being charmed or frightened at level 18. Playing a single class is still perfectly viable. However, seeing what these classes offer early on really makes me want to experiment with combining them to create something new.

DnD’s New Multiclass Options Are Practically Infinite

I’m really excited to see the unique character builds players create by mixing the new character classes with existing ones. After reviewing the Heroes of Faerun book, here are a few multiclass combinations that seem especially promising and fun to try out:

  • Oath of the Noble Genies Paladin would combine well with any Charisma-based caster, such as Warlock or Sorcerer. The Noble Genies Paladin’s ability to boost their AC without armor gives the character survivability while they cast their spells, and they have a melee option too, in the form of Elemental Smites.
  • Spellfire Sorcerer could double up with another caster or hybrid caster class, like Bard, Warlock, or Paladin. Spellfire Sorcerer gives access to useful spells like Counterspell, which could add to the arsenal of casters who don’t learn it naturally.
  • The Banneret Fighter’s support-based skillset, which can boost allies standing close to them, pairs perfectly with a Paladin’s proximity-based aura abilities. It could also combine with the new College of the Moon Bard to create the ultimate support-focused character.

The new Heroes of Faerun class, with its eight subclasses, opens up a lot of fun possibilities for combining classes in Dungeons & Dragons. With even more classes potentially on the way, as seen in the Unearthed Arcana, there’s a real chance to create some truly unique character combinations. I’m excited to start experimenting with these new multiclass options!

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2025-11-12 01:05