Dungeons and Dragons Reveals Updated Unearthed Arcana Playtest Subclasses

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Dungeons & Dragons recently shared a new playtest document called Unearthed Arcana. This time, instead of introducing completely new character options, it focuses on improving existing magical subclasses that were previewed in June. The document includes revisions to four different Wizard types, updates to the Arcane Archer Fighter, and a complete overhaul of the Tattooed Warrior Monk. These subclasses are now open for another round of testing and feedback before becoming officially available in the game.

Unearthed Arcana are documents released by Wizards of the Coast to test out new ideas for *5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons*, like races, character classes, and spells. This allows players to give feedback before these options are officially published. Sometimes, these documents also offer hints about upcoming adventures and settings – for example, a recent set of post-apocalyptic character options suggested the return of the Dark Sun campaign setting.

D&D Unearthed Arcana Updated Arcane Subclasses

Wizards of the Coast recently released a new Unearthed Arcana document with updates to several character subclasses first presented in their June playtest focused on arcane magic. The Arcane Archer Fighter received notable improvements, swapping out upgrades to their Arcane Shot die for new features called Magical Ammunition and Arcane Burst. The Tattooed Warrior Monk was also completely redesigned. Instead of resembling the older Way of the Four Elements Monk from a 2014 D&D source, each tattoo option now provides distinct active abilities powered by Focus Points, or constant passive resistance bonuses.

  • Fighter – Arcane Archer
  • Monk – Tattooed Warrior
  • Wizard – Conjurer
  • Wizard – Enchanter
  • Wizard – Necromancer
  • Wizard – Transmuter

This document also features updated versions of four classic Wizard archetypes originally found in earlier Dungeons & Dragons Unearthed Arcana playtest material. The Conjurer Wizard has been improved with enhancements to their summons and a new ability letting them create two summons instead of one. The Enchanter now includes updated versions of familiar abilities and a new power, Hypnotic Presence, which works like a focused version of Hypnotic Pattern. The Necromancer benefits from better integration with the Animate Dead spell, a new Harvest Dead ability, and the option to summon either Skeletons or Zombies with Find Familiar. Finally, the Transmuter gains proficiency in Constitution saving throws, more choices for their Transmuter’s Stone, and the return of the Shapechanger ability.

Okay, so we’re still in the dark about where these new character archetypes will *actually* show up. I’ve checked the details for both *Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun* and *Eberron: Forge of the Artificer*, and they aren’t in either of those. It looks like we’ll probably have to wait for another, currently unannounced project that’s planned for 2026 to get our hands on them.

The survey for this Unearthed Arcana will be available starting September 24th. If you have any feedback on these updated magic classes, please share it with Wizards of the Coast when the survey opens.

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2025-09-19 02:16