Clint_L
Hero
What do you think? Although we haven't seen the final balancing pass, so our predictions have to be taken with a grain of salt, we do have a pretty good idea of where things are going. Enough to start thinking about what the new hotness will be.
In some cases, it's pretty obvious that the rich are getting richer. Sub-classes that are already pretty great are mostly going to be even better (except poor Circle of the Moon druids; they are looking like the big casualty of 2024). Twilight Clerics get a few new toys, and Battle Masters get even more options, as do Echo Knights.
But who joins the ranks of the OP?
1. Mercy Monks: already the best monk sub-class, by far, Mercy Monks are stupidly good in 2024. At high levels, they are probably the best tanks in the game, and that's on top of being highly mobile with excellent offence and control. Starting at 11th level, for example, for the cost of one Di point, a Mercy Monk could make five attacks, converting one into Hand of Harm to automatically apply the poison condition to their foe, convert another two into healing approximately 22 points to themselves or an ally, and deflect an attack to prevent approximately 22 damage to themselves. That means they're dealing roughly 30 damage and preventing roughly 44, while incapacitating an opponent. Every round. Without even using stunning strike.
2. Berserker barbarians: Currently, the high cost of using this sub-class's big feature, an extra attack for a bonus action, are too steep. The new version is likely to be the highest DPR sub-class in the game, and with weapon mastery and the new barbarian abilities, will also have the potential for some decent battlefield control and more utility outside of combat. Wins the "most improved" ribbon.
3. Elemental monks: Generally thought to be the worst sub-class in the 2014 rules, the 2024 version plays way more like that air bender you always wanted. After level 10, you are a flying grappler with insane movement. It's going to totally change the tactics for a lot of fights.
Those are just some initial thoughts. Who else are the big winners (or losers, if you want to go that way)?
In some cases, it's pretty obvious that the rich are getting richer. Sub-classes that are already pretty great are mostly going to be even better (except poor Circle of the Moon druids; they are looking like the big casualty of 2024). Twilight Clerics get a few new toys, and Battle Masters get even more options, as do Echo Knights.
But who joins the ranks of the OP?
1. Mercy Monks: already the best monk sub-class, by far, Mercy Monks are stupidly good in 2024. At high levels, they are probably the best tanks in the game, and that's on top of being highly mobile with excellent offence and control. Starting at 11th level, for example, for the cost of one Di point, a Mercy Monk could make five attacks, converting one into Hand of Harm to automatically apply the poison condition to their foe, convert another two into healing approximately 22 points to themselves or an ally, and deflect an attack to prevent approximately 22 damage to themselves. That means they're dealing roughly 30 damage and preventing roughly 44, while incapacitating an opponent. Every round. Without even using stunning strike.
2. Berserker barbarians: Currently, the high cost of using this sub-class's big feature, an extra attack for a bonus action, are too steep. The new version is likely to be the highest DPR sub-class in the game, and with weapon mastery and the new barbarian abilities, will also have the potential for some decent battlefield control and more utility outside of combat. Wins the "most improved" ribbon.
3. Elemental monks: Generally thought to be the worst sub-class in the 2014 rules, the 2024 version plays way more like that air bender you always wanted. After level 10, you are a flying grappler with insane movement. It's going to totally change the tactics for a lot of fights.
Those are just some initial thoughts. Who else are the big winners (or losers, if you want to go that way)?
