D&D (2024) Upcoming One D&D: Unearthed Arcana 'Expert' Classes (Bard, Ranger, Rogue)

WotC has posted a video describing the upcoming Unearthed Arcana playtest document which will feature three of the core character classes, each with a single subclass.

This document is the second in a series of Unearthed Arcana articles that present material designed for the next version of the Player's Handbook. The material here uses the rules in the

2014 Player's Handbook, except where noted. Providing feedback on this document is one way you can help shape the next generation of D&D!

Inside you'll find the following content:

Expert Classes. Three Classes appear in this document, each one a member of the Expert Group: the Bard, the Ranger, and the Rogue. Each Class appears with one Subclass. More Subclasses will appear in Unearthed Arcana in the months ahead.

Feats. Feats follow the Class descriptions, particularly feats available to the classes in this document.

Spell Lists. Three Spell lists-the Arcane, Divine, and Primal lists-are featured here. The Ranger uses the Primal list, and the Bard potentially uses all three, thanks to the Magical Secrets feature.

Rules Glossary. In this document, any term in the body text that is underlined appears in a glossary at the end. The glossary defines game terms that have been clarified or redefined for this playtest or that don't appear in the 2014 Player's Handbook.

 

[Parmandur]

It remains to be seen what the utility of group feats will be. If they are trying to prevent OP synergies (e.g. an Expert taking a mage feat) that suggests multiclassing will be even more stupid than it is.

But maybe it all works. My instinct is to dislike the meta game aspect of groups, but I’ll reserve judgment until I see the whole thing.

I wouldn't assume they are bringing multiclassing back, given how rare it is on Beyond and how aggressively WotC have ignored it for 8 years.

 

[darjr]

Did they state a time for the drop?

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Because the two do different things, and say different things about the world.

And because there are so, SO many spells on the list that ought to be ritual-only.

I disagree, but it seems I am in the minority here. It was necessary (and cool) in 4e, but I expect 5e to do it more naturally.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Because it lets you create feats and other abilities that (a) interact with common features of the group, and (b) will automatically apply to later additions to the group.

Just off the top of my head, I could see an "show-off" feat that gives an ally inspiration when you succeed (or maybe crit) on a skill in which you have Expertise. This would naturally be restricted to Expert classes.


Because the two do different things, and say different things about the world.

And because there are so, SO many spells on the list that ought to be ritual-only.

Of course, you can expect that some spells that should be rituals by virtue of what they represent still won't be. Animate Dead comes to mind.

 

[Burnside]

Did they state a time for the drop?

It's like 7am in Seattle right now, so probably not for a few hours.

 

[Maxperson]

That's players for the entire history of D&D though.

40K IS 1% of 4 Million.

That's what I get for not digging deeper. It's not 4 million, though.

"Wizards of the Coast claims that over 50 million people have played dungeons and dragons worldwide. There are currently an estimated 13.7 million active tabletop D&D players worldwide."

Even 1 in 100 is low, but it's closer to 1 in 300. Better than 1 in 1000, but still not great.

 

[Staffan]

Well it is the moon.

 

[Charlaquin]

It's like 7am in Seattle right now, so probably not for a few hours.

Yeah, the Next packets would usually drop some time after Noon Pacific time. Usually a few hours after. So we probably have some time.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

I wouldn't assume they are bringing multiclassing back, given how rare it is on Beyond and how aggressively WotC have ignored it for 8 years.

No multiclassing would be a bummer. It would actively destroy character concepts and it would need a better replacement than "here take a feat".

Multiclassing is the main way to customize characters, as it allows a choice at each and every level. It is also what makes building characters fun, because you can try out a nearly unlimited number of characters.

I also can't see why dipping a class is so looked down on. It creates exactly the archetypes you want. Fighter wizard does not need more than 2 levels of fighter for example. You can also easily create an arcane half caster by just having a balanced multiclass of fighter and wizard. And you are not a liability at any level.

Why drop such an easy and well working system? Instead add different ways to branch oit or enhance the experience.

 

[Parmandur]

Thank you so much for this, I was really hoping someone would do it so I didn't have to watch the whole thing!

I mean, I said the transition was going to be like 1E to 2E but I didn't realize it would be that literal lol.

Sticking my tongue out at the multiple people who said we wouldn't get this again and we'd get neat little playtest packets, one for each class. Hah!

Based on the roadmap Crawford laid out, the tests for the coming year will be mostly Class focused: covering the 12 Core Classes with one Subclass each through the end of this year, and then an additional 36 Subclasses after they nail down the Core for each.