Dungeons & Dragons Playtests Four New Mystic-Themed Subclasses

Dungeons & Dragons has dropped their first Unearthed Arcana playtest of 2026, with four brand-new subclasses being tested. Today, Wizards of the Coast posted a Mystic Subclasses Unearthed Arcana playtest to D&D Beyond, featuring four magic-themed subclasses. The new subclasses include the Warrior of the Mystic Arts Monk subclass, the Oath of the Spellguard Paladin subclass, the Magic Stealer Rogue subclass and the Vestige Patron Warlock subclass.

The Warrior of the Mystic Arts is a spellcasting subclass that grants Monks the ability to cast Sorcerer spells up to 4th level spells. The Oath of the Spellguard is designed with protecting magic-casters in mind, while the Magic Stealer Rogue targets spellcasting and can empower their Sneak Attacks with magic stolen from nearby spellcasters. The Vestige Patron Warlock forms a bond with a dying god, with the god taking on a vestige form as a companion. The Vestige companion grows in power with the spellcaster. Notably, the Vestige Patron draws inspiration from the Binder from past editions of D&D.

There's no indication when or what this new Unearthed Arcana could be related to. There are several Unearthed Arcanas not currently attached to an announced D&D product, although two almost are certainly tied to a Dark Sun sourcebook.

You can check out the subclasses here. Feedback opens for the playtest on January 22nd.

 

[Maxperson]

That's actually the key ability imho.

I'll buff you with bless give me a lvl 2 slot back.

It doesn't even have to be reciprocal like that. You scout ahead invisibly and then come back and I give you the slot back. So many things you can do with that ability that are awesomely helpful at low levels and just helpful at high levels.

 

[Zardnaar]

I'm finding your objections hard to follow, and they are starting to feel contradictory, or at least like the goalposts are moving.

If this is your standard, then you are assuming a rogue in melee, or at least being hit with melee attacks (and making a two-feat investment)...


...but here you are objecting that you have to be within 30'.

So, what is your benchmark? Are you interested in building a straight rogue? Comparing this subclass against other rogue options in equal circumstances? Doing as much damage as possible in a specific circumstance only?

Its a damage boost so its easy to compare. Its not "free" damage though as it eats your reaction. Its also situational and limited.

How good it actually is depends on a lot of factors that you can't really

It doesn't even have to be reciprocal like that. You scout ahead invisibly and then come back and I give you the slot back. So many things you can do with that ability that are awesomely helpful at low levels and just helpful at high levels.

Yup its a bit limited 1/short rest. Great at low level.

Can't really rate the other ability without a few tests imho.

 

[Maxperson]

Read the new Zhent feats? Rogues have hit dice use them. I'll start going skirmishes once I run out.

Also tanking damage cia the half damage reaction ability. With group heaps eg new prayer of healing and aura of vitality I dont care about taking damage as such.

You're better off spreading it around vs loading it all up on 1-2 characters.

I do care if I'm low on HP or out of hit dice.

The Zhent Ruffian feat is okay. I like the Tactics feat, but half of it requires you to be front line fighter just to maybe get opportunity attacks. The ability to get expertise is nice, but since you're a rogue, not nearly as useful as if you weren't a rogue. All for the low, low cost of being hated by much of the Realms because you are Zhentarim.