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.

 

[Zardnaar]

Given that most people don't play extended encounter days, it's only really the highest level slots that matter. Once you get to level 9 it really boils down to an extra use of Shield.

Maybe. I saw a few twinned lvl two spell slots get used. Effectively a 3rd lvl slot. Hence I would value it more as a sorcerer.

Your overall point thst it scales poorly is correct. Low levels its also an additional 2d6 damage potentially.

This class is really hard to rate. Leaning towards C tier rogue but could be A very situational campaign.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Hence I would value it more as a sorcerer.

A sorcerer could also convert it into sorcery points and (with some additional fuel) back into a higher level slot. So I very much agree, it's significantly better as a sorcerer's sidekick. And hence party composition matters - most parties will have casters, but maybe only around 20-40% have sorcerers.

 

[Zardnaar]

A sorcerer could also convert it into sorcery points and (with some additional fuel) back into a higher level slot. So I very much agree, it's significantly better as a sorcerer's sidekick. And hence party composition matters - most parties will have casters, but maybe only around 20-40% have sorcerers.

Yup and how many primary casters.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Yup and how many primary casters.

My current group has one, plus a healer-warlock, who I would consider secondary. They are well past the level when they would consider it worth the faff of using this ability.

 

[Zardnaar]

My current group has one, plus a healer-warlock, who I would consider secondary. They are well past the level when they would consider it worth the faff of using this ability.

Im notvdure what the best rogue is. I have 3 builds.

DM who isnt completely opposed to working with me Zhent thief. Otherwise multiclass or built around true strike.

Ranger or Fighter/rogue. I dont like the 3-9 gap on rogues when a lot of classes "switch on" around 6th. Or even 3.

Lvl 3 and 4 seems peak rogue.

 

[Parmandur]

Given that most people don't play extended encounter days

Not really a given: there are people who don't play full Adventure Days, but I see no particular reason to assume that is normative.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Not really a given: there are people who don't play full Adventure Days, but I see no particular reason to assume that is normative.

WotC’s stats show it is.

 

[bedir than]

Yup and how many primary casters.

It helps the half- and third- casters more than you're giving credit for.

They run out of spells much more frequently than full casters. Getting a slot is a big deal

 

[Maxperson]

Given that most people don't play extended encounter days, it's only really the highest level slots that matter. Once you get to level 9 it really boils down to an extra use of Shield.

Or invisibility. Or Mage Armor. Or comprehend languages. Or disguise self. Or alter self. Or blur. Or darkvision. Or sanctuary. Or protection from evil and good. Or shield of faith. Or...

There's plenty. And once it scales up to 3rd level, it's even better. And you can use it multiple times per day. And on someone else, unlike Arcane Recovery which while it does go to 5th level, is only once per day and on yourself only.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Or invisibility. Or Mage Armor. Or comprehend languages. Or disguise self. Or alter self. Or blur. Or darkvision. Or sanctuary. Or protection from evil and good. Or shield of faith.

Once someone gets sixth, fifth and fourth level spells to use in combat they have plenty of low level slots to use for out of combat stuff.