Wizards of the Coast Re-Registers Dark Sun With USPTO

Wizards of the Coast recently filed an application to register Dark Sun in the US, a sign that D&D could be bringing back the campaign setting in the near future. The trademark claim was filed on October 13th, 2025 and is poised to replace a previous trademark that was cancelled by the USPTO in 2024. The trademark, like most involving D&D properties, covers both "downloadable electronic games," "games and playthings," and "entertainment services." Similar active trademarks exist for other D&D campaign settings such as Spelljammer and Forgotten Realms, although neither of those have lapsed in recent years.

We'll note that, as the previous Dark Sun trademark lapsed a year ago, this could be a case of simple paperwork, or it could be the latest sign that a Dark Sun product is eminent. Earlier this year, Wizards released an Unearthed Arcana for the Psion class and several subclasses that all but spelled out a return to the setting, complete with mentions of sorcerer-kings, gladiatorial fights, and preservers and defilers.

 

[Maxperson]

The challenge with using Dragonlance as the Green Age is the fundamental incompatibility in their lore:

• Magic Source: Dragonlance is tied to the moons; Athas is tied to plant life.

A large magical catastrophe could change that.

• Divinity: Dragonlance has direct, interventionist gods; Athas has elemental temples and absent gods.

This isn't incompatible at all. The gods have already left Krynn twice! A third time forever would be easily believable.

• Psionics: Psionics are core to Athas but are largely absent in Dragonlance.

This can be handled by a minor retcon to add in psionics after the disaster. One of the apocalypses could change the world and bring about psionics.

For the record, I don't see this ever happening via WotC, but it could be done with just a little effort.

 

[Maxperson]

I never understood the "Dark Sun is future Dragonlance" angle. There's literally no common touch points at all, the maps share nothing in common. Dark Sun has halflings as a big part of its setting, whereas Dragonlance bans them.

Bans halflings? Kender anyone?

 

[Maxperson]

420? <insert stupid joke here>

At least I didn't say 467.

 

[Maxperson]

Dark Sun ones less horrific.

Combine them. Tasslehoff Eatfoot!

 

[Superchunk77]

not impossible, I still think the subclasses had issues however, esp. the preserver

I think if you went the subclass route, it would only be to amplify the path of magic that you're using. So a preserver subclass would tinker with your spells while preserving, and a defiler subclass would do the same while defiling. But you'd still want an underlying magic subsystem for handling arcane magic at a core level.

In the past, defiling would grant you a limited form of free metamagic powered by the plant life you destroyed. Or at the very least, enhance you spells to be more powerful (longer duration, more damage, higher save DC, etc.). The downside is the circle of ash around you and being very conspicuous while casting. Then there's the defiler taint that affects your character's soul/corruption.

Preserving is more the default magic system. No bonuses or penalties, but no ring of ash when you cast. It's also waaaaay easier to hide your spellcasting when you're a preserver. A big plus in a world where arcane magic is illegal and universally hated and feared.

 

[Parmandur]

You left off a 0. 3200 pages or bust!

But seriously, I'd like to see closer to 420 for two books. 320 is good, though.

Obviously, two books is on the table, but for Dark Sun in particular...with such a small Setting (smaller than the Adventure area in Princes of the Apocalypse, which is in the middle of nowhere)...it would suffice.

 

[Maxperson]

Obviously, two books is on the table, but for Dark Sun in particular...with such a small Setting (smaller than the Adventure area in Princes of the Apocalypse, which is in the middle of nowhere)...it would suffice.

For a small area, though, it has a lot packed into it. I have the older stuff and there's a lot there. Also, I'd love to see the Tablelands expanded in size or at least some space dedicated to ideas for the DM to use if the players leave and go into the Hinterlands.

 

[mamba]

I think if you went the subclass route, it would only be to amplify the path of magic that you're using. So a preserver subclass would tinker with your spells while preserving, and a defiler subclass would do the same while defiling. But you'd still want an underlying magic subsystem for handling arcane magic at a core level.

I’d definitely prefer that, but I am not ruling out that WotC says ‘use one of these two’, why else even have them as subclasses in the UA?