D&D: Five Underrated Subclasses You Should Use For Your Next Character
Getting ready to start a new campaign? Rolling up a new character after that last natural 1? Try one of these underrated subclasses.
Anywhere from 50-90% of the fun in a good D&D campaign is creating your character. After all, a new character is a blank canvas, upon which you might paint anything. And with a new character come all the possibilities and broken builds you can think of.
So why not shake it up, and reach for one of these underrated subclasses—they may not be the most obviously powerful, but they’ve got a lot going for them if you give ’em a try.
Psi Warrior (Fighter)
Psi Warrior Fighters often don’t get enough love. Sure, it has to compete with the Battlemaster Fighter or the more mechanically powerful Echo Knight Fighter. But the Psi Warrior Fighter has a lot to offer to potential players.
Not only do you get psionic talent dice which you can use to empower your strikes. You can telekinetically fly and use your mind to protect your allies.
Pick up a sun blade and the telekinetic feat and you’re basically a Jedi but in D&D.
Shadow Magic (Sorcerer)
Shadow Magic Sorcerers would probably be less underrated if Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything hadn’t broken the mold with both of its Sorcerer subclasses. Clockwork Soul and Aberrant Mind have a lot going for them. But of the PHB options? Shadow Magic Sorcerer is surprisingly fun.
Not only do you get longer, better Darkvision, but you can also see through the magical darkness you create. On top of that, you can keep yourself alive even through overpowering hits (as long as you can make a good Charisma save). And once you get to the 6th level, you get the ability to call forth a magical creature of darkness that harasses your foes.
Fey Wanderer (Ranger)
Fey Wanderer is just a solid Ranger subclass. In addition to living up to the fantasy of a Ranger who traveled to strange lands and came back changed, the Fey Wanderer ranger is a truly diverse class. With the ability to deal extra psychic damage, charm or frighten targets as a reaction, and special Feywild Gifts that grant you extra spells?
It’s a great blend of combat, social, and exploration. If you want a subclass that has something to do with just about every phase of the game, Fey Wanderer is a great pick.
Fathomless (Warlock)
The Fathomless Warlock Patron has the misfortune to come out at the same time as the Genie Warlock. And while the Genie Warlock has greater capabilities for shenanigans and party support, the Fathomless Warlock is an underrated gem.
With a water and storm-themed bonus spell list, you’ll get a fun mix of combat and utility spells to always have prepared. Most especially the Bigby’s Hand (that always appears as a tentacle).
Speaking of Tentacles, Fathomless Warlocks can summon a spectral tentacle as a bonus action that makes extra attacks on your behalf and can help turn the tide of any fight. It’s like a Spiritual Weapon but doesn’t even cost a spell slot.
At higher levels, your tentacle gets even better at protecting your party. Fathomless Warlocks are rich with flavor and power from the deep.
Path of Wild Magic (Barbarian)
Finally, we have an oft-overlooked Wild Magic Barbarian. These Barbarians are a little strange because they’re imbued with primeval magic that expresses itself whenever they rage. They are the best way to play a wild magic user, better than their Sorcerer counterpart.
And on top of that, they can fill the role of “person who knows about magic” without having to have a spellcaster in your party. And playing 5th Edition without a bunch of spellcasters can be an interesting challenge if you want to take that on.
But even if you are a normal person who likes fun, it’s entertaining when the Barbarian knows more about magical theory than the Wizard.
Happy Adventuring
