D&D: Subclasses We Hope To See Soon
With the Forgotten Realms Unearthed Arcana showing off eight new subclasses for 5.5E, we take a look at some faves we hope get updated soon.
The ongoing Forgotten Realms Unearthed Arcana showcases eight different subclasses. Five are brand new, and three are returning, revised faces from 5th Edition. And it’s the latter category we’re here for today. Because, yes, the three returning subclasses were in need of an update – but here are five other ones we hope get some revision before too long.
Twilight Domain Cleric
The Twilight Domain Cleric was infamous in 5th Edition. It could absolutely break a campaign if the DM wasn’t prepared for it. I think now, with Player Characters being more powerful across the board, there’s plenty of room for a Cleric of the Stars that is more than just a temporary hit point battery. Would love to see some of the themes of this subclass explored beyond just the rest—especially with features like Vigilant Blessing and the Divine Strike just waiting to be revamped.
Swashbuckler Rogue
Swashbuckling is an iconic staple of fantasy. Everyone loves someone who can fight with panache. And while yes, there is the Battlemaster Fighter, the Swashbuckler Rogue was a chance to bring in that dexterity-focused rapier mastery that you expect when you like your Hoods Robin and your Pimpernels Scarlet. Especially in light of the Rogue’s ability to trade in Sneak Attack damage for special maneuvers. I feel like the Swashbuckler could really lean in there with some interesting combat plays.
Arcane Archer Fighter
This isn’t necessarily a niche that needs filling. But after how dirty 5th Edition did the Arcane Archer, it deserves new life in 5.5E. After all, WotC has already taken off the baby gloves—it’s admitted that it’s okay for PCs to be powerful. To have abilities and then actually get to use them more than twice per day. I would love to see a “modern” iteration of the Arcane Archer that doesn’t make me sigh with ennui.
Storm Sorcerer
Storm Sorcerers are enjoying a second life thanks to Baldur’s Gate 3. The Dark Urge proved just how cool Storm Sorcerers can be when you’ve got the right kind of verticality to your encounter maps. And when you can supercharge your lightning by getting your enemies wet. But in 5.5E, I feel like Storm Sorcerers could find a strong new identity for themselves. Especially given how Sorcerer Subclasses have evolved since Xanathar’s Guide to Everything.
College of Swords Bard
The Bard College of Swords was one of the most popular Bard subclasses out there. And while the College of Valor is nice, the fluid mechanics and swordplay of the College of Swords offers Bards a much more flexible play style. Especially if you’re looking to gish it up. This one could really use a fresh coat of paint for all your swashbuckling wants.
What old subclass would you like to see revisited?
