Dungeons and Dragons just released another Unearthed Arcana – but instead of brand-new subclasses, this playtest document introduces updates to some of the arcane subclasses from June. With revisions to four different Wizard archetypes and the Arcane Archer Fighter, as well as a complete rework of the Tattooed Warrior Monk, these Dungeons and Dragons subclasses are open for another round of fine-tuning before they are officially released.
Unearthed Arcana are playtesting documents released by Wizards of the Coast to gather feedback on 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons races, subclasses, spells, and other character options ahead of their formal release. Beyond including the community in the development process, Unearthed Arcana also sometimes tease future books, like how the recent post-apocalypse subclasses document hinted at a return to the Dungeons and Dragons setting of Dark Sun.
D&D Unearthed Arcana Updated Arcane Subclasses
Now, Wizards of the Coast has put out a new Unearthed Arcana that introduces revisions to several subclasses showcased in June’s arcane-themed playtest. The Arcane Archer Fighter received some significant buffs, with new features like Magical Ammunition and Arcane Burst replacing the Arcane Shot die improvements, which are now baked into the base feature. Likewise, the brand-new Tattooed Warrior Monk was reworked from the ground up; instead of being much like the old D&D 2014 Way of the Four Elements Monk, each of the tattoo options provides unique active abilities that use Focus Points, or passive Resistance buffs that they always benefit from.
Revised Archetype Highlights
- Fighter – Arcane Archer
- Monk – Tattooed Warrior
- Wizard – Conjurer
- Wizard – Enchanter
- Wizard – Necromancer
- Wizard – Transmuter
The other four archetypes in this document are revamps of some of the classic Wizard subclasses from the previous Dungeons and Dragons Unearthed Arcana. Conjurer Wizards’ Durable Summons and Benign Transposition features were improved, and a new Splintered Summons capstone allows players to get two summons for the price of one. Meanwhile, the Enchanter gets modified versions of Instinctive Charm and Alter Memories from the 2014 version back, as well as a new ability called Hypnotic Presence that works like a single-target Hypnotic Pattern. The Necromancer gains further synergy with Animate Dead, the new Harvest Dead ability, and the ability to choose Skeletons or Zombies with Find Familiar. Lastly, the Transmuter gets proficiency with Constitution Saving Throws, extra options for the Transmuter’s Stone, and the return of Shapechanger.
It is currently unclear where the final versions of these archetypes will be officially published. They are not in D&D’s upcoming Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun or Eberron: Forge of the Artificer, whose contents have already been revealed, meaning players will likely see them arrive in some other unrevealed project scheduled for 2026.
Surveys for this Unearthed Arcana open on September 24. Fans who still have questions, comments, or concerns about these revised arcane subclasses should be sure to share their thoughts with Wizards of the Coast at that time.
