All New D&D Forgotten Realms Subclasses from Unearthed Arcana

In anticipation of the upcoming Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide, set to debut this November, Dungeons & Dragons has introduced eight novel subclasses for eager players to explore prematurely. These subclasses encompass a diverse array of classes, ensuring that adventurers of all styles will find something to suit their preferences. While these subclasses aren’t the only exciting features in the pipeline for D&D enthusiasts this year, with the Monster Manual launching in February and Eberron: Forge of the Artificer scheduled for an August release, the new subclasses are undoubtedly generating significant buzz among players keen on expanding their arsenal of tools, spells, and abilities.

The eight newly unveiled subclasses were made available through an Unearthed Arcana playtest that invites all players to participate. Rooted deeply in the rich lore of the Forgotten Realms, these subclasses draw inspiration from various past publications. Noteworthy examples include the College of the Moon Bard, stemming from the mystical Moonshae Isles, and the Winter Walker ranger subclass, closely associated with the iconic Icewind Dale. Whether participants are stepping into the Forgotten Realms for the first time or are seasoned lore aficionados, these subclasses promise to inject fresh excitement into any campaign setting.

1 College Of The Moon (Bard)

Inspire Allies With Dramatic Tales Of The Moonshae Isles

Mirroring many bard subclasses, the College of the Moon Bard focuses on amplifying their party’s strengths through the potent magic of inspiration, as outlined in an Unearthed Arcana PDF available on D&D Beyond. Rather than relying on traditional methods of music and jest, these bards inspire their allies through tales imbued with the primal magic of the Moonshae Isles. The type of narrative chosen can profoundly affect the party, influencing combat in a myriad of ways.

As they progress in levels, College of the Moon bards significantly enhance their storytelling prowess. By tapping into the ancient fey magic of the Moonshae Isles, high-level bards can inflict considerable damage while simultaneously offering healing and inspiration to their companions. This subclass emphasizes the power of encouragement and maximizes the effectiveness of the Inspiration mechanic, empowering players to wield the full potential of moonlit energies.

2 Knowledge Domain (Cleric)

Gain Mastery Over Secrets Of The Mind

Making a grand return from the 2014 Player’s Handbook, the Knowledge Domain Cleric exemplifies those clerics who prioritize erudition above all, often to the detriment of themselves or their allies. This subclass unearths long-buried secrets, drawing profoundly on ancient knowledge to wield it for their advantage. Knowledge Domain clerics possess the ability to analyze, influence, and manipulate the less enlightened minds around them.

As part of the broader 2025 changes for D&D, which includes updates to the Monster Manual, the Knowledge Domain has also undergone some revisions since its introduction in the PHB. Most notably, the updates feature a refreshed selection of spells, now encompassing a greater assortment of combat-relevant options, enabling clerics to contribute beyond mere support roles. Enhanced abilities allow Knowledge Domain clerics to fully exploit their intellectual prowess, utilizing Channel Divinity for more spellcasting opportunities and boosting their Intelligence checks.

3 Purple Dragon Knight (Fighter)

Become Champion Of The Regal Amethyst Dragons

Purple Dragon Knights are noble fighters who take up arms in the service of D&D’s majestic amethyst dragons, championing the causes of justice, liberty, and valor. Originally founded in Cormyr, this modern order now admits chivalrous recruits from a variety of regions including Silver Marches, Damara, and Chessenta.

While the Purple Dragon Knight subclass was initially introduced in the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide, it has seen significant enhancements since. Unlike their predecessors, these knights forge a psionic bond with an amethyst dragon hatchling early in life, fostering a unique growth that amplifies their capacities. This bond enables them to have draconic companions and introduces several exciting new features stemming from this mental connection.

4 Oath Of The Noble Genies (Paladin)

Control The Elements With The Power Of Genies

Paladins who pledge themselves to the Oath of the Noble Genies harness the powers of the Elemental Planes, wielding formidable elemental control over earth, air, fire, and water. These paladins exemplify a blend of chaos and order, adhering to tenets that celebrate both creation and destruction. Their role is to manifest splendor and elegance while commanding respect for the raw forces of nature, embodying the duality of the elements.

Much like the Artificer subclass playtests from 2024, WOTC is actively seeking player feedback on this subclass via the D&D Beyond website. At level three, Oath of Noble Genies paladins are granted a curated arsenal of spells that bridge their connection to the Elemental Planes. As they ascend in levels, they gain further resistances and enhanced abilities that allow for greater control over their elemental connections.

5 Winter Walker (Ranger)

Weaponize The Devastating Power Of A Winter Storm

The Winter Walker Ranger taps into the brutal chill of ice and snow found in desolate locales like Icewind Dale, ultimately becoming a master of ice and wind. They wield the unyielding cold not only for combat but also for self-preservation, gaining expertise in the monstrous threats that haunt the forgotten ruins of ancient Netherese cities. This power garners them a mix of reverence and fear among those who witness their abilities.

As players embrace the Winter Walker subclass, they will attain resistances against Cold damage, alongside a suite of combat capabilities that accentuate their frost-wrought strength. Being tactical strategists on the battlefield, Winter Walkers employ freezing effects to hinder opponents while gradually accruing the capacity to blend into ice, striking terror on and off the battlefield.

6 Scion Of The Three (Rogue)

Embody The Slaughter Of The Dead Three

Capitalizing on the popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Scion of the Three rogue subclass beckons players looking to embrace the dark legacies of the Dead Three: Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. The accompanying themes of tyranny, murder, and chaos characterize these rogues, whose journeys may be marked by bloodshed and fear. Whether they have been cursed by fate or willingly aligned with such dark powers, Scions of the Three bring mastery over death and dread into the game.

As masters of blood, Scions embody the terror associated with their dark deities, similar to the cult of Bhaal depicted in Baldur’s Gate 3. At advanced levels, they manifest a potent Aura that radiates their chosen deity’s malevolence, inflicting damage and granting strategic advantages to intimidate foes. Despite their gruesome toolkit, the combination of fear control and their lethal prowess makes Scions of the Three valuable allies, if players can overlook their brutality.

7 Spellfire Sorcery (Sorcerer)

Harness The Power Of Raw Magic, Grasp The Weave

Spellfire Sorcerers draw their incredible power directly from the Weave, allowing them to manipulate a unique form of magic known as spellfire. First introduced through an NPC in the Waterdeep: Dragon Heist adventure, spellfire is now accessible to players, enabling them to adapt their magic dynamically based on combat needs.

Those who choose the path of Spellfire Sorcery usually exhibit vibrant personalities with a free-spirited nature. Their adventures take them across the Forgotten Realms, gathering newfound knowledge and powers in each new locale. For players desiring to break away from conventional magic rules, this subclass offers a landscape of possibilities limited only by the imagination of the player and the discretion of the DM.

8 Bladesinger (Wizard)

Wield A Blade And Spellbook With Lethal Competence

Bladesingers masterfully blend martial prowess with arcane spellcasting, utilizing bothn physical weapons and mystical abilities to overcome adversaries. Their skillful integration of traditional magic with elegant swordplay enables them to unleash powerful defenses as well as devastating attacks. Though traditionally associated with elvin cultures, the art of Bladesinging has captivated many non-elven societies, leading them to adopt this exceptional fighting style.

Since its introduction in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, the Bladesinger subclass has been refined to emphasize the Intelligence modifier for attack and damage rolls while using the Bladesong feature. Additionally, improved proficiencies have been integrated, granting Bladesingers enhanced use of melee weapons. This subclass presents an engaging option for players who crave versatility in combat, seamlessly combining the magical and the martial.

These eight subclasses merely scratch the surface of what players can expect as Dungeons & Dragons forges ahead in this dynamic year. As the developments continue to evolve, the creative teams at Wizards of the Coast are diving deeply into the lore of the Forgotten Realms, breathing new life into a beloved franchise. For both long-time fans and newcomers, 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating year for tabletop RPGs.

Source: D&D Beyond

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