All Unearthed Arcana Playtests in 2026 (An Updated List)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Over the past few years, the Dungeons & Dragons rules have seen some fairly significant changes, culminating in the new DnD 2024 core books. A key part of this transformation, however, has been Unearthed Arcana (also known as “UA”), a collection of playtest materials Wizards of the Coast publishes online and opens up to user feedback. These playtest packages have introduced new classes, species and games mechanics such as Bastions and Weapon Mastery. In many cases, player feedback has also directly changed how certain rules appear in their final published form. For example, Wizards of the Coast removed the Ardling species after poor reception following a 2022 playtest.
With new UA coming out all the time (and Wizards of the Coast often removing older content), we thought it might be a good idea to start keeping track of these updates. For ease of reference, we’ve also saved PDF copies directly onto our website, which you can download below. We’ll also be updating this page regularly as new UA is released.
What 2026 Unearthed Arcana Playtests have been published so far?
Below is the complete list of all UA published to date in 2026.
Mystic Subclasses
Published: January 15th, 2026
Feedback End: February 3rd, 2026
What was in the UA: The first UA of 2026 introduces four brand new, never before published subclasses: the Warrior of the Mystic Arts Monk (a spellcasting Monk that blends Sorcerer magic with martial combat, converting spell slots and Focus Points to fluidly weave spells into attacks), the Oath of the Spellguard Paladin (a defensive, anti-mage Paladin built to intercept spells, protect allies, and punish enemy spellcasters through reactions, auras and counter-magic), the Magic Stealer Rogue (a spell-hunting Rogue who siphons magical energy from enemy casters to empower Sneak Attacks, disrupt spells and counter magical advantages) and the Vestige Patron Warlock (bound to a dying god and wielding its fading divine power through a scalable companion, potent auras and summoning-based abilities).
It’s not clear what book these new subclasses will appear in, but speculation is that we may see some kind of Xanthar’s Guide to Everything style book for the new D&D 2024 rules.
What Unearthed Arcana playtests were published in 2025?
Below are all of the UA releases for 2025 (notably, this was a big year for D&D, with a number of major products in the works).
Subclasses Update
Published: October 30th, 2025
Feedback End: November 30th, 2025
What was in the UA: This playtest revisits five of D&D 5e’s most popular martial subclasses that originally featured in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything and the 2014 Player’s Handbook. Referred to as the Subclasses Update by Wizards of hte Coast, the playtest package includes revisions to the Oathbreaker Paladin, Cavalier Fighter, Path of the Ancestral Guardian (now known as the Path of the Spiritual Guardian Barbarian), Path of the Storm Herald Barbarian and Way of the Drunken Master (now renamed the Warrior of Intoxication Monk).
Key changes include The Oathbreaker Paladin now gaining Conjure Undead in place of Control Undead and a reworked Aura of Hate that affects only Fiends and Undead. The Cavalier Fighter now also gets unlimited uses of Unwavering Mark and a much more flexible Ferocious Charger. The Path of the Spiritual Guardian Barbarian expands beyond ancestral spirits to also include nature and animal spirits, while its Vengeful Spirits feature now rewards crits. The Path of the Storm Herald Barbarian sees its Storm Aura scale with Rage Damage bonuses. And finally, the Way of the Drunken Master replaces its traditional dodging antics with magical brews that provide unique combat and exploration bonuses.
It’s not clear what book (if any) these revised subclasses will appear in and whether or not the suggested revisions will resonate with fans.
Download the PDF
Arcane Subclasses Update
Published: September 18th, 2025
Feedback End: October 5th, 2025
What was in the UA: This playtest is actually an update of the June 2025 Arcane Subclasses playtest. This new package has taken player feedback into consideration and features changes to six of the previously featured subclasses.
In particular, it introduces new features for the Arcane Archer, Tattooed Warrior Monk, Enchanter, Necromancer and Transmuter. Noticeably absent are the Arcana Domain Cleric, Ancestry Sorcerer and Hexblade Warlock Patron (all three of which appeared in the previous playtest).
It’s still not clear what book (if any) these new character options will appear in, but it’s encouraging to see Wizards of the Coast addressing player feedback and making some solid iterative improvements.
Apocalyptic Subclasses (Dark Sun)
Published: August 21st, 2025
Feedback End: September 11th, 2025
What was in the UA: This playtest introduces four new subclasses that have never before appeared in any edition of D&D: the Circle of Preservation Druid, the Gladiator Fighter, the Defiled Sorcerer and the Sorcerer-King Patron Warlock. While the world of Dark Sun isn’t explicitly mentioned in the playtest materials, these new player options are absolutely steeped in the lore of Athas (with mention of setting-specific terms like Preservers, Defilers and Sorcerer Kings). Notably, the playtest also includes the use Psionics, which was a hallmark of Dark Sun and also recently unveiled in the Psion class playtest.
Wizards of the Coast has not confirmed that a new Dark Sun book is in the works, but given the content of this UA it seems highly likely.
Arcane Subclasses
Published: June 26th, 2025
Feedback End: July 3rd, 2025
What was in the UA: The Arcane Subclasses playtest introduces nine new subclasses, 7 of which are updates of previously published DnD 5e subclasses, and two of which are completely new.
The seven updated subclasses are the Acana Domain (Cleric), Arcane Archer (Fighter), Hexblade Patron (Warlock), Conjurer (Wizard), Enchanter (Wizard), Necromancer (Wizard), and Transmuter (Wizard). The two new subclasses are the Tattooed Warrior (Monk) and Ancestral Sorcery (Sorcerer). Notably, the Hexblade Patron also appeared in the May 2025 “Horror Subclasses” UA, but has been further tweaked based on player feedback.
Wizards of the Coast has not confirmed what upcoming book the subclasses will appear in and it’s possible they’ll change before their final release.
The Psion
Published: May 27th, 2025
Feedback End: June 3rd, 2025
What was in the UA: This playtest introduces a brand new DnD Psion class (the first new class to appear since the Artificer in 2019). These mind-bending magic users tap into the power of psionics to cast their spells. Mechanically, they use a new “Energy Dice” pool to power their abilities, choosing for a range of Psionic Disciplines for specific abilities.
In addition to the rules for the core Psion class, this UA playtest also includes four new subclasses: The Metamorph (which uses psionics to alter their physical appearance), the Psi Warper (who can teleport and move around the battlefield), the Psykineitc (who can create powerful psionic barriers or unleash attacks on enemies) and the Telepath (who use their mental abilities to augment allies or manipulate the thoughts of enemies).
It’s not clear what official publication the materials will appear in, with some speculating that it my herald a return to the controversial Dark Sun setting, which is known for its psionic based species and classes.
Horror Subclasses
Published: May 6th, 2025
Feedback End: May 13th, 2025
What was in the UA: This playtest contains eight new Horror-themed subclasses, six of which are updates of existing versions and two of which are brand new.
Returning subclasses include the College of Spirits Bard, Grave Domain Cleric, Phantom Rogue, Shadow Sorcerer, Hexblade Warlock and Undead Patron Warlock. All of the subclasses have been rebalanced or expanded with new features. For example, the Grave Domain Cleric gains improved healing for the dying and a damage boost against weakened foes, while the Phantom Rogue gets more access to soul trinkets and spectral powers.
Two entirely new subclasses also appear in the UA: the Reanimator Artificer and the Hollow Warden Ranger. The Reanimator uses a combination of science and magic to creates an undead companion that grows in power as they advance in levels. The Hollow Warden Ranger taps into ancient wild horrors, transforming during combat to become a terrifying predator with mutated traits.
It’s not clear what official publication the books will appear in, with some speculating that a new Ravenloft sourcebook may in fact be in the works with an October 2025 release date.
Eberron Updates
Published: Feb. 27th, 2025
Feedback End: Mar. 18th, 2025
What was in the UA: This Unearthed Arcana playtest introduces the Artificer Cartographer, a brand-new subclass that combines magic and map making to help link party members together and utilize a range of effects, including battlefield teleportation.
The playtest also features substantial quality-of-life improvements to the base Artificer DnD 5e class, bringing it in line with the updated rules from the 2024 Player’s Handbook. This includes changes to features like Replicate Magic Item, Tinker’s Magic and the Soul of Artifice ability. Notably, these changes were made following player feedback to the Artificer UA playtest which was released in December 2024 (see below).
Additionally, this UA includes a new suite of Dragonmark feats for Eberron campaigns, which now allows characters to take on Dragonmarks regardless of their species (something that wasn’t possible in the 2014 rules). Each feat is thematically tied to a Dragonmarked House and grants a range of spells and powers, including “Greater” and “Potent” versions for higher-level characters.
Finally, the playtest includes a handful of new magic items and Artificer-compatible spells which will likely be appearing in the new Eberron: Forge of the Artificer sourcebook slated for release in August 2025.
Forgotten Realms Subclasses
Published: Jan. 28th, 2025
Feedback End: Feb. 17th, 2025
What was in the UA: This Unearthed Arcana playtest introduces eight subclasses rooted in Forgotten Realms lore, with three being revised versions of existing 2014 DnD subclasses and five being entirely new.
The updated subclasses include the Knowledge Domain Cleric, Purple Dragon Knight Fighter and Bladesinger Wizard. Each has received significant mechanical and thematic revisions. The Knowledge Cleric now features a telepathy-based Unfettered Mind ability and more powerful spellcasting via Mind Magic. The Purple Dragon Knight gains a psionically bonded amethyst dragon hatchling companion, which grows in size and power over time. The Bladesinger gains access to improved weapon casting abilities, using Intelligence for attack rolls and a reworked Bladesong feature that includes mobility, defense and offensive boosts.
The five new subclasses features in this UA are the College of the Moon Bard, Oath of the Noble Genies Paladin, Winter Walker Ranger, Scion of the Three Rogue and Spellfire Sorcerer. These subclasses draw from iconic Forgotten Realms settings such as Icewind Dale, the Moonshae Isles and Baldur’s Gate. Highlights include the Spellfire Sorcerer’s radiant burst abilities and magic absorption, the Scion of the Three Rogue’s connection to the Dead Three gods, and the Winter Walker’s cold-based defenses and ice form. All eight of the subclasses will appear in the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide, which is slated for release in November 2025.
What Unearthed Arcana playtests were published in 2024?
2024 was a pretty slow year for UA, with only one playtest package published over the course of the year. This is because much of the focus during this time period was on the new DnD 2024 rules, which had been developed extensively over the previous few years as part of the larger One D&D Playtest.
The Artificer
Published: Dec. 17th, 2024
Feedback End: Jan. 5th, 2025
What was in the UA: This Unearthed Arcana playtest presents a first pass a new Artificer class for DnD 5e, aligning it with the revised 2024 Player’s Handbook rules and reworking both core features and all four original subclasses: Alchemist, Armorer, Artillerist and Battle Smith.
Key class updates include a redesigned Replicate Magic Item system, which now allows Artificers to choose from a growing list of actual magic items as they level up. Other changes include improved Magical Tinkering, the ability to swap cantrips after a long rest and a buffed Soul of Artifice feature. Flash of Genius is also now triggered after a failed roll and Spell-Storing Item can now hold 3rd-level spells.
Each subclass has also been revamped. The Alchemist creates more and stronger elixirs and gains access to a new spell, Tasha’s Bubbling Cauldron. The Armorer adds a new “Dreadnought” armor model, while Guardian and Infiltrator receive upgrades to damage and utility. Artillerists can aso now wield two eldritch cannons and can detonate them as reactions, while Battle Smiths gain a sturdier Steel Defender, improved healing and a more powerful Arcane Jolt.
The UA also introduces new magic items and spell options, including Homunculus Servant as a full spell rather than an infusion. Collectively, the content from this UA will form the backbone of the upcoming Eberron: Forge of the Artificer book.
More D&D Rules Coverage
For more from the world of Wizards of the Coast, visit our D&D Rules page.
Subscribe to D&D Fanatics
Get exclusive D&D news, reviews and rules updates delivered right to your inbox.
Cameron Nichols is a Senior Editor who lives in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been playing D&D since the early 90s, when he was introduced by his older brother and cut his teeth on AD&D 2nd Edition. Since then he’s played virtually every RPG he could get his nerdy little mitts on (including a weird Goth phase in the early 2000s when he rocked Vampire: The Masquerade pretty hard). His favorite D&D campaign setting is the Forgotten Realms and his favorite character to play was a Half-Orc Barbarian named Grug (who was unfortunately devoured by a gelatinous cube).
