New D&D Arcane Subclasses Revealed in Latest Unearthed Arcana

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Magic loving Dungeons & Dragons fans may be interested to learn that Wizards of the Coast has just unveiled a new Unearthed Arcana playtest that features complete rules for nine Arcane-themed subclasses. Notably, only two of these subclasses are new to DnD 2024, with the other being updated versions of existing subclasses that have appeared in past publications, including Xanathhar’s Guide to Everything as well as the original 2014 Player’s Handbook. Like all UA releases, the subclasses are still a work in progress and may change before their final release based on player feedback.

So just what’s included in these magically delicious new character options? Below, we conjure up all the details.

What new Arcane subclasses are featured in the latest UA?

Below are all the nine subclasses. Where applicable we’ve called out which ones are new and which are updates of already existing subclasses from the DnD 2014 rules.

• Arcana Domain (Cleric) UPDATE: Originally introduced in 2015 for the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide, the Arcana Domain Cleric blend divine conviction with arcane mastery. The new 2024 subclasses gains Expertise in the Arcana skill, two wizard cantrips and the ability to reshape their spells on the fly, granting temporary hit points or imposing penalties on saving throws. At higher levels, they can dispel magic as a bonus action after healing or removing conditions and even “borrow” high-level wizard spells for their own use.
• Arcane Archer (Fighter) UPDATE: First appearing in 2017 in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, Arcane Archers weave magical effects into their ranged weaponry. The new 2024 version now allows for a variety of weapons and ammunition types (including firearms) and offes a variety of new Arcane Shot options that deal extra damage and impose conditions or area effects. Their shot die also now scales more smoothly from d6 to d12 and they recover uses much more quickly than the 2017 version of the subclass.
• Tattooed Warrior (Monk) NEW: This is a completely new subclass for DnD 5e (although notably, a similar build was featured in DnD 3.5). Tattooed Warrior Monks inscribe living magic into their bodies in the form of tattoos which the can add as they grow in levels. This includes new “Beast Tattoos” that offer a range of effects inspired by various creatures (including Beholders and Displacer beasts) and a variety of additional tattoos that can be used to support exploration, defense and offense.

• Ancestral Sorcery (Sorcerer) NEW: This is also a completely new subclass for DnD 5e. These Sorcerers draw power from a powerful Ancestory, gaining skill bonuses and proficiencies, a curated list of lineage spells they always have prepared and a spectral Visage that grants advantage on a range of actions. As they grow, Ancestral Sorcerers can cast Counterspell and Dispel Magic without slots, exude an aura that can frighten or knock down foes and auto-succeed on concentration checks.

• Hexblade Patron (Warlock) UPDATE: First introduced in 2017 in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, a revised Hexblade Warlocks for DnD 2025 was included in the Horror Subclasses UA released in May 2025. This new version has been tweaked based on player feedback and is no longer as reliant on the Hex spell as a primary feature. It also now includes the Hexblade’s Curse feature that can be used more than once and integrated into spells.
• Conjurer (Wizard) UPDATE: Originally appearing in the 2014 Player’s Handbook, the Conjurer Wizard is capable of bending space and summoning allies. The revised DnD 2024 version now includes an upgraded version of Benign Transposition. The subclass is also now able to gain access and use more Conjuration spells in general and can maintain Concentration on them even when hit in combat.

• Enchanter (Wizard) UPDATE: Another base class that original appeared in the 2014 Player’s Handbook, Enchanters specialize in mind-altering magic. The new DnD 2024 version swaps out the Hypnotic Gaze feature for the more versatile Vexing Movement (which allows you to Disengage and Dash after casting an enchantment). It also includes the new and Enchanting Talker feature (granting an Intelligence bonus on Charisma checks) and the ability to “split” Enchantment spells against multiple targets.
• Necromancer (Wizard) UPDATE: This is another subclass that first appeared in the 2014 PHB, with Necromancers able to tap into the forces of life and death. The new version of the subclass includes a redesigned Spellbook feature that grants necrotic resistance and temporary hit points when casting necromancy spells. They can also now cast Summon Undead for free and gain new abilities that allow them to teleport and regain HP when seriously injured or near death.
• Transmuter (Wizard) UPDATE: This Wizard subclass was also a throwback to the 2014 Player’s Handbook, with Transmuters able to reshape reality itself. The new DnD 2024 version, includes a revamped Transmuter’s Stone (creating pebbles that grant darkvision, speed, saving-throw proficiency or resistances) and a new Master Transmuter capstone that can be used to raise the dead and restore youth.

Final Thoughts

It’s not entirely clear what upcoming DnD book these new and revised Arcane subclasses will be appearing in. It’s also possible that these subclasses may change significantly (or be dropped altogether) in the months ahead.

In the meantime, you can check out the new subclasses via the Unearthed Arcana page or download the PDF directly. Player feedback is open until July 3rd, 2025.

Below is also a recent video from the official D&D Beyond YouTube channel, with designers Makenzie De Armas, Amanda Hamon and Ben Petrisor. Notably, this is the first official video from D&D that does feature Todd Kenreck, who has served as the primary interviewer for these types of videos over the past three years and was only recently laid off. Notably, the video also includes new artwork which has not appeared in previously published DnD books.

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