5 D&D Subclasses That Need To Be In Unearthed Arcana For 2026

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The 2024 update to Dungeons & Dragons significantly changed how the game works, including major revisions to character classes and their specializations in the Player’s Handbook. While previous books had introduced a variety of options, the updated 2024 Handbook limited each class to just four specializations. Fortunately, playtesting through Unearthed Arcana is bringing back some popular options in updated forms, though many are still not available.

Although popular Dungeons & Dragons content is expected to be released in 2026, some beloved character options are currently only available in unofficial playtest material. For instance, the Necromancer Wizard and Oathbreaker Paladin aren’t in any official 2024 rulebooks, existing only as playtest content right now. Because playtest options often become polished and official later on, fans are eagerly hoping to see their favorite Ranger Enclaves, Cleric Domains, and Barbarian Paths return soon.

5. Swashbuckler Rogue

Man, I was really bummed when the Swashbuckler Rogue didn’t make it into the latest Player’s Handbook. They showed it off in Unearthed Arcana last year, and I was so hyped for a Rogue that actually used Charisma – it’s a cool change of pace! Most Rogues are all about Dexterity, so the Swashbuckler felt fresh. It’s a shame because it wasn’t just another Thief or Assassin; it felt like a proper duelist or pirate, something really different. Seeing it cut after that little taste in UA just feels like a missed opportunity, honestly.

The Swashbuckler’s unique combat approach lets players use the Rogue’s powerful Sneak Attack in creative ways. Their Fancy Footwork makes them hard to hit, allowing them to move gracefully through battles. At higher levels, their Panache ability lets them charm or distract enemies, making them more charismatic than typical Rogues. Even with changes to their core abilities, the Swashbuckler is different enough from other Rogue options that it deserves continued development and playtesting.

4. Way of the Astral Self Monk

The Monk class received significant updates in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, making it noticeably more powerful and user-friendly. This makes the Way of the Astral Self archetype particularly exciting for potential future updates in 2026, as it’s a compelling option for players who enjoy martial arts-focused characters. The ability to summon ghostly arms for different tasks is very appealing, and it becomes even stronger later on with the Visage, Body, and Awakened forms, which provide substantial benefits.

As a Monk player, I’m really excited about any new D&D books coming out this year. Honestly, they could pretty much just copy the Astral Self Monk subclass from how it already is – it’s already super strong! We’re talking longer reach on our attacks, the ability to see in the Astral Plane, deflecting damage, and even more attacks than other Monks. Players have loved it since day one because it’s so versatile. Plus, bringing back the Astral Self just looks awesome, and it works really well with all the recent updates to the Monk class itself. It feels like everything just clicks!

3. Samurai Fighter

There are a lot of different Fighter options in current and upcoming Dungeons & Dragons materials, but one popular style – the Samurai – is noticeably absent. While often overlooked, the Samurai focuses on disciplined combat and inner strength, setting it apart from Fighters who use magic. The Samurai’s special abilities could be improved to make it more powerful, making it a great candidate for the next playtest release.

The Samurai subclass, while based on a rich and iconic warrior tradition, doesn’t initially stand out in terms of features, especially for a D&D character. However, its Fighting Spirit ability is a strong starting point, letting players gain advantage on attacks and a bit of extra health when they focus. The ability to trade this advantage for an extra attack later on makes the Samurai a unique and potentially powerful option for Fighter players, offering a focus on quick, skillful combat that’s worth exploring in playtesting.

2. School of Chronurgy Wizard

The Chronurgy Wizard is unique in Dungeons & Dragons, originally designed for the Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount setting featured in the Critical Role campaigns. Despite many other Wizard subclasses being reintroduced through Unearthed Arcana, continued fan interest in the Chronurgy Wizard demonstrates its strong appeal. Manipulating time with magic is a captivating concept for any character, but it’s the specific features of this class that make it ideal for testing new game content.

Chronurgy Wizards have a unique ability: they can make enemies reroll their dice, potentially turning bad luck against those who threaten their friends. As they gain power, they can even briefly freeze enemies in time, neutralizing the biggest threats in combat. Skilled Chronurgy Wizards can store spells in time itself and manipulate rolls to shape events in their favor. Everything about this Wizard class is exciting and memorable, making it a fan favorite that many players would love to see again.

1. Divine Soul Sorcerer

The Divine Soul Sorcerer is one of the most versatile spellcasting options available, allowing players to draw spells from both the Cleric and Sorcerer classes. This powerful combination consistently makes it a highly requested option for unofficial playtesting, and with good reason. Even with recent changes to how magic works in the 2024 rules, Sorcerers remain incredibly strong, able to adapt their spells to any situation. Combining this flexibility with the Divine Soul’s abilities makes them arguably the best healers in the game.

Divine Soul Sorcerers have a unique gift: they can reroll the dice when casting healing spells, and they can already use their magical energy to heal multiple people at once. Blessed by the gods, they can also improve their chances of success on saving throws or attacks, potentially turning failures into wins. As they grow more powerful, they gain spectral wings and a powerful ability to instantly restore a large amount of health, making them surprisingly resilient despite being a typically delicate class.

If this subclass returns in any future update with even some of its original abilities, it’s likely to be a very popular choice for players who enjoy supporting their team. Unlike typical Sorcerers who focus on dealing damage, the Divine Soul offers a unique playstyle with powerful built-in spells, which could make any new version of this class really appealing.

Which classic character classes from previous editions would you like to see return in the 2026 update? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss them on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-16 00:42