Dungeons and Dragons just released some new playtest material for One D&D covering the Druid and Paladin classes. This new Unearthed Arcana is the first playtest packet Dungeons and Dragons has released so far in 2023.
One D&D is Dungeons and Dragons’ evergreen evolution of 5th Edition it began working on last summer. After a near-three month delay due to controversies surrounding the Open Game License, Dungeons and Dragons is finally ready to resume its playtesting for One D&D ahead of its 2024 launch.
This new Unearthed Arcana covers the Druid and Paladin classes. Of the two, Druids changed the most. The masters of nature no longer have proficiency with medium armor, and have had several of their abilities altered. The iconic Wild Shape ability for Druids in Dungeons and Dragons now uses specific templates that modify their existing stats, rather than borrowing those of beasts from the Monster Manual. The Circle of the Moon subclass changed accordingly, now enhancing the existing Wild Shape templates with elemental magic, rather than allowing one to take the forms of elementals themselves.
Paladins received some changes, albeit less drastic than those of the Druid class. Their iconic Divine Smites can be used on any weapon attack, but can only be used once a turn, and not on the same turn where they cast a spell. They get more uses and options for their Channel Divinity feature, and get a trusty steed at 5th level. The Oath of Devotion subclass received a few tweaks, and its feature progression has been adjusted to match the template set by other One D&D class archetypes. This means its Holy Nimbus capstone ability is a bit weaker, but unlocked at level 14 instead of 20.
The Dungeons and Dragons playtest introduced a handful of other general rules changes as well. The universal Epic Boon feature from level 20 saw an increase in power. It now gives players an additional ability score increase that can bring stats above 20, and the Epic Boon feats have been adjusted to be more exciting. Additionally, rules for certain spells, grappling, and resting have been changed as One D&D alters its system according to previous player feedback.
This new Unearthed Arcana is available free for all players through D&D Beyond. The feedback survey for this playtest packet will become available for a few weeks starting on March 20. In a few months, players can expect another One D&D Unearthed Arcana, likely containing the Warrior or Mage classes.
Dungeons and Dragons is available now. One D&D is in development.