Dungeons & Dragons Playtest 7 revises 5 classes and adds 2 new subclasses, as development of D&D’s tabletop RPG rules continues. (Images: Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro)

A new Dungeons & Dragons Unearthed Arcana (aka Playtest 7) has been released, introducing huge changes to classic character classes and introducing 2 new subclasses.

Wizards of the Coast is in the process of developing a new version of the tabletop roleplaying rules for Dungeons & Dragons. Although the initial plans have changed dramatically due to the Open Gaming License controversy (which fans and third-party developers decried as predatory), the One D&D update is moving forward in time for a 2024 release.

The release of Playtest 7 content was posted on the official D&D Beyond website and shared on social media.

We’re back with a new set of playtest materials for you to try out at your table. Player’s Handbook Playtest 7 revises five classes and introduces two new subclasses.

Click here for highlights on key changes you’ll find in this Unearthed Arcana: https://t.co/VlVibAUz40 pic.twitter.com/IpCkOfklz3

— D&D Beyond (@DnDBeyond) September 7, 2023

This new set of tentative rules for DnD focuses on 5 of the traditional character classes: the Barbarian, the Fighter, the Sorcerer, the Warlock, and the Wizard.

The bulk of the changes stem from the mixed reactions expressed by the players who playtested previous Unearthed Arcana releases. Some of the content in Playtest 7 goes back to prior versions of the work-in-progress rules, such as Warlock's pact magic and the Wizard's uniqueness with how the class specializes in certain Spell Schools.

Some of the highlights of the class changes proposed in this recent D&D Playtest 7 include:

• The Barbarian Reckless Attack will now last a full round instead of only during the turn it was activated.
• The Barbarian also gets updates to the Berserker, Totem Warrior (now called Wild Heart), and Zealot subclasses, while also adding the new Path of the World Tree subclass.
• Fighters get expanded use of the Second Wind ability with the Tactical Mind and Tactical Shift options.
• The new Brawler subclass for the Fighter is introduced, which focuses on hand-to-hand and improvised weapons.
• Sorcerers receive boosts to Metamagic and Sorcerous Restoration, as well as making Innate Sorcery more reliable.
• The Warlock Pact Magic goes back to its previous version, rather than having a spell progression that was perceived as too similar to other spellcasting classes.
• Wizards will now be able to swap out one of their cantrips after each long rest. However, the previous Modify Spell and Create Spell abilities from previous playtest content has been canned.

Class spell lists also revert to being dedicated to each of the spellcasting D&D character classes, rather than dividing them into categories like Arcane, Divine, and Primal. Some specific spells like Counterspell and Jump also receive some tweaks.

More details of the Playtest 7 rules can be found on the D&D Beyond website at this link. Note that you will need an active D&D Beyond account in order to access and download the Unearthed Arcana PDF.

With new potential TTRPG players being introduced to Dungeons & Dragons thanks to the popularity of Larian Studios' hit CRPG Baldur's Gate 3, rolling back the changes to match the video game is a wise move. While trying some new things might have its merits, new players might be confused particularly for the BG3 fans adopting the character sheets of Shadowheart and Karlach.

What do you think of the current progress of DnD's Unearthed Arcana? Do you think it looks promising for the One D&D TTRPG rules that are coming in time for Dungeons & Dragons' 50th anniversary this 2024?

Players can submit feedback about the new Dungeons & Dragons Unearthed Arcana Playtest 7 when the survey opens on September 21, 2023.