Subclasses remain an integral part ofDungeons & Dragons, especially since they further expand the specialization of the game’s various Classes. In eachD&Dedition, Subclasses attempt to further diversify combat roles and give each Class the opportunity to shine in numerous circumstances. As a result, a lot of Subclasses made a mark to such an extent that they remain staple archetypes in future editions.
Related:10 Ways The Elder Scrolls Could Be A Dungeons & Dragons 5e Campaign Setting
Meanwhile, other Subclasses deemed too technical or niche didn’t seem to make the cut to newerD&Deditions. However, some Subclasses seem to have enough sophistication and features that they might just fitD&D 5e’s current lineup. Which Subclasses could these be?
Edited on June 18, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With the “Shadow Of The Dragon Queen” adventure book bringingDungeons & Dragonsfans back to the acclaimed 2nd Edition setting ofDragonlance, players of the TTRPG might be interested in trying to transport not just their characters but also their entire experience to the setting.
And what better way to play an authenticDragonlancestory than with characters that take cues from older editions of the game - particularly with their use of unique classes that may very well become Subclasses in the current 5th Edition?
15Mystic Keeper
Known formally as theMystic Keeper of Corellon Larethian, this Prestige Class was introduced inDragon#328 released in 2005. Built specifically to Elven Clerics who worship Corellon, the Mystic Keeper allows characters to gain extra levels in their existing Divine Spellcasting Classes every even level for the purposes of gaining extra spells, further expanding their powerful protective arsenal. Not only that, but the Mystic Keeper can imbue their weapons with spells they can unleash, or project protective auras.
This kind of Subclass could be extended toD&D 5e, particularlyfor the Cleric. While the Cleric already has more than enough Divine Domains to choose from to gather Spells, gaining the Mystic Keeper’s ability to gain spells from other Domains or at least “switch” Domains to shuffle their arsenal can become a game changer.
14Moonspeaker
Located in the realm (and campaign setting) of Eberron aresome of the most compelling racesand creatures inDungeons & Dragons, chief among them are the Shifters who, after becoming aMoonspeaker, are capable of tapping into their shape-shifting capabilities to help channel the magic of the moon into the world. Chief among their capabilities are using the moon to fuel their magic, as well as the ability to summon various creatures.
The Moonspeaker can become a viable Druid Subclass, primarily for the Moonspeaker’s lunar focus and alternate “specialization” of summoning creatures instead of simply being able to change forms. This allows the Druid to have a more creative approach to their relationship with nature, being “channelers” of their energy to the outside instead of keeping them inside.
13Incantatrix
The Faerun in theForgotten Realmssetting is home to some of themost intriguing magicin theD&Duniverse, as such it makes sense for theIncantatrixin theD&D 3.5 Magic of Faerunsupplement book to capitalize on the mysteries of the realms beyond. Built specifically as a Metamagic Prestige Class, the Incantatrix focuses on modifying their Spells to make them more powerful. When one gains a level in Incantatrix, they gain another level in an Arcane Spellcasting Class for the purposes of getting new Spells but no other benefits.
However, what perhaps makes the Incantatrix a Subclass deserving of the5etranslation is how it can provide the Sorcerer with more incentives to use Metamagic. With the Incantatrix possessing expanded Metamagic feats, this can be a viable Sorcerer Subclass option that focuses on Metamagic options instead of typical Spells.
12Mystic Theurge
Blurring the lines between their Divine and Arcane influences, theMystic Theurge, introduced in theD&D 3.5 Dungeon Master’s Guide, capitalizes on their connections with various plains to gather a plethora of diverse Spells. Due to their capabilities of gathering powers from these sources, they’re mechanically treated as aconstant Multiclassof one Arcane and one Divine Spellcaster. Similar to the Mystic Keeper, getting a Mystic Theurge level immediately grants them +1 Level of their chosen Divine and Arcane Spellcasting Classes for the purposes of getting new Spells, but no other benefits are gained.
This Subclass could easily become a powerhouse inD&D 5e. Not to mention, the balancing caveat of not getting any other benefits for the purposes of expanding their Spell lists from a Divine and Arcane source can force players to be more careful of their priorities in their build.
11Daggerspell Mage
Located in theComplete Adventurersupplement of theD&D 3.5eset is theDaggerspell Mage, essentially combining the stealthycapabilities of the Roguewith the Arcane focus of the Wizard. In the lore, they use the quick movement of daggers to aid their spellcasting, with their training enabling them to become spies first before mages. This Prestige Class allows users to infuse their magic into their daggers, being able to use and throw daggers imbued with Spells and other special effects.
Related:Dungeons & Dragons: Mistakes DMs Do That Result In Bad Villains
While essentially just a Rogue in Wizard’s clothing, the Daggerspell Mage can be an ideal Subclass for both the Wizard and the Rogue. Despite the fact that Hexblade Rogues already exist, the more “formal” magic focus of the Daggerspell Mage can offer an Arcane-oriented alternative to stealth that is largely absent from the Hexblade.
10Abjurant Champion
InD&D 3.5e, theAbjurant Championbecomes the defensive equivalent of the balanced Eldritch Knight. As a result, Abjurant Champions improve the power of useful Abjuration Spells to use them beyond their defensive functions. In turn, some players may consider the Abjurant Championas an interesting Classon their own.
For instance, Extended Abjuration and Swift Abjuration augments the potency and speed of their Abjuration Spells. Moreover, Abjurant Armor and Arcane Boost now allow Abjurant Champions to boost their AC and other combat abilities with both their Spells and their own Spell Slots. As a result, the Abjurant Champion can serve as a decent Wizard or Fighter Subclass.
9Blighter
Druids who turn away from protecting nature might end up causing its destruction. Unlike Druids,Blightersbecome the very representation of nature’s destruction, with this3.5ePrestige Class needing to use their Deforestation Feature to kill plant-life in order to use its other special abilities. In turn,5ecould use the Blighter as a more complicated and darker Druid Subclass.
Blighters tap into Blightfire to start their own wildfires while Sustenance makes them immune to hunger and thirst. Meanwhile, a Blighter who grows in power soon taps into forces of undeath, capable of communicating, animating, unbending, and transforming into undead. At their prime, Blighters may even spread diseases.
8Fatespinner
Fatespinnershave tapped into arcane sources to fully realize the machinations of probability - to the point of being capable of controlling their own destinies, to some degree. As a result, these Spellcasters can bend “luck” and “misfortune” to their whims, capable of creating bizarre situations. This3.5ePrestige Class fits as a Subclass of the Sorcerer best, given their “wild” natures.
Interestingly, Fatespinners do their “magic” with Spins, which they can use to do a variety of things. For instance, Fatespinners can use Spin to add points to rolls and Saves, force others and themselves to reroll, bestow roll penalties, or outright succeed in some checks.
7Life-Stealer
Warlocks often make Pacts with Patrons in exchange for power, but rarely do they get the ability to steal the life essence of others. In4e, theLife-StealerParagon Path lets Warlock do exactly that. As such, most of the Life-Stealers abilities involve an active lifesteal opponent, essentially removing the need for them to rely onhealing Spells.
Related:10 Pro Tips To Create A Cyberpunk D&D Campaign
Their abilities include Infernal Action that deals damage over time. Meanwhile, Collect Life Spark enables them to collect life energy they can use to create different effects. Moreover, Life-Stealers can control beings they stole Life Sparks from!
6Master Of Masks
Bards often rely on their charm and wit to amuse or irritate people around them. Meanwhile, Rogues simply have to let their nimble fingers do the work. However, the3.5ePrestige Class called theMaster of Masksadds a chilling Spellcasting component to the art of subterfuge. Essentially, Masters of Masks have access to Persona Masks that grant them access to varioususeful Spells.
In turn, Masters of Masks can portray archmagi, assassins, jesters, and even lords just by switching their masks. They eventually become Mask Specialists and Many Faces, improving the potency of their abilities and may even use masks simultaneously. As such, Master of Masks may fit as a charismatic Rogue Subclass.
