Demystifying the Revamped Druid Gameplay in Dungeons & Dragons

Article Key Points

Significant changes have been made to the Druid class in the upcoming One D&D edition. One notable adjustment is the revamping of its signature feature, Wild Shape. However, due to negative feedback, the developers decided to revert Wild Shape back to a version similar to the one seen in D&D 5e.

The updated Druid class in One D&D introduces the Circle of the Sea subclass and brings improvements to existing subclasses like Circle of the Land and Circle of the Moon. These enhancements enhance the class's versatility and effectiveness, providing players with more options and strategic choices. The new features and subclasses in One D&D highlight the Druid's flagship abilities, making the class even more versatile. One D&D is scheduled for release in 2024.

The Druid underwent significant revisions during the initial rounds of the One D&D playtest. One notable change was made to the class' distinguishing ability, Wild Shape. Originally, players were able to mimic the appearance and attributes of any animal they had previously encountered. However, this was later modified so that Druids could only select from a predefined set of attributes based on whether the transformed creature belonged to the Sky, Sea, or Land category. This alteration did not resonate well with fans, prompting the developers to attentively consider the feedback and ultimately restore Wild Shape to its closer resemblance of the D&D 5e version. Despite this retraction, the seventh One D&D playtest still introduces significant alterations to the class, potentially carrying over to the final release of the product in 2024. These changes encompass the introduction of a new subclass and extensive modifications to existing ones.

Elemental Fury, a new level 7 feature

Further adjustments to Wild Shape

What are the New Druid Features and Subclasses Coming to One D&D?

It has been almost ten years since the release of D&D 5e in 2014, a highly acclaimed edition that provided players with a simplified method for creating characters and allowed Dungeon Masters to exercise greater creativity in shaping their campaigns. Its upcoming successor, One D&D, aims to maintain compatibility with 5e while introducing significant changes, particularly to classes like the Druid. Through recent playtests, developers and players have had the opportunity to experiment with new features and modifications, determining which ones are deserving of inclusion in the final version of the game.

The newest D&D edition improves the Druid class by modifying its subclasses. There are currently three of them included in the latest playtest.

Circle of the Land

Renowned for its expertise in spellcasting, this subclass prioritizes the mystical arts. Its initial capability, known as Circle Spells, encompasses a dynamic array of spells that alternates according to the type of land chosen by the Druid (Arid, Polar, Temperate, or Tropical). Notable enhancements to this enchanted sphere consist of:

Circle Spells - In contrast to 5e, the number of spells available for each land type is reduced. Nevertheless, the Druid now possesses the ability to alter their land type on a daily basis, a feature that was absent in the previous edition.

Nature's Ward - An enhanced benefit of Nature's Ward is the Druid's increased resistance to specific damage types based on their chosen Land Type.

Land’s Aid — This is a new ability that lets the Druid use Wild Shape to create sprawling flowers and thorns that heal allies and damage enemies.

Circle of the Moon

The Moonlight Step is a new addition at level 10 for combat-focused Druid builds in D&D. It enhances the Druid's abilities by allowing them to teleport up to 30 feet and provides them with advantage on attack rolls before their turn concludes.

Lunar Form is a level 14 feature that improves the effectiveness of abilities such as Moonlight and Moonbeam.

In Combat Wild Shape, players can now utilize the higher Armor Class (AC) between their beast and normal forms. Additionally, they receive temporary hit points equivalent to either their form's hit points or three times their level, depending on which is lower. Moon Druids now have the ability to cast Abjuration spells even while in their beast form.

Circle of the Sea

This new subclass is similar to the Land Druid. It also has Circle Spells but with water and ice-themed spells. Its notable features include:

Wrath of the Sea: Utilizing the power of their Druid's Wild Shape, Sea Druids generate a captivating aura of ocean spray that they can employ to harm their adversaries. This ability receives enhancements through the Stormborn proficiency at level 10, granting flight capabilities and resistances. Additionally, at level 14, the Oceanic Gift enables Sea Druids to bestow a comparable aura upon willing allies.

Aquatic Affinity: With this feature, Sea Druids permanently possess the Water Breathing spell, always prepared for immediate use. Furthermore, they acquire a swim speed equivalent to their regular movement speed.

The Druid class receives a new level 7 feature called Elemental Fury, enhancing their weapon attacks and cantrip effectiveness, similar to the Cleric's Holy Order. Additionally, Wild Shape can be accessed from level 2 onwards and is now a bonus action, irrespective of subclass. These enhancements, along with the introduction of new features, subclasses, and adjustments, amplify the versatility of the Druid and elevate the significance of its core abilities.

A new edition of Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is currently under development and is scheduled for release in 2024.

Dungeons and Dragons, a tabletop game created by Gary Gygax, enables players to construct their own unique universes and join forces to embark on thrilling escapades within enigmatic domains as described in accompanying materials. Regarded as one of the finest role-playing games ever devised, its influence has extended to diverse forms of media, including video games.

Franchise Dungeons & DragonsOriginal Release Date November 30, 1973Publisher Wizards of the CoastDesigner E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming changes to the Druid class in Dungeons & Dragons. The Druid is one of my favorite classes, and I think these changes will make it even more fun to play.

I'm particularly excited about the new Circle of the Sea subclass. This subclass gives Druids the ability to transform into sea creatures, which is something I've always wanted to do. I also like the new features that have been added to the Circle of the Land and Circle of the Moon subclasses. These features will make Druids more versatile and powerful, and I can't wait to try them out.

Overall, I think the changes to the Druid class are a positive step forward. They will make the class more fun to play and give Druids more options in combat and exploration. I can't wait to try out the new Druid class in One D&D when it releases in 2024.