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With Eberron gaining renewed attention due to the release of Eberron: Forge of the Artificer, Dungeons & Dragons fans now have access to even more content related to the famous city in the game through partner publications. One such new release is Exploring Eberron, a sourcebook that provides a deeper look into the realm.
Exploring Eberron introduces several new character options, including both new and returning races that align with the 2024 Player’s Handbook. There are also multiple new class options, notably new subclasses for the Artificer, a class that has become prominent with Eberron content. We will review all these new subclasses, analyze their strengths, and rank them to identify which ones are worth trying.
When it comes to Exploring Eberron, there are new subclasses available for the Cleric, Monk, Druid, Bard, and Artificer. Each one fits within the rules of the 2024 PHB, and most of them bring unique features to their respective classes. We’ll examine each subclass to see what they can do, how they enhance the base class, and how they compare to other subclasses in terms of usefulness.
S Tier
These subclasses offer either enough new material to be highly appealing or are simply better than existing options for their class. They feature a wide array of abilities that prepare you for many different situations, making them some of the best choices Exploring Eberron has to offer.
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Cleric: Mind Domain
The Mind Domain has some powerfully situational abilities. Even if your campaign doesn’t reach level 17, the features available at higher levels are impressive. For example, replacing a failed saving throw with a 20 can turn the tide of a battle, and the Psychic Feedback ability imposes disadvantage on enemies’ Wisdom saves, which can help your own attacks succeed. Psychic Force transforms your radiant damage into psychic damage and adds your Charisma modifier for extra damage. Additionally, it grants a +2 bonus to Intelligence, Charisma, and Wisdom saving throws for allies around you, providing substantial support. -
Druid: Circle of the Forged
This subclass turns your Druid into a durable frontline fighter. It grants resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage when in Wild Shape, and allows using Wild Shape as a reaction. You can select your attack damage type, ensuring you’re prepared against resistances. Sacrificing a spell slot can deal up to 5d6 additional damage, with various effects such as lowering enemy AC or inflicting ongoing damage. At higher levels, your AC becomes 16 plus your Wisdom modifier, making you quite hard to hit.
A Tier
These subclasses are definitely worth investing in, even if they don’t surpass the top-tier options. While they might lack the versatility of S Tier subclasses, they still open up exciting opportunities for fun and creativity.
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Artificer: Forge Adept
Focused on weapon creation, the Forge Adept is versatile with its ability to craft magical weapons. Using proficiency with martial weapons and adding your Intelligence modifier to attack and damage rolls makes it effective. You can enchant a non-magical weapon to become magical and return when thrown, with a bonus to attack and damage that increases with level. The Aura of War enhances damage for you and allies, making this subclass a solid choice for those looking to wield imbuing weapons and support their team. -
Monk: Warrior of the Living Weapon
While extra damage is beneficial, it’s primarily linked to your Martial Arts die, limiting early-game usefulness. However, abilities like Manifest Blow provide extra damage options, especially with features like Nightmare Shroud, which deals extra damage and frightens enemies. Self Restoration cleans conditions more easily, and Perfect Form offers options such as increased healing or higher AC, making this subclass versatile.
B Tier
While interesting, these subclasses do not significantly improve upon existing options in the 2024 PHB. Many available from official material outperform them, but they still deliver fun and inventive gameplay.
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Bard: College of the Dirge Singer
This subclass’s broad Inspiration feature allows others to pass their Inspiration to teammates, and Commanding Voice lets those with Bardic Inspiration join your attack reaction. Adding the Bardic Inspiration die to damage and granting a bonus to ability checks are nice perks. However, better Bard subclasses are available, and this one doesn’t offer compelling unique features. -
Artificer: Maverick
The main new feature is the Arcane Prototype, letting you hold spells within prototypes that can be used for spellcasting at higher levels. Nevertheless, this is somewhat redundant, as carrying multiple spell slots is typically more straightforward. You can add your Intelligence modifier if you have Tinker’s Tools, but generally, other subclasses provide more impactful options.
Variant Capstones
The added level 20 options for each subclass can make some Artificer subclasses even more powerful. These variants include new capstone features that can enhance your character’s abilities at high levels. While most players are unlikely to reach level 20, these options add extra flavor and potential upgrades for those who do, making some subclasses more appealing for long-term campaigns.
Most of these capstones can be useful, but they should be considered optional enhancements since attaining level 20 is rare.
This overview highlights the strengths of the new subclasses from Exploring Eberron. While some are top-tier game changers and others are more niche, they all contribute interesting options for players seeking new ways to build and roleplay their characters in the Eberron setting.
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