2 New Dungeons and Dragons Subclasses Have a Clear Target, and DMs Should Take Note

Dungeons and Dragons is a setting full of magic. Indeed, of the 12 core classes in the game, 8 are spellcasters, with only 4 of them relying purely on martial abilities. Magic can summon allies, rain fire on large groups of enemies, and warp reality itself to even grant extra turns, so it is no surprise that Dungeons and Dragons takes spellcasters into heavy consideration.

However, two new subclasses from the recent Dungeons and Dragons Unearthed Arcana take this to another level. The Oath of the Spellguard Paladin and Magic Stealer Rogue both target and lean heavily into countering spellcasters, which can be clutch against enemies like liches, fiends, or mad sorcerer-kings. That said, these sorts of subclasses also require some forethought from the Dungeon Master to make sure they are neither over nor underpowered.

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Mystic Subclasses in Dungeons and Dragons Unearthed Arcana

Magic and Anti-Magic Archetypes For the Monk, Paladin, Rogue, and Warlock

Mystic Subclasses is the first Unearthed Arcana to be released in 2026. Like previous D&D UAs, these subclasses are official playtest materials fans can try out and help shape before they are published. This Unearthed Arcana contains four brand-new subclasses, each with a mystical theme:

• Monk: Warrior of the Mystic Arts
• Paladin: Oath of the Spellguard
• Rogue: Magic Stealer
• Warlock: Vestige Patron

The Warrior of the Mystic Arts is, essentially, the Monk’s answer to Arcane Trickster Rogues and Eldritch Knight Fighters in Dungeons and Dragons. Gaining 1/3rd of the spellcasting ability of a full caster, Mystic Arts Monks can later cast “unlimited” spells by converting Short Rest-recovered Focus Points into spell slots, replace an attack with a cantrip as many gish can, and buff their Concentration saves after using core abilities.

Image via Wizards of the Coast

The Oath of the Spellguard is perfect for Paladins who want to protect their allies from dangerous spellcasters. These Paladins can cover a specific ally to increase their AC with Guardian Bond, gain access to excellent D&D spells like Counterspell, Shield, and Circle of Power, and counter spells of mages who cast while they are in melee. Their aura can also eventually grant advantage on saving throws for maintaining Concentration and against spells, disadvantage on spell attacks targeting allies within it, and resistance to all damage against the ally protected by Guardian Bond.

Image via Blizzard

Like the Paladin, the Magic Stealer Rogue does exactly what’s on the box. Their core abilities let them take magic from spellcasters to gain bonus Sneak Attack damage, and end low-level magic effects to restore spell slots to allied spellcasters. Later, these Dungeons and Dragons Rogues gain new Cunning Strike options to disrupt spellcasters and remove enemy resistance, a permanent personal Nondetection spell, and the ability to counter and stun spellcasters when stealing their power.

Image via Wizards of the Coast

Lastly, the Vestige Patron Warlock makes a pact with a forgotten or dying god, who they can manifest as a permanent companion like a Beast Master Ranger’s pet in Dungeons and Dragons. At higher levels, the Vestage Companion gains a powerful aura that grants buffs to the party while it is active, and the ability to temporarily evolve into a powerful ally via Summon Celestial, Summon Fiend, or Summon Undead.

Image via Wizards of the Coast

It is unclear exactly what books these subclasses will appear in, as no official D&D sourcebooks have been confirmed for 2026 yet. Several other arcane-themed subclasses appeared in a previous D&D Unearthed Arcana, however, so it would not be surprising to see them bundled together in a magic-centric book later this year.

DMs Must Prepare For Players Using Two of These D&D Subclasses

Anti-Magic Subclasses Lose a Lot of Features When Not Fighting Spellcasters

While all of these subclasses are magical, the Spellguard Paladin and Magic Stealer Rogue are both actually the opposite. These anti-magic subclasses are powerful additions to any team, as magic is totally OP in D&D. Indeed, by the time most Dungeons and Dragons characters reach level 20, spellcasters are the most dangerous foes one can face. Both subclasses gain special defenses against spells, and can counter magic through various unique means to help them manage certain deadly spell-slinging foes as well as an Abjuration Wizard can.

Image via Wizard of the Coast

However, this degree of specialization is as much a bane as it is a boon. About half of these subclasses’ features are dependent on facing spellcasters, which means only the other half of their abilities actually function if the enemies are monsters or martial warriors. This is especially egregious due to changes certain enemy stat blocks underwent in the Dungeons and Dragons 2024 Monster Manual, where some spellcasters were given spell-like abilities that do not technically count as spells. For example, an Archpriests’s Holy Word or the Performer Legend’s Majestic Song do not count as spells, and thus, would not be affected by most of these subclass’ features.

There is an old saying in Dungeons and Dragons: “Shoot your Monks.” Though obsolete now that Monks can deflect all kinds of attacks in D&D 5e 2024, the advice refers to the Monk’s old Deflect Missiles class ability, which reflected projectiles back at the enemy. Novice DMs would often see this feature and avoid using ranged attacks against their monks, for fear of making an encounter too easy, but a veteran would instead do the opposite and shoot them as much as possible. This not only lets the player use their character’s class features, but also delights them by creating an awesome moment for them to shine in battle.

The same logic applies with Spellguard Paladins and Magic Stealer Rogues. Dungeon Masters with these subclasses at their table should be sure to throw plenty of spellcasters against their parties for their Spellguards and Magic Stealers to counter, but not enough that other players do not get the chance to shine as well. Every class has their own strengths and weaknesses, and it is up to the DM to utilize both to craft satisfying D&D encounters. Don’t forget to shoot your Monks, but don’t forget to cast spells at your Spellguards and Magic Stealers, either.

Franchise

Dungeons & Dragons

Original Release Date

1974

Designer

E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson