Dungeons & Dragons is expanding its Underdark character options with three subclasses and five playable species in its latest Unearthed Arcana playtest. The selection includes options for Clerics, Druids, and Sorcerers, alongside species such as Drider and Myconid.
For you as a player, the important distinction is that these are playtest options for the 2024 revision of fifth edition, rather than a finalized rulebook release. They offer more ways to build a character around the creatures and magic of the Underdark.
Three subclasses explore freedom, spores, and magical manipulation
The subclass lineup covers three different classes, with each taking a distinct approach to the underground setting:
- Freedom Domain – Cleric: Includes a Channel Divinity effect comparable to the Freedom of Movement spell. The preview also describes an approach that frees the Cleric from wearing armor, though the source does not explain the exact mechanics.
- Circle of Spores – Druid: Features the ability to raise corpses using spores, echoing Myconids, and provides access to telepathy.
- Faerzress Sorcery – Sorcerer: Focuses on manipulation, with options that include improving Darkvision and giving mundane weapons magical properties.
That gives you different directions to explore: a Cleric centered on freedom, a Druid working with spores and telepathy, or a Sorcerer who can alter vision and equipment. The preview outlines those themes without providing a complete breakdown of their rules.
Five species bring more of the Underdark into character creation
Species account for most of the additions in this Unearthed Arcana release. The five choices draw on several very different inhabitants of the Underdark:
- Deep Imaskari: Described as creating light wherever they go.
- Drider: Combines the features of a drow and a spider.
- Illithidkin: Characters who have been subjected to experiments by Mind Flayers.
- Kuo-toa: Receive a distinctive version of the Find Familiar spell.
- Myconid: Fungus-like people found throughout the Underdark.
If you have played Baldur’s Gate 3, some of the creatures and themes may already be familiar, particularly Myconids and the connection to Mind Flayers. Here, the focus is on options for your tabletop character, not additions to Baldur’s Gate 3.
Where the playtest fits into D&D’s wider lineup
The 2024 Player’s Handbook provides 12 classes with four subclasses each. Later releases have expanded those choices with additions including the Artificer class, Bladesinger Wizard subclass, and Dhampir species. This playtest continues that expansion with a specifically Underdark-focused selection.
D&D also has a separate video game project in development: Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons. Wizards of the Coast and Invoke Studios revealed the single-player action-adventure at The Game Awards 2025, and a Gamescom Opening Night Live showcase highlighted combat built around combining spells.
For more game coverage, you can read our Oceanhorn 3 overview or browse our gaming articles.
FAQ
The lineup includes Freedom Domain for Clerics, Circle of Spores for Druids, and Faerzress Sorcery for Sorcerers.
The five species are Deep Imaskari, Drider, Illithidkin, Kuo-toa, and Myconid.
No. These options are part of Unearthed Arcana playtest content for the 2024 revision of fifth edition, not a finalized rulebook release.
No. The announcement concerns tabletop Dungeons & Dragons character options. The Baldur’s Gate 3 connection is that some Underdark creatures and themes may be familiar to its players.