Summary
- The playtest for One D&D has resulted in updates to backgrounds, feats, and subclasses, aiming to improve character creation and help Dungeon Masters understand game mechanics.
- One D&D, which will be released in 2024, includes significant changes to the Rogue class, making it more versatile in dealing damage.
- The new features for the Rogue class include Cunning Strike, Steady Aim, and Weapon Mastery, providing more options and creativity for players.
Dungeons and Dragons’ latest edition, named One D&D, is hitting the shelves in 2024, and its playtest shows significant changes coming to classes like the Rogue. This class is beloved by players looking to deal massive damage through tactical and precise attacks from stealth. The designers doubled down on this defining trait by giving One D&D’s Rogue new features that make its signature Sneak Attack ability more versatile. Its existing features and subclasses also received some updates. The biggest changes and additions to this class include:
- New Features: Cunning Strike, Steady Aim, and Weapon Mastery
- Tweaks to base subclasses like the Thief, Assassin, Arcane Trickster, and Swashbuckler
The One D&D playtest is now on its seventh version, and it’s given fans a taste of what to expect once the game releases. Backgrounds and feats have been overhauled to make them a more significant part of one’s character-creation process. New Dungeon Masters are expected to have an easier time running their first few campaigns, as the restructured DM Guide will help them understand game mechanics better early on. However, the most exciting changes target the classes, which have gotten a lot of player feedback throughout the playtest.
Cunning Strike Makes the One D&D Rogue’s Sneak Attacks More Creative
Cunning Strike is a new fifth-level feature, which offers craftier ways to pounce from the shadows. Every time the player deals damage using the Rogue's Sneak Attack feature, they can add Cunning Strike effects. However, they have to forgo a Sneak Attack die to do so. Here’s an overview of each base effect, which all cost a 1d6.
- Disarm - The target must do a saving throw for Dexterity. If they fail, they drop one item (of the player’s choice) that they’re holding.
- Poison - This ability lets the Rogue add a toxin to their attack, which will force the target into a Constitution saving throw. On failure, the opponent receives Poison damage for a minute. The player should have a Poisoner’s Kit for this to work, and the target gets the chance to cure themselves through a saving throw at the end of its turns.
- Withdraw - After an attack, the Rogue can move at half its speed without giving enemies a chance to do an opportunity attack.
- Trip - Large or smaller targets are forced to make a Dexterity saving throw. They are knocked prone if they fail.
Improved Cunning Strikes at Level 11 lets the player use two effects at once, paying the necessary die cost for each one. At Level 14, the player gets souped-up abilities called Devious Strikes, that can Daze, Blind, or even knock targets unconscious. These potent effects cost from 2d6 to 6d6.
One D&D Rogue’s Other New Features and Subclass Updates
The designers have added Steady Aim from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything as a base feature. This lets players get an attack roll advantage as a bonus action, which they can only use if they haven’t moved during their current turn.
There’s also Weapon Mastery, which gives the player extra effects when using two different weapons that they’re proficient in using. For example, the Shortbow has the “Vex” Mastery Property, which, upon a successful hit, gives the player an Advantage on their next attack roll. Significant subclass updates include:
- Arcane Trickster - The Versatile Trickster feature was updated to allow players to use Cunning Strikes using Mage Hand.
- Thief - Supreme Sneak now lets players sacrifice one Sneak Attack die to stay hidden as they attack.
- Swashbuckler - Master Duelist has been updated to give Rogues to make an additional attack if they’re within five feet of a creature, and no other creature is within five feet of them.
- Assassin - Assassinate’s extra damage no longer requires the target to be surprised, and it now gives an Advantage on initiative.
One D&D’s Rogues are given more options to showcase their cunning and creativity with new base and subclass features. Such abilities make them even more effective in combat compared to Rogues from previous editions. However, these powerful features are balanced with trade-offs like sacrificing Sneak Attack dies.
- Franchise
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Original Release Date
- 1974
- Publisher
- Wizards of the Coast
- Designer
- E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson
Created by Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game in which players craft their own worlds and band together to take on adventures through mysterious realms outlined in companion materials. One of the best role-playing games ever made, it has been adapted into a variety of video games and other media.
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