Wizards of the Coast has revealed extensive changes to the Druid class for the upcoming 2024 edition of Dungeons and Dragons. This overhaul, part of a broader revision of the game’s core rules, promises to enhance gameplay & offer players more versatile options for their nature-wielding characters.
Wild Shape: A Fundamental Transformation
The iconic Wild Shape ability, a cornerstone of the Druid class, has undergone a complete metamorphosis. These changes aim to improve action economy & increase the longevity of animal forms in combat:
- Bonus Action Transformation: Druids can now Wild Shape as a Bonus Action instead of an Action, allowing for more strategic play.
- Improved Durability: Instead of adopting the beast’s hit points, Druids now gain temporary hit points equal to their level when transforming.
- Retained Hit Point Pool: Druids continue to use their own Hit Point pool while in beast form.
- Enhanced Communication: Druids can now speak while in Wild Shape, opening up new roleplaying opportunities.
- Refined Form Selection: The rules defining what forms a Druid can take have been better defined.
These adjustments are designed to make Wild Shape a more integral & frequently used part of the Druid’s arsenal.
New Abilities & Class Features
The redesigned Druid class introduces several new abilities that enhance its versatility & combat prowess:
Early Specialization
At 1st level, Druids now choose between two paths:
- Warren: Grants proficiency in martial weapons & medium armor.
- Magician: Provides an extra cantrip & allows the use of Wisdom modifier for Arcana & Nature checks.
Wild Companion
At 2nd level, Druids can summon an animal companion using a Wild Shape slot instead of a spell slot.
Elemental Fury
This 7th-level ability allows Druids to either:
- Deal additional damage on attacks, or
- Add their Wisdom modifier to cantrip damage & increase cantrip range to 300 feet.
Beast Form Spellcasting
At 18th level, Druids gain the ability to cast spells while in beast form, which can be combined with Elemental Fury for powerful ranged attacks.
Subclass Enhancements
Popular Druid subclasses have also received significant upgrades:
Circle of the Moon
- Improved AC options: Use either the beast form’s default AC or 13 plus the Druid’s Wisdom modifier.
- Additional temporary hit points when in Wild Shape.
- Ability to cast subclass spells at 3rd level while in Wild Shape.
Circle of the Land
- Flexibility to change land type after each long rest.
- New Land’s Aid ability: Create blasts of nature magic to heal or harm using Wild Shape charges.
Circle of the Sea
This new ocean-themed subclass features:
- A swirling ocean spray that surrounds the Druid, even when away from water.
- Eventually grants the Druid a Fly speed.
Circle of the Stars
- Adapted from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything for inclusion in the core Player’s Handbook.
- Adjustments made to class features to match new level progressions.
Check out our previous coverage of the 2024 Player Handbook Below
These extensive changes to the Druid class are expected to have a significant impact on Dungeons and Dragons gameplay. The improved Wild Shape mechanics & new abilities should make the Druid a more attractive option for players who enjoy versatile characters capable of adapting to various situations. The ability to cast spells while in beast form at higher levels is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a long-standing limitation of the class. This change, combined with the Elemental Fury ability, opens up new tactical possibilities for Druids in combat scenarios.
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