The brand new 2024 D&D Player's Handbook is now out – and as we’ve been flipping through the fine details, it looks like some of our favorite classes and subclasses are getting some exciting upgrades. 

Among the classes that are getting some shine is the Bard class. From early expertise access at level 2 to an hour-long bardic inspiration, these enhancements to the class will make this already creative class build even more interesting!

First… Goodbye, Song of Rest

Before we get to the new, we need to make a bit of space. That means we need to pour one out for Song of Rest – officially making its exit for the 2024 edition. 

But don’t worry, our Bards are getting plenty of new toys to make up for it (which may be why Wizards of the Coast felt keeping it around made bards a bit too powerful.) One of which is Font of Inspiration:

Font of Inspiration (Level 5)

• Regain all expended uses of Bardic Inspiration after a Short or Long Rest
• NEW: Expend a spell slot to regain one use of Bardic Inspiration anytime

Bardic Inspiration Is Now An Hour Long

One of the big upgrades to the 2024 Bard class is the enhancement of Bardic Inspiration. Instead of lasting 10 minutes, it now lasts an hour. That’s like going from a 30-second jingle to a full-length rock opera. 

• Bardic Inspiration now lasts a full hour instead of just 10 minutes.
• Use it even after failing a D20 Test, giving you more strategic options.
• Inspire creatures who can either hear OR see you, expanding your reach.

Early Expertise at Level 2

Expertise is coming in hot at level 2 now! That’s right, you’ll be able to flex those double proficiency bonuses earlier than ever.

• Expertise now granted at level 2 instead of level 3
• Choose two skills to apply double proficiency bonus
• Get another two skills at level 9 (previously level 10)

Countercharm Moves To Reaction

Countercharm is getting a big boost. It’s moving to level 7 and comes with a suite of new features:

• Use after you or an ally fails a save against being Frightened or Charmed
• Target rerolls the save with Advantage
• Unlimited uses per day

Magical Secrets Expands

Hold on to your hats because Magical Secrets just got a whole lot stronger. This spell-borrowing feature for Bards now includes all Cleric, Druid and Wizard spells.

• Select spells from Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spell lists whenever your Prepared Spells increase
• These spells count as Bard spells for you

Spell-casting Updates

Here’s the big one: Bards can now swap cantrips after long rests, and many spells have been reworked for balance and flavor. Notable changes to bard spellcasting include:

• Swap cantrips after long rests for added flexibility
• New cantrip: Starry Wisp
• Revamped cantrips: Blade Ward, Friends, True Strike, and Vicious Mockery
• Boosted healing spells: Cure Wounds and Healing Word
• Reworked utility spells: Sleep, Polymorph, and Animate Objects
• New spells: Fount of Moonlight (4th level), Yolande's Regal Presence (5th level), and Power Word Fortify (7th level)

Bard Subclass Updates

• College of Dance (New!): A brand new subclass, College of Dance allows you to channel magic through the art of dance, boosting your defenses and empowering your unarmed strikes.
• College of Glamour: Enthralling Performance replaced with Beguiling Magic, granting access to Charm Person and Mirror Image, plus a chance to charm or frighten creatures when casting Enchantment or Illusion spells.
• College of Lore: Cutting Words no longer impacted by a creature's ability to hear you or immunity to charm.
• College of Valor: Use Simple or Martial weapons as spellcasting foci, and mix cantrips with your Extra Attack feature.

Superior Inspiration, Epic Boon, and Words of Creation

For those willing to go the distance with their Bard, the spoils are worth it. The 2024 edition brings faster access to Superior Inspiration – from level 20 to level 18 – allowing you to regain up to 2 uses of Bardic Inspiration when rolling initiative. 

One level later (level 19) Bards now get an Epic Boon. This means that adventurers who are brave enough to extend their campaigns to the ultimate length can upgrade their bard to near-godlike status with one of the newly honed epic boon powers.

And at level 20, Bards now get access to the incredibly powerful Words of Creation. This new capstone ability gives you access to the spells Power Word Heal and Power Word Kill.

Ready To Try The New Bard Out?

The Bard class in 2024 is going to be a fun build, especially as the class gains some earlier expertise options and an expanded spell list.

So, why not give the new version a try? With our free character creator for D&D 2024, you're just a few clicks away from exploring the new Bard yourself.

Whether you are a veteran Bard or have always wanted to try out the class type, now’s the chance to give it a shot. Start up your next adventure on Roll20 and start creating today.