--- title: Biggest Class Changes in D&D 2024 description: The 2024 Player's Handbook is bringing more than a few changes to many of our favorite classes – and these upgrades may just change how you play the game. Make sure you aren’t caught unaware with this guide to the latest updates and changes in D&D 2024. --- [![](https://pages.roll20.net/hubfs/Roll20%20-%20Assets/Blog/Group%202.svg)](https://roll20.net/) - [Blog](https://bloghub.roll20.net/roll20-blog) - [Marketplace](https://marketplace.roll20.net/) - [Community](https://app.roll20.net/forum/) ![](https://pages.roll20.net/hubfs/Roll20%20-%20Assets/Icon%20Copy.svg) [Play Now](https://app.roll20.net/) D&D 2024 # Class Changes in the 2024 D&D Player's Handbook SEPT 18, 2024 SHARE: [Create Character Now](https://app.roll20.net/characters/create/dnd2024byroll20) The 2024 Player's Handbook is bringing [more than a few changes](https://blog.roll20.net/posts/play-dd-2024-online-with-roll20/) to many of our favorite classes – and these upgrades may just change how you play the game. Make sure you aren’t caught unaware with this guide to the latest updates and changes in [D&D 2024](https://pages.roll20.net/dnd2024?hsLang=en). ## [Barbarian](https://pages.roll20.net/dnd/2024-barbarian-class-changes?hsLang=en) ### Enhanced Rage and Tactical Options The Barbarian class retains its core identity as a fearsome warrior fueled by primal fury, but now with improved sustainability and combat versatility. The updates focus on making Rage a more reliable feature and giving Barbarians new ways to use their strength. - Rage now lasts 10 minutes and can be extended with a Bonus Action - New Brutal Strike ability at 9th level offers tactical options during Reckless Attacks - Primal Knowledge allows using Strength for certain skill checks while raging ## [Bard](https://pages.roll20.net/dnd/2024-bard-class-changes?hsLang=en) ### More Flexible Inspiration and Expanded Spell Options Bards remain the versatile performers and spellcasters we know and love, but with improvements that make their signature abilities more impactful and their spellcasting more diverse. - Bardic Inspiration lasts an hour and can be used after a roll is made - Magical Secrets now allows choosing spells from a wider range of classes - New capstone ability Words of Creation for powerful word spells ## Cleric ### Divine Intervention Improvements and Channel Divinity Boost Clerics see enhancements to their divine abilities, making them even more effective conduits of their deities' power. These changes reinforce the Cleric's role as a versatile spellcaster and support character. - Revamped Divine Intervention allows casting Cleric spells for free - Channel Divinity gains more uses and a new Divine Spark feature - Blessed Strike offers a choice between extra melee or magic damage ## Druid ### Reimagined Wild Shape and Nature Magic The Druid class gets a major overhaul to Wild Shape, making it more flexible and easier to use. These changes and others deepen the Druid’s connection to nature. - Wild Shape is a Bonus Action and you can speak while transformed - Known Forms for Wild Shape, swappable on long rests - Primal Strike adds damage to Wild Shape attacks at higher levels ## Fighter ### Weapon Mastery and Improved Combat Tactics Fighters get access to the new Weapon Mastery system, further cementing their role as masters of martial combat. Additional improvements to core abilities enhance their durability and adaptability. - More access to Weapon Mastery, adding tactical options to weapon attacks - Expanded uses for Second Wind with new Tactical Mind and Tactical Shift abilities - Improved Indomitable feature for better saving throw rerolls ## [Monk](https://pages.roll20.net/dnd/2024-monk-class-changes?hsLang=en) ### Enhanced Core Abilities and New Metabolic Powers The Monk class sees substantial improvements across the board, addressing long-standing concerns about their effectiveness at various levels of play. These changes make Monks more resilient and dynamic in combat. - Stronger Martial Arts damage progression - Deflect Attacks now works on both ranged and melee attacks - New Uncanny Metabolism ability for recovering resources mid-combat ## Paladin ### Adjusted Smite Mechanics and Mount Improvements Paladins undergo some controversial but potentially balancing changes, particularly to their Divine Smite ability. These adjustments aim to maintain the Paladin's power while preventing some of the more extreme damage output scenarios. - Divine Smite becomes a spell activated with a Bonus Action - Find Steed is always prepared and can be cast for free once per long rest - Lay on Hands becomes a Bonus Action for quicker healing ## Ranger ### Focus on Hunter's Mark and Exploration Skills Rangers get updates that focus on their hunting abilities and wilderness survival. These changes make the class feel more unique and effective in its role. - Hunter’s Mark is always prepared and can be cast for free twice - Natural Explorer replaced by Deft Explorer, more skills and languages - Foe Slayer adds to Hunter’s Mark damage ## Rogue ### New Cunning Strike Options and Earlier Skill Mastery Rogues gain new tactical options in combat while retaining their role as skill masters. These updates provide more flexibility in how Rogues can use their Sneak Attack and emphasize their reliability in skill checks. - New Cunning Strike ability allows trading Sneak Attack damage for various effects - Reliable Talent now available at an earlier level - Improved Stroke of Luck capstone ability ## Sorcerer ### More Spells and Enhanced Innate Magic Sorcerers see improvements to their spellcasting flexibility and the potency of their innate magical abilities. These changes help differentiate Sorcerers further from other arcane spellcasters. - Increased number of prepared spells - New Innate Sorcery ability enhances spell attacks and save DCs - Improved capstone ability for free Metamagic use ## Warlock ### Earlier Access to Invocations and Patron Communication Warlocks get updates that focus on their patron connection and Pact Magic. These changes give more options from the start of a Warlock’s career. - Eldritch Invocations available from 1st level - New Magical Cunning ability to restore spell slots - Free use of Contact Other Plane to communicate with patrons ## Wizard ### Flexible Spellcasting and Improved Arcane Recovery Wizards see enhancements to their already flexible spellcasting, allowing for even more adaptability. These changes reinforce the Wizard's role as the ultimate arcane scholar and spell master. - Ability to swap cantrips on long rests and prepared spells on short rests - Improved Spell Mastery for free casting of certain spells - Enhanced Arcane Recovery for regaining more spell slots ## Try The New Class Changes Out on Roll20 Ready to try out these new class features? Roll20’s got you covered! We’re updating [our digital toolset](https://roll20.net/) to support all these new changes: - **Updated Character Sheets**: Our character sheets will have all the new class features so you can keep track of your new abilities. - **New Macros:** We’re creating macros for new abilities like Cunning Strike and Brutal Strike to make gameplay smoother. - **Expanded Compendium**: Our D&D compendium will be fully updated with all the new class info, spells, and features so you can reference them during play. - **Visual Updates:** Look for new token markers and status effects for new abilities like the Barbarian’s extended Rage or the Druid’s revamped Wild Shape. Remember, while these updates might seem overwhelming at first, they're all designed to make your D&D experience more enjoyable and immersive. So embrace the change, get creative with your character builds, and most importantly – have fun! [Start building your brand new character with Roll20 online.](https://app.roll20.net/characters) ![image description](https://pages.roll20.net/hubfs/Roll20%20-%20Assets/Blog/img-02.png) ![image description](https://pages.roll20.net/hubfs/Roll20%20-%20Assets/Blog/soldiers.png) SIGN UP ### Play on Roll20 for Free Play games anywhere. Share them with anyone. With Roll20 as your virtual tabletop, your adventures are limitless. [Create Free Account](https://app.roll20.net/account/create) [![Roll20](https://pages.roll20.net/hubfs/logo-white.png)](https://roll20.net/) - [Blog](https://bloghub.roll20.net/roll20-blog) - [Marketplace](https://marketplace.roll20.net/) - [Community](https://app.roll20.net/forum/) Subscribe to Our Newsletter © Roll20, LLC Roll20® is a Registered Trademark of Roll20, LLC. All rights reserved. - - - - - - - [Privacy Policy](https://help.roll20.net/hc/en-us/articles/360037770793-Terms-of-Service-and-Privacy-Policy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://help.roll20.net/hc/en-us/articles/360037770793-Terms-of-Service-and-Privacy-Policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "datePublished" : "2024-09-18", "description" : "Explore the major class updates in the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook, including Barbarian Rage improvements, Monk Martial Arts buffs, Paladin Divine Smite adjustments, Weapon Mastery for Fighters, and Roll20 VTT character sheet features.", "headline" : "Biggest Class Changes in D&D 2024", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://pages.roll20.net/dnd/2024-class-changes", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Roll20", "url" : "https://roll20.net" } } ```