A unique character class is coming back to Dungeons & Dragons in 2026, and it could become a popular choice for players. 2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for the game, with the release of the new Ravenloft: The Horrors Within sourcebook just around the corner. This book introduces new settings and characters, including the Undead Warlock subclass for D&D.
The new Dungeons & Dragons adventure, Ravenloft: The Horrors Within, comes out this June. Later in 2026, Wizards of the Coast plans to release Arcana Unleashed, a major expansion consisting of two books. Expected in September, these books – a sourcebook and an adventure module – will focus on campaigns with a strong emphasis on magic. While details are still limited, playtests last year suggest exciting new features will be included.
Necromancer Wizards Return To D&D In 2026
In September 2025, the company tested new versions of character options – specifically, subclasses – on D&D Beyond’s Unearthed Arcana. This testing was likely a preview of the upcoming Arcana Unleashed expansion. Of all the options tested, the Necromancer subclass for Wizards is particularly noteworthy and is expected to be released in September with the new expansion focused on magic.
Wizards of the Coast hasn’t officially announced this yet, and playtest content doesn’t always make it into the final game. However, this character subclass was tested twice last year, suggesting the company is seriously considering it for use in upcoming 5.5e campaigns. If released, it looks like it will be a great new option for Wizard players, based on the playtest feedback.
Necromancers Have Received A Splendid Rework For D&D 5.5e
Choosing the Necromancy Savant option for your Wizard character offers significant benefits beyond simply learning more necromantic spells. At level 3, you gain resistance to necrotic damage and can summon skeletons or zombies with the Find Familiar spell. Plus, whenever you cast a necromancy spell in Dungeons & Dragons, you can heal nearby undead creatures.
By level 6, Necromancy spells bypass any resistance to necrotic damage, and Wizards specializing in Necromancy can use Arcane Recovery to shake off a level of Exhaustion. They always have the Animate Dead spell prepared, can cast it once per day without using a spell slot, and effectively cast it at a higher level without extra cost. Plus, these D&D Necromancers can enhance their summoned or created Undead with benefits like increased health or damage.
As a huge fan of playing a Necromancer, I’m really excited about the latest changes! Apparently, once you hit level 10, you can actually sacrifice your own undead minions to heal yourself – a pretty cool tactical option. And things get even more interesting at level 14. Not only can you buff your undead allies to make them stronger, but you can also make them explode, dealing damage to anyone who tries to take them down. It’s still not 100% confirmed for the final release of Arcana Unleashed, but everything I’ve seen from update 5.5e for Dungeons & Dragons looks fantastic, and I can’t wait to try it all out!
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2026-05-30 15:08