Summary
Dungeons and Dragons’ latest edition, namedOne 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 givingOne 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:
TheOne D&Dplaytest 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.
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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 theRogue’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.
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 fromTasha’s Cauldron of Everythingas 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:
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.
Dungeons and Dragons
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.
