There are several spellcasting classes in Dungeons and Dragons, all with at least one key characteristic that differentiates them from each other. Druids, for example, are spellcasters who are set apart from other spellcasting classes by their connection to nature. One of the defining characteristics of the druid is Wild Shape, a feature that gives druids the ability to transform into a wild animal that they've seen before.

Because of the druid's strong connection to nature, Wild Shape became the hallmark of the class. However, many druid subclasses have since moved away from Wild Shape in Dungeons and Dragons 5e and have replaced it with other abilities unique to the subclass. While this makes druids an interesting and varied class, it also removes the core ability of the class that many associate with it, harming its identity.

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One Dungeons and Dragons Has Been Oddly Quiet About a Crucial Class

Dungeons and Dragons' 5e launched with its twelve core classes while excluding this popular class, and One DnD can't afford to do the same.

Wild Shape in Dungeons and Dragons

Wild Shape is a spell unique to druids that allows them to transform into an animal that they've seen before, with limitations on flight and swimming speed based on the druid's level. The druid's HP and overall stats change when in Wild Shape, and their HP revert back to what they were before activating the transformation. Wild Shape turns druids into powerhouses in combat and a great option to serve as a tank in the party. Wild Shape also makes druids versatile outside of combat, particularly for roleplaying, as they can transform into pretty much any kind of reasonable animal.

Wild Shape isn't a feature of a subclass that can be subbed in and out, and shouldn't be regarded as a replaceable spell for druids. Rather, it should be considered a key feature of the class. Druid subclasses should instead focus on optimizing Wild Shape, rather than replacing it entirely in favor of other spells and abilities.

How New Subclasses Could Use Wild Shape

New Subclasses With Wild Shape

Current druid subclasses don't need to be changed, but new subclasses that use Wild Shape need to be introduced. Currently, the Circle of the Moon is the only class that uses Wild Shape as a core ability, when it should be far more common across at least several more subclasses. In addition to featuring Wild Shape, druids should also have more items, potions, and rewards that encourage and reward the use of Wild Shape to make it more dynamic and easier to use both in and out of combat.

A Better Use of Wild Shape in Combat

The Circle of the Moon druids are able to activate Wild Shape on a bonus action rather than an action, making it far more versatile than other classes that don't replace it with an alternative ability. Any new subclasses should implement this rule. Any new subclasses could also allow druids to alter their form in different ways, such as becoming a swarm of insects rather than an individual animal, or grant access to magical animals at lower levels.

Items that reward the use of Wild Shape could include items that boost stats while in Wild Shape, or even change proficiencies, such as Stealth. Overcoming barriers such as being unable to speak or cast spells could be accomplished with very rare items or characteristics for the subclass that can be unlocked as the druid levels up.

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.

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Dungeons & Dragons

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Wizards of the Coast