The mists are rising. Ravenloft is calling.
The Domains of Dread are getting a massive refresh with Ravenloft: The Horrors Within, a full horror toolkit arriving June 16, 2026. And for players, the biggest news is the seven official subclasses finally making their way into D&D 5.5e .
If you've been itching to build something dark, twisted, or straight-up terrifying, this guide is for you.
First, When Can You Get It?
The full sourcebook drops on June 16, 2026 for wide release . Want it early? There's a tiered rollout: Master Tier subscribers get access on June 2, and Hero Tier on June 9 . Pre-orders began April 13, and the digital version is also available through D&D Beyond .
The 7 Subclasses at a Glance
Here's the full lineup, straight from the sourcebook :
| Subclass | Class | Vibe in One Line |
| Reanimator | Artificer | Build your own monster buddy |
| College of Spirits | Bard | Channel the dead for guidance |
| Grave Domain | Cleric | Walk the razor's edge of life and death |
| Hollow Warden | Ranger | Become the monster to hunt monsters |
| Phantom | Rogue | Turn fallen enemies into fuel |
| Shadow Sorcery | Sorcerer | Embrace darkness and summon ill omens |
| Undead Patron | Warlock | Transform into a walking dread |
Why You'll Love Each One
Reanimator (Artificer) – New
Remember Frankenstein? This is that.
You build and upgrade your own Reanimated Companion, a customizable pet that fights alongside you. If you've ever wanted to play a mad scientist with a stitched-together best friend, this is your subclass .
College of Spirits (Bard)
Your Bardic Inspiration isn't just music anymore—it's ghostly whispers. You summon spirits that can buff allies, debuff enemies, or give cryptic (and sometimes unsettling) guidance. Perfect for a medium, a séance leader, or someone who just won't shut up about the other side .
Grave Domain (Cleric)
You're the one who decides who crosses the threshold.
This Cleric focuses on preserving allies at death's door while ushering enemies past it. You get healing, necromantic control, and abilities that literally turn the tide of battle through deathly magic. It's the subclass for players who want to feel like a shepherd of souls .
Hollow Warden (Ranger) – New
This one has major Witcher energy.
You harness the eerie hunger of ancient, cursed wilds. Think primal curses, monstrous transformations, and survival skills in the most twisted corners of the world. If you want to be a monster hunter who's not entirely sure they're not a monster themselves, this is your pick .
Phantom (Rogue)
You're the ghost in the combat machine.
This Rogue deals bonus necrotic damage with Wails from the Grave and collects Tokens from the Departed from fallen enemies. Those tokens become resources. You also get ghostly mobility and resilience. Basically, every enemy you kill makes you stronger .
Shadow Sorcery (Sorcerer)
You were born with darkness in your veins.
This sorcerer summons spirits of ill omen, manipulates shadows for offense and evasion, and leans hard into fear and mystery. If you want to feel like a living nightmare, this is your subclass .
Undead Patron (Warlock)
Form a pact with a deathless being. Gain the iconic Form of Dread, letting you temporarily transform into an undead-like creature. You resist death effects, spread fear, and generally terrify everyone at the table. It's the Warlock for players who want to skip the edgelord vibes and go straight to actual horror .
Which One Is Your Horror Avatar?
Some of these are updated fan favorites (Shadow Sorcery, Phantom, Undead Warlock) that have appeared in previous 5e expansions. Others—Reanimator and Hollow Warden—are brand-new to D&D .
One notable omission: The Hexblade Warlock was in the original playtest but didn't make the final cut. Expect it in a future 2026 release, likely the Arcana Unleashed book later this year .
📚Further Reading
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