The latest Unearthed Arcana article for D&D, each character picks a subclass between levels 1-3, which gives them different abilities going forward.
In the older editions of Dungeons & Dragons, the player had different choices for character specialization. In Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, players could choose a kit at level one which could completely change how a character functioned, such as the Gladiator kit for the Fighter. In third edition D&D, there were prestige classes, which players could take after they hit level five. These weren't restricted to specific classes, but characters still needed to meet certain requirements, such as possessing certain D&D Feats or skill ranks. In fourth edition, there were paragon paths and epic destinies, which functioned in a similar manner to subclasses, but players didn't gain them until much higher levels.
In the current edition of D&D, subclasses are restricted to a single class. This might be changing going forward. The next D&D/Magic: The Gathering source book Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos, where players can enroll in a magic university. The latest Unearthed Arcana article has added Mages of Strixhaven five subclasses to D&D: the Mages of Lorehold, the Mages of Prismari, the Mages of Quandrix, the Mages of Silverquill, and the Mages of Witherbloom. What makes these new subclasses so special is that they aren't restricted to a single character class.
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The five Mages of Strixhaven subclasses can be taken by multiple character classes. The Mage of Witherbloom, for example, can be taken by both Druids and Warlocks. This means that both classes will be changed by becoming a Mage of Witherbloom, as Dungeons & Dragons Druids will gain some powerful necrotic abilities, while Warlocks will gain some healing capabilities.
What makes these new D&D subclasses so exciting is what they mean for the game's future. If there are more multi-choice subclass options going forward, then it will mean players will have even more options for refining their D&D characters. It will also be easier for Wizards of the Coast to create subclasses that emulate the effects of multi-classing, as that's something that doesn't work well in the current edition of Dungeons & Dragons. The Mages of Strixhaven are currently considered playtest material and they will likely be different in Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos, but they could be laying the groundwork for better things to come.
Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos will be released on November 16, 2021.
Source: Unearthed Arcana
