Dungeons & Dragons Unveils the Psion — A New Intelligence-Based Spellcaster

Dungeons & Dragons is currently playtesting a brand-new character class: the Psion. This innovative class channels the power of the mind, wielding abilities like telepathy and telekinesis. As an Intelligence-based spellcaster, the Psion brings a fresh flavor to 5th Edition with 20 levels of progression, four unique subclasses, and a suite of Wild Talent feats. Notably, it's the first entirely new class introduced to D&D in nearly six years.

A Legacy of Psychic Power

The Psion — also known in previous editions as the Psionicist — has long been a part of D&D’s legacy. Back in 2017, Wizards of the Coast experimented with a similar idea in the form of the Mystic, a playtest-only class for 5e. Although the Mystic never became official, its influence lived on through subclasses like the Psi Warrior (Fighter) and the Soulknife (Rogue).

Now, Wizards is revisiting the concept more directly. Through the latestUnearthed Arcana playtest, the Psion returns — this time as a full-fledged base class, marking the first such debut since the Artificer in 2019.

Core Features of the Psion

The Psion’s power is drawn from Psionic Energy dice, a resource used to enhance spells, boost rolls, and fuel unique abilities. They can shift between Offensive and Defensive Psionic Modes, adapting to different combat situations. Further customization comes through Psionic Disciplines, which unlock powerful effects such as telekinetic strikes, psychic enhancements, or control-based powers.

Here’s a quick overview of the class’s key features:

• Spellcasting Ability: Intelligence
• Hit Dice: d6
• Saving Throws: Proficient in Intelligence and Wisdom
• Skills: Choose two from Arcana, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Medicine, Perception, and Persuasion
• Weapons & Armor: No armor proficiencies; proficiency with simple weapons
• Class Mechanics:

1. Use Psionic Power to empower spells and skill checks
2. Activate Psionic Modes for situational boosts
3. Unlock specialized abilities through Psionic Disciplines

The Four Subclasses

Each subclass adds a unique spin on the Psion’s mental mastery:

• Metamorph: Alters their physical form temporarily — extending limbs, forming natural weapons, or enhancing defenses.
• Psi Warper: Twists space and reality, allowing teleportation of themselves, allies, or enemies across the battlefield.
• Psykinetic: Focuses on destructive and protective telekinesis, wielding spells like Shield, Telekinetic Crush, and Telekinesis with devastating force.
• Telepath: The ultimate mind-reader, skilled in telepathic communication, mind manipulation, and mental domination.

Wild Talents: New Feats with Psychic Flair

Alongside the Psion class, the Unearthed Arcana playtest introduces Wild Talents — a new category of feats themed around various forms of psionics. These include:

• Empath: Harness the power of emotions
• Clairsentience: Gain divinatory insight
• Cryokinesis & Pyrokinesis: Control ice and fire with your mind

Each Wild Talent grants flavorful abilities and minor spells based on its theme. However, they come with a twist: you can only take one. These feats are mutually exclusive, so choosing one defines a unique aspect of your character’s psychic identity.

When Will the Psion Be Official?

As of now, there’s no confirmation of which upcoming D&D book — if any — will include the Psion. None of the currently announced titles suggest a strong psionic theme. However, player feedback could play a crucial role in shaping its future.

The official survey for the Psion opens on June 3, and D&D fans eager to influence the development of this long-awaited class are encouraged to participate.