BARD D&D 2024 Full Class Review (Magic Secrets is OP!!)

🎵 D&D 2024 Bard Class Breakdown! 🎵

Does the Bard still invoke magic through music, dance, and verse in the D&D 2024 Player’s Handbook? Join Mind Flayer Slayer and Dr. DM as we delve into the updated Bard class. We’ll explore the Bard’s features from levels 1 to 20, compare the 2024 version with the 2014 version, and give you our tier ranking at the end to help you decide if this class is right for your next character. Stick around for an in-depth look at the magical secrets, bardic inspiration, and more!

Time Stamps:
0:00 – Introduction to the Bard
0:49 – Level 1: Bardic Inspiration
1:34 – Level 1: Spellcasting
2:41 – Level 2: Expertise & Jack of All Trades
3:49 – Level 3: Subclass Overview
4:27 – Level 5: Font of Inspiration
4:54 – Level 7: Countercharm
5:32 – Level 10: Magical Secrets
6:43 – Level 18: Superior Inspiration
7:18 – Level 19: Epic Boon
7:32 – Level 20: Words of Creation
8:31 – Tier Ranking Discussion
10:08 – Closing Remarks

Why You Should Watch:
The 2024 Bard continues to be a versatile and charismatic spellcaster. This video covers all the key updates and changes to the Bard class, including Bardic Inspiration, Magical Secrets, and the new Words of Creation capstone ability. Whether you're a long-time Bard player or considering the class for the first time, this breakdown will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the 2024 Bard.

Key Abilities & Features:
Level 1: Bardic Inspiration
At level 1, you gain Bardic Inspiration, which allows you to inspire allies within 60 feet using words, music, or dance. The Bardic Inspiration die is a d6 and can be used once within the next hour to potentially turn a failed d20 test into a success. This change from 10 minutes to 1 hour provides more flexibility, especially for out-of-combat skill checks.

Level 1: Spellcasting
The Bard is a full spellcaster capable of casting spells up to 9th level. At the start, you can select two cantrips of your choice, which you can change as you level up. This class is designed to offer a mix of support, offense, and utility spells, making it one of the most versatile spellcasters in D&D.

Level 2: Expertise & Jack of All Trades
At level 2, you gain expertise in two of your skill proficiencies, allowing you to double your proficiency bonus for those skills. This reinforces the Bard’s jack-of-all-trades nature. Speaking of which, you also gain the Jack of All Trades feature, letting you add half your proficiency bonus to any skill check you’re not already proficient in. This makes the Bard useful in a wide variety of situations, both in and out of combat.

Level 3: Subclass Overview
At level 3, you select a Bard subclass, also known as a college. The College of Dance is a brand new subclass, while the College of Glamour, College of Lore, and College of Valor have received updates for 2024. Each subclass provides unique abilities that can further customize your Bard’s playstyle.

Level 5: Font of Inspiration
By level 5, you can regain all your expended uses of Bardic Inspiration after a short or long rest. This ensures you have plenty of opportunities to support your allies throughout the day, especially during long dungeon crawls.

Level 7: Countercharm
At level 7, you gain Countercharm, allowing you to disrupt mind-influencing effects. If you or a creature within 30 feet fails a saving throw against being charmed or frightened, you can use your reaction to reroll the save with advantage. While still niche, this updated version makes Countercharm a more viable defensive option.

Level 10: Magical Secrets
This feature allows you to learn spells from the Cleric, Druid, or Wizard spell lists in addition to the Bard’s spell list. As you level up, you can replace your prepared spells with any spells from these lists, making the Bard one of the most versatile spellcasters in the game.

Level 18: Superior Inspiration
When you roll for initiative, you regain expended uses of your Bardic Inspiration until you have at least two. While not the flashiest level 18 feature, it ensures that you always have inspiration to support your allies in combat.

Level 19: Epic Boon
At level 19, you gain an Epic Boon feat or another feat of your choice. The recommended option for Bards is the Boon of Spell Recall, enhancing your spellcasting potential even further.

Level 20: Words of Creation
Your capstone ability at level 20 gives you access to both Power Word Heal and Power Word Kill, which you can cast targeting an additional creature within 10 feet of the first target. This potent ability allows you to instantly heal or eliminate threats, reinforcing the Bard’s versatile support role in high-level play.

💬 Do you think the 2024 Bard changes improve the class? Let us know in the comments!

Music by Michael Ghelfi.