If you’ve been keeping one ear to the arcane winds, you may have heard the whispers: the D&D 5e psion class is back on the table. Wizards of the Coast just dropped a new Unearthed Arcana playtest, and it features a fully fleshed-out version of this long-requested psychic spellcaster. And let me tell you, this isn’t just some rehashed mystic with a fresh coat of paint. This psion has real potential.
Whether you’re curious about rolling up a mind-melting controller or just want to peek behind the screen, here’s a full breakdown of what the D&D 5e psion class brings—and how you might use it in your next game.
What Is the D&D 5e Psion Class?
The psion is a full spellcaster in 5e who doesn’t draw on traditional arcane or divine magic. Instead, they use raw internal energy—psionic power—to manipulate the world around them. Think telepathy, telekinesis, and reality-bending tricks drawn not from books or gods, but from sheer force of will.
In this Unearthed Arcana release, the psion uses a mechanic called bonus dice. These dice function like a personal resource pool. You roll them to boost your spells, move objects (or people), and trigger subclass abilities. It’s similar in feel to how Soulknife rogues or Psi Warriors work, but expanded and polished for a full caster role.
Right out of the gate at level 1, you get some basic psychic tools—telepathy and the ability to push or pull creatures. As you level up, your bonus dice get bigger and more numerous, scaling your power without overly complicating the core class.
The Four Psion Subclasses
Wizards didn’t just toss in one flavour of psion—they gave us four distinct subclass paths, each with its own flavour and tactical focus.
1. Telepath
This is your classic “mind over matter” psion. Telepaths specialise in subtle influence—creating psychic links with allies, sensing emotions, and bending conversations to their will. It’s a good pick for face-of-the-party types who want to do more than just Persuade at advantage.
At higher levels, the Telepath can intercept thoughts or even override enemy decisions—a powerful option for social and stealth-heavy campaigns.
2. Psykinetic
This one’s for the folks who like to throw things with their mind. The Psykinetic focuses on force damage and battlefield control. You can knock enemies around, throw up force barriers, and generally cause chaos from a safe distance.
Think of it as the wizard’s Evocation school but with a more hands-on (or should I say mind-on?) approach. It’s flashy and effective, especially if you’re playing in a combat-heavy campaign.
3. Psi Warper
This is the movement-based subclass. Psi Warpers twist space and time, warping around the battlefield and repositioning allies or enemies. They excel in tactical control, offering mobility that would make a monk jealous.
In a party without a teleport-happy wizard or tricksy rogue, this subclass can be a godsend. Use it to set up flanks, avoid AoEs, or escape tight spots.
4. Metamorph
Here’s where things get wild. The Metamorph lets you mutate your own body into a weapon. Grow bone blades, stretch your limbs, or spew corrosive bile (yes, really). This subclass adds a bit of barbarian grit to the psion’s otherwise cerebral feel.
It’s ideal for players who want to mix magic with melee—and don’t mind getting a little gross in the process.
Bonus Feats: Wild Talents for Everyone
Not sure you want to play a full psion? No problem. This playtest also includes ten new Wild Talent feats that let any character tap into a touch of psionic power.
Highlights include:
- Empath – Feel what others feel, and use calm emotions and charm person without touching a spellbook.
- Pyrokineticist – Turn your damage into fire, or gain access to spells like burning hands with a mental twist.
These feats are a great way to flavour your rogue, monk, or bard with a hint of the weird.
How the Psion Fits into a Campaign
Now, let’s talk practical use.
The psion is a versatile support class with strong potential as a controller. While they won’t put out as much raw damage as a sorcerer or warlock, they more than make up for it in flexibility. Every subclass offers tools to reshape encounters—whether through movement, battlefield manipulation, or mental interference.
In roleplay-heavy games, the Telepath or Empath could shine. For dungeon crawlers or arena-style sessions, Psykinetics and Metamorphs bring durability and reliable power.
And from a DM’s perspective? Psions are easy to integrate. Their abilities feel balanced, their resource system is tidy, and they don’t step too hard on other classes’ toes. Plus, their flavour opens up narrative options—secret psionic cabals, ancient mind-linked orders, alien threats from beyond the stars. Plenty of hooks to work with.
Final Thoughts from the Tavern
The D&D 5e psion class is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Unearthed Arcana releases we’ve seen in a while. It’s clean, flexible, and doesn’t rely on overly complex subsystems. More importantly, it finally gives us a fully-realised psychic spellcaster who feels distinct from traditional magic users.
If you’re curious, grab the free PDF on D&D Beyond and give it a try.
From where I’m sitting behind the bar, this psion’s got promise—and I’ll happily serve them a drink when they walk through the door.
— Mike “Silver-Tongue”, Landlord, Fighter, Watcher of Unearthed Arcana Drops
