Sound the trumpets and gather the crowds as the Bard class is coming to MMORPG Neverwinter. It’s been quite a while since the game got a new class and it’s a fun one.
Neverwinter has added plenty of new content with the game’s latest being about the Feywild. The last class based update was a new Paladin class in 2016. The newest race to join the game was the Gith, introduced in 2019.
IGN made the official announcement,
“For players that choose the Bard class, they will become a stylish fighter who uses the power of song to enhance their allies and defeat their enemies. Weaving their way through their enemies with a variety of flashy attacks, Bards can seamlessly burst into songs burning their enemies with a blazing performance. Also, when in a more supportive role, Bards can dance around the battlefield filling the ears of their allies with rejuvenating carols and defensive minuets while preparing for the final curtain call.
As one of the most versatile classes in Dungeons & Dragons, Bards are capable of pulling spells from other classes and are much more than lute players and word slingers. Let’s take a dive into what it is to be a Bard.
Songsmiths. Poets. Researchers.
Bards are predominantly known for using music to fight or bolster their allies. While this is true, it isn’t all they are good at. Bards are able to learn practically any spell, can fight with melee and ranged weapons, and are incredible at buffing party members and debuffing enemies. They are world travelers who love hearing stories and telling other people about great deeds or heroes they’ve encountered.
Bards level up by joining specific colleges and there are eight official Colleges available in the tabletop game. Each one allows the bard to use different skills and tactics to overcome challenges. The College of Lore is designed for players who wish to learn a lot of skills and protect their allies in a fight. Whereas the College of Valor makes allies harder to hit and lets the Bard focus on a weapon and spells simultaneously. They’re more battle ready as they are in the field quite often.
Bards in Neverwinter
While it isn’t clear just what the Bard will do in Neverwinter, we can make some assumptions. With them focused on protecting allies and distracting foes, they could get a lot of buffing spells and abilities in the game. They could range from healing multiple people to reducing the chance enemy attacks will hit.
Along with their introduction it would be cool to see dungeons related to the class as well. Perhaps even instruments, songs, or special items related to Bards could be coming down the line.
Neverwinter does already feature Harper Bard as a companion. They come equipped with abilities that increase health, reduce incoming damage, and boost specific stats.
Bards will release in the next Neverwinter module launching later this year.
