Whispers from the Mists: Is a New Ravenloft Sourcebook Secretly Lurking?

The latest Unearthed Arcana from Wizards of the Coast dropped this past week, unleashing eight intriguing new horror subclasses into the D&D playtest arena. While these new character options have certainly sparked creativity, they’ve also ignited a fervent question among the community: where will these sinister subclasses ultimately find their home?

Wizards of the Coast has been surprisingly tight-lipped on the matter. A quick glance at the official D&D release schedule offers no obvious answers. The next confirmed books are the Dragon Delves Anthology in July 2025 and Eberron: Forge of the Artificer in August 2025 – neither of which seems like a natural fit for horror-themed character options.

This unusual silence, coupled with the nature of the new subclasses, has led to a tantalizing theory among fans: could a new Ravenloft D&D sourcebook be secretly in the works? And it’s not just hopeful speculation on my humble part (It is me thinking and hoping this Afterall) ; there are some compelling pieces of evidence that suggest we might soon be returning to the Domains of Dread.

Why the Cryptic Clues Point to Ravenloft:

Several strong indicators suggest that the Mists may soon part for a fresh Ravenloft release:

• The October “Mystery” Book: During a press conference in January 2025, Wizards of the Coast announced a “mystery” book slated for release in October 2025. What better time for a new Ravenloft book than the spooky month of Halloween? The timing aligns perfectly with the chilling themes of the setting.
• D&D’s Horror Home: The May 2025 Unearthed Arcana is officially dubbed the “Horror Subclasses” playtest. When it comes to Dungeons & Dragons, Ravenloft is the undisputed epicenter of horror. It stands to reason that these new, terrifying character options would find a natural home within a Ravenloft supplement.
• Curse of Strahd’s Big Anniversary: March 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the immensely popular Curse of Strahd campaign (a campaign often hailed as one of the best D&D adventures ever, and I’m a big proponent for it). A new Ravenloft sourcebook released just before this milestone could create exciting cross-promotional opportunities and reignite interest in the beloved setting.
• Ravenloft’s Enduring Popularity: While Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft was the last official D&D supplement for the setting, released in 2021, the Domains of Dread remain incredibly popular. Proof of its continued draw? Just this month, May 2025, saw the release of the new novel Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd, penned by the highly regarded fantasy author Delilah S. Dawson. This indicates a sustained interest in the setting even without a new core rulebook.
• Dungeons and Dragons Online going back to Ravenloft via the upcoming Lamordia expansion.

When Will the Mists Clear?

While Wizards of the Coast has yet to confirm these exciting suspicions, the stars seem to be aligning. The feedback period for the latest Unearthed Arcana horror subclasses closes on May 13th, 2025. This gives WotC approximately five months to refine the playtest material and prepare it for a final print and digital release. The very fact that these horror-themed classes are even in a playtest stage suggests a strong commitment to their eventual release, as WotC is unlikely to expend developer resources on content that won’t see the light of day.

If a Ravenloft sourcebook is indeed on the horizon, we can likely expect an official announcement soon. Wizards of the Coast typically promotes new books several months in advance of their release, giving players and Dungeon Masters ample time to prepare.

Final Thoughts: Into the Heart of Dread?

The prospect of a new Ravenloft D&D sourcebook is undeniably thrilling – even if it’s not yet a certainty. Of course, the Mists of Ravenloft are fickle, and there’s no guarantee that this speculation will materialize into a full-fledged release. However, if there’s one enduring lesson from the dark corners of the Domains of Dread, it’s that nothing truly stays dead for very long.

We’ll be keeping a very close eye on this developing story and will update you with any new information as it emerges from the shadows. Stay vigilant, adventurers, the Mists can strike at anytime..