Core Class Features

Divine Order (Level 1) - NEW

Choose your playstyle at level 1, independent of domain:

• Protector: Heavy armor + martial weapons proficiency (frontline clerics)
• Thaumaturge: Extra cantrip + add Wisdom modifier to Arcana/Religion checks (spellcasting clerics)

Spellcasting (Level 1)

• Prepared spells are now a fixed number based on level (not calculated from level + Wisdom modifier)
• Can swap out cantrips when gaining a Cleric level

Channel Divinity (Level 2)

• Scales to 4 uses instead of 3

Divine Spark (NEW): Versatile option alongside Turn Undead

• Heal OR harm a creature within 30 feet
• Starts at 1d8 + Wisdom modifier, scales with level
• Essentially Cure Wounds at range without a spell slot

Turn Undead:

• Undead now get Frightened AND Incapacitated conditions (clarification)
• No longer uses their action to Dash (due to Incapacitated)

Subclass Timing

• 2014: Level 1
• 2024: Level 3 (matches all other classes)

Sear Undead (Level 5) - NEW

Replaces Destroy Undead:

• When undead fail their save against Turn Undead, they take (Wisdom modifier)d8 radiant damage
• Can damage multiple undead simultaneously
• Much more useful than the old CR-based destroy mechanic

Blessed Strikes (Level 7)

• Now a base class feature (was level 8). Choose one:
• Divine Strike: +1d8 radiant or necrotic damage to weapon attacks (once per turn)
• Potent Spellcasting: Add Wisdom modifier to cantrip damage

Divine Intervention (Level 10) - REDESIGNED

• Cast any level 5 or lower spell without components or spell slots
• Works once per long rest (no more failed percentile rolls)
• Can cast Raise Dead/Revivify without diamond components

Improved Blessed Strikes (Level 14) - NEW

• Divine Strike → increases to 2d8
• Potent Spellcasting → grant temp HP equal to 2x Wisdom modifier when dealing cantrip damage

Epic Boon (Level 19) - NEW

Replaces ability score improvement. Recommended: Boon of Fate.

Greater Divine Intervention (Level 20)

Can now cast Wish using Divine Intervention (must wait 2d4 long rests before using again)

Major Spell Changes

New Spells Added:

• Circle of Power
• Power Word Fortify
• Sunburst

Healing Spell Buffs (HUGE):

• Cure Wounds: 2d8 + modifier (was 1d8), scales by 2d8 per slot level
• Healing Word: 2d4 + modifier (was 1d4), scales by 2d4 per slot level
• Mass Cure Wounds: Similar scaling improvements
• Prayer of Healing: Also grants benefits of a Short Rest to up to 5 creatures
• Aura of Vitality: Healing is now a free action (not bonus action) — massively more efficient

Healing Now Works on Undead & Constructs Important for Warforged, Reborn, or undead summons.

Spiritual Weapon - NERFED:

• Now requires concentration
• Scales better with upcasting
• Cannot stack with Spirit Guardians anymore (most controversial change)

Conjure Spells Simplified: Conjure Animals and similar spells now summon spirits with fixed stats rather than requiring creature stat block lookups.

Domain-Specific Changes

Life Domain

• Added to domain spells: Aid, Mass Healing Word, Aura of Life, Greater Restoration
• Removed: Spiritual Weapon, Beacon of Hope, Guardian of Faith, Raise Dead
• Disciple of Life: Only applies on the turn you cast the spell (no more Goodberry combo)
• Preserve Life: Can now target Undead and Constructs, but only Bloodied creatures
• No longer gets Heavy Armor proficiency by default (use Divine Order: Protector)

Light Domain

• Added: See Invisibility, Arcane Eye to domain spells
• Removed: Flaming Sphere, Guardian of Faith
• Warding Flare: Now works on attacks against you OR allies (not just you)
• Improved Warding Flare: Replenishes on short rest; grants temp HP to attack target

War Domain

• Added: Guiding Bolt, Fire Shield, Steel Wind Strike to domain spells
• Removed: Divine Favor, Stoneskin, Flame Strike
• War Priest: Can now be used for unarmed strikes; regains uses on short rest
• War God's Blessing (Level 6): Spend Channel Divinity to cast Shield of Faith OR Spiritual Weapon without concentration or spell slot
• Avatar of Battle (Level 17): Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, slashing damage
• No longer gets Heavy Armor proficiency by default

Trickery Domain

• Blessing of the Trickster: Lasts until end of next long rest; can affect self or others
• Invoke Duplicity: Cast as bonus action, no concentration required
• Trickster's Transposition (NEW): Replaces Cloak of Shadows

Key Takeaways

Added:

• Divine Order (build flexibility at level 1)
• Divine Spark (ranged heal/harm without spell slots)
• Sear Undead (replaces weak Destroy Undead)
• Improved Blessed Strikes
• Reliable Divine Intervention (no percentile roll)
• Greater Divine Intervention (Wish at level 20)
• Massively stronger healing spells across the board
• Epic Boons at 19

Nerfed:

• Spiritual Weapon now requires concentration (can't stack with Spirit Guardians)
• Subclass delayed to level 3
• Various domain spells reshuffled

Verdict: The 2024 Cleric is significantly buffed overall. More flexible builds, much stronger healing, and a reliable Divine Intervention. The Spiritual Weapon nerf is the main loss, but War Clerics can still use it concentration-free through War God's Blessing.