Universal Subclasses

Many 5e subclasses are generic. Some lack mechanical or narrative identity. While others simply have no tie in to their primary class features. The end result is that many 5e subclasses could easily have their primary class switched around without any issue. And even more could have their primary class switched with only minor modifications.

1D&D is standardizing subclass progression, which presents an interesting opportunity. What if certain subclasses could be taken by multiple classes? What if some subclasses were universal?

For example, the champion has no abilities that directly tie it to the fighter, and its flavor is so generic that it could easily be ported over to other classes. You could make a champion rogue, Barbarian, paladin, or monk without any conflicts with the core class. Such a subclass could be universally chosen by anyone.

Other subclasses might have certain prerequisites, but are able to be taken by anyone who meets those prerequisites. For example, the bladesinger could work well for any arcane spellcaster. A bladesinger bard, sorcerer, warlock or artificer all could work (just change Int mod to spellcasting ability modifier).

Not every subclass would be made universal. But many of them could easily be modified slightly or even ported directly to other classes.