If you’re a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, then you probably already know all about the various races. If not, we’ll break it down for you! Some DnD races are considered “core” in the D&D universe and are published in the Player’s Handbook. Each race has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to decide which one is right for your character.
Core DnD races
All of these races bring different emotional, social, and physical traits that can come into play during gameplay. So think about how your race will interact with the rest of your party, and how it will complement (or contrast) your character’s personality. Mechanically, each race has certain features that make its characters unique compared to other races. Therefore each race has different stats (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma), and they get different benefits based on those stats.
In other words, if you’re not sure what race to pick, try asking yourself some questions.
Do you want to be quick and nimble? In that case, you might consider playing an elf.
Do you want to be super strong? Then maybe a half-orc is for you.
Bold and hardy? Try a dwarf.
DnD racial traits
Races are known for their traits. These traits make them great for a certain class since they get to start with an advantage in said trait. This is helpful to know when deciding on a race to go with a certain class, so you can be able to rely on that trait. Sometimes the difference between life and death is having an extra boost in this area.
Of course, if you’re interested in playing a certain race, it doesn’t mean you have to take one of the most suitable classes. It just means you might find it easier to succeed as that kind of character since this race is naturally inclined toward those activities.
DnD race table
Here’s a quick rundown of what each race brings to the table:
| RACE | ABILITY SCORES | SIZE | SPEED | DARKVISION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragonborn | Str +2, Cha +1 | Medium | 30 ft | No |
| Dwarf | Con +2 | Medium | 25 ft | Yes, 60 ft |
| Elf | Dex +2 | Medium | 30 ft | Yes, 60 ft |
| Gnome | Int + 2 | Small | 25 ft | Yes, 60 ft |
| Half-elf | Cha +2, Any other two +1 | Medium | 30 ft | Yes, 60 ft |
| Half-orc | Str +2, Con +1 | Medium | 30 ft | Yes, 60 ft |
| Halfling | Dex +2 | Small | 25 ft | No |
| Human | Str +1, Dex +1, Con +1, Int +1, Wis +1, Cha +1 | Medium | 30 ft | No |
| Tiefling | Cha +2, Int +1 | Medium | 30 ft | Yes, 60 ft |
Dragonborn
Appearance
They stand at an average height of seven feet tall but can reach heights of up to nine feet tall, with large wings and powerful bodies. Their scales are typically green or blue, although some can be red or silver. They also have a variety of eye colors including red, blue, gold, black, and silver. The color of their eyes is usually determined by the color of their scales, although this is not always the case.
Personality traits
Dragonborn are mythical creatures that resemble humanoid dragons. Dragonborn, often known simply as dragons, are a race of bipedal draconic humanoids who are descended from the noble and honorable dragons of ancient times. They have the potential to be malevolent or benevolent, unlike their dragon ancestors, who were always benevolent. Although they have many traits in common with their ancestors, they also have a wide variety of different traits that give them unique appearances and personalities. Dragonborn are proud, honorable creatures who believe that they are destined to be rulers, making them natural leaders.
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +2 Strength, +1 Charisma
Age: Dragonborns have a lifespan similar to humans, though they reach physical maturity around age 15.
Alignment: Although most Dragonborn strive to do good, some can be cruel and evil.
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft
Draconic Ancestry: Your breath weapon and damage resistance are determined by the Dragon-type, which you choose from the Draconic Ancestry table.
| Dragon | Damage Type | Breath Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Acid | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Blue | Lightning | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Brass | Fire | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Bronze | Lightning | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Copper | Acid | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Gold | Fire | 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) |
| Green | Poison | 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) |
| Red | Fire | 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) |
| Silver | Cold | 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) |
| White | Cold | 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) |
Breath Weapon: Your breath is a magical effect. Each time you breathe out, each creature in the area of that exhalation must make a saving throw of the type determined by your ancestry. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d6 damage of an energy type depending on your ancestry and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increases to 3d6 at the 6th level, 4d6 at the 11th level, and 5d6 at the 16th level.
After you use your breath weapon, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or Long Rest.
Damage Resistance: You have Resistance to the damage type associated with your Draconic ancestry.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic.
Dwarf
Appearance
Dwarves are short, stout humanoids. They stand just 4 to 5 feet tall but are broad and compactly built, almost as wide as they are tall. Dwarves’ eyes are dark, ranging from deep brown to black. Their hair, worn long but in simple styles, is usually black, gray, or brown with touches of red. Dwarf men value long beards and plait them into elaborate braids.
Personality traits
Dwarves are known for their great metalworking, mining, and stone carving skills. They have a great fondness for gems and jewelry, which they often mine themselves from the rock of the Underdark or the depths of the earth.
Most dwarves live in great halls deep underground, carving out magnificent cities in the roots of mountains. But some live on the surface, where they carve out holds in hillsides or even mountainsides.
Dwarves are slow to laugh or jest and suspicious of strangers, but they are generous to those few who earn their trust.
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +2 Constitution
Age: Dwarves age at the same rate as humans but can live to be on average around 350 years old.
Alignment: Most Dwarves are lawful good.
Size: Medium
Speed: 25 ft
Darkvision: Dwarves have darkvision within 60 ft. They can see in dim light as it was a bright light and in the dark as it was dim light. They can’t discern color in dark.
Dwarven Resilience: Advantage on saving throws against poison, resistance against poison damage.
Dwarven Combat Training: Proficiency with the battleaxe, handaxe, light hammer, and Warhammer.
Tool Proficiency: Proficiency with the artisan’s tools of your choice: smith’s tools, brewer’s supplies, or mason’s tools.
Stonecunning: You can make an Intelligence (History) check to identify the origin of stonework. If you succeed, you become proficient in History if you aren’t already, and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus.
Language: Common and Dwarvish
Elf
Appearance
Elves are slender, graceful humanoids. They have no facial or body hair, and their ears are long and pointed. The coloration is the same as humans, but their eyes are always some shade of violet, blue, or green. They tend to be more physically attractive than humans. Standing 5 to 6 feet tall they are creatures born of magic who call the forest their home. Common elf garments are made of fine cloth and richly embroidered.
Personality traits
They are lithe fighters who prefer to use bows and other ranged weapons. Their sharp senses make them excellent thieves, and they often eschew heavy armor in favor of freedom of movement and dexterity.
As a race, elves have a knack for nature-based spells, druidic magic, and arcane arts. They are often comfortable with arcane magic and can learn to cast it much faster than other races with similar intelligence.
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +2 Dexterity
Age: Elves mature physically around the same time as humans, but consider worldly experience to be an important part of adulthood. An elf typically claims adulthood and an adult name around the age of 100 and can live to be 750 years old.
Alignment: Elves love freedom, variety, and self-expression, so they lean strongly toward the gentler aspects of chaos and are more often good than not.
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft
Darkvision: Elves have darkvision within 60 ft. They can see in dim light as it was a bright light and in the dark as it was dim light. They can’t discern color in dark.
Keen Senses: Proficiency in the Perception skill.
Fey Ancestry: Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Trance: Elves don’t need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. After Resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish.
Gnome
Appearance
Gnomes are small humanoids with a mischievous streak. They have long, pointed ears and noses, which give them an elven look. In addition, they have a tiny body and are around 3 feet tall. Their skin is very pale and their hair is often white or gray. They have large eyes that are usually blue or brown. In terms of clothing, gnomes typically go for bright colors and floral patterns.
Personality traits
Gnomes tend to be light-hearted, curious creatures. They enjoy jokes and pranks, though some of the more serious-minded gnomes find that humor can be quite useful for defusing tense situations. It’s not uncommon for gnomes to get distracted by shiny objects or other distractions when working on something important.
They are very observant so they make great detectives or spies. They also enjoy singing, dancing, and telling stories.
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +2 Intelligence
Age: They have a wide range of life spans from 350 years to 500 years old!
Alignment: Gnomes are most often good. Gnomes are good-hearted, and even the tricksters among them are more playful than Vicious.
Size: Small
Speed: 25 ft
Darkvision: Gnomes have darkvision within 60 ft. They can see in dim light as it was a bright light and in the dark as it was dim light. They can’t discern color in dark.
Gnome Cunning: Advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving Throws against magic.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish.
Half-Elf
Appearance
Half-elves tend to be about five feet tall and weigh between 100 and 140 pounds. They have brown or blonde hair and green or hazel eyes. The most common hair colors for half-elves are brown or blonde, but black is also possible.
Personality traits
Half-elves are the children of an elf and a human. They have longer life spans than humans and are more in tune with nature, but they don’t have the same magical powers as their elven parents. Half-elves look like elves to humans, but to elves, they look like humans. Their split heritage is often the source of discrimination from both sides of the divide. Half-elves have no culture of their own, instead, adopting whatever customs their human or elf parents have.
Half-elves combine what some say are the best qualities of their elf and human parents: human curiosity, inventiveness, and ambition tempered by the refined senses, love of nature, and artistic tastes of the elves.
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +2 Charisma, +1 Choose any other two
Age: Half-elves live for about 150 years.
Alignment: Half-elves share some of the chaotic inclinations of their elven relatives.
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft
Darkvision: Darkvision within 60 ft. They can see in dim light as it was a bright light and in the dark as it was dim light. They can’t discern color in dark.
Fey Ancestry: Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Skill Versatility: Proficiency in two Skills of your choice.
Languages: You speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and one extra language of your choice.
Half-Orc
Appearance
Half-orcs are on average somewhere between 5 and 6 feet tall and usually weigh around 150 and 220 pounds. They have grayish skin, protruding jaws, prominent teeth, a sloping forehead, and coarse hair on the body, which distinguishes them from their human brethren. Their canines are noticeably smaller than the tusks of full-blooded orcs.
Personality traits
Half-orcs are a race with a unique history. The product of a human and an orc, half-orcs have been born into violence since their creation. They have been used as slaves and gladiators, and are renowned for their strength. As they age, they can often be spotted by the ragged scars that decorate their bodies.
Their strong physiques are matched by their strong personalities, and many half-orcs pursue careers that showcase their physical prowess: warriors, knights, fighters.
Half-Orcs tend to live in human cities, although they are not accepted by all humans.
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +2 Strength, +1 Constitution
Age: Half-orcs age noticeably faster than humans and rarely live longer than 75 years.
Alignment: Half-orcs inherit a tendency toward chaos. Half-orcs raised among orcs are usually evil.
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft
Darkvision: Darkvision within 60 ft. They can see in dim light as it was a bright light and in the dark as it was dim light. They can’t discern color in dark.
Menacing: Proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
Relentless Endurance: When reduced to 0 Hit Points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can use this feature once until you finish a Long Rest.
Savage Attacks: When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon’s damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Orc.
Halfling
Appearance
Halflings are usually pretty short, but they can range in height from two and a half to three feet. Their skin ranges from tan to pale, and their hair ranges from brown to pale blond.
Personality traits
Halflings are known for having good luck, and they love food, family, and peace. They’re also known for being a little bit greedy. Since they are small and practical, they tend to get along with whoever’s in charge and don’t really care who’s in power as long as they can live their lives and do their work.
Most halflings are farmers, which means they tend to keep to themselves. They don’t really mind other races, but they’re not particularly interested in changing things either. If anything, they’re happy with the status quo and would rather just keep things the way they are.
Halflings are a bit more adventurous than some of the other races, though. They like to travel and explore new places when opportunities come up for them to do so. Halflings are also very hard workers: they’ll put in long hours until whatever needs doing gets done!
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +2 Dexterity
Age: A halfling becomes an adult at age 20 and can live to be 120.
Alignment: Most Halflings are lawful good.
Size: Small
Speed: 25 ft
Lucky: When you roll a 1 on a D20 for an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll.
Brave: You have an advantage on Saving Throws against being Frightened.
Halfling Nimbleness: You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Halfling.
Human
Appearance
Like us in the real world, humans are physically diverse. The range of height is from 5 feet to 6 feet, while the weight can be anywhere from 125 to 250 pounds. Skin color varies from dark black to pale white, and hair color can be as varied as black to blonde. Facial hair can also be present in both sparse and thick amounts. Many humans have a dash of nonhuman blood and may show hints of elf, orc, or other lineages.
Personality traits
Humans are the youngest race on this list, but they’re also incredibly varied. Other races have more innate special abilities, but humans have a knack for adapting quickly and learning new things, which gives them an edge over other races.
They are often depicted as courageous and resilient and capable of great sacrifice. Above all, they are known for their strength and cleverness, but they value both strength and intelligence.
The human race can thrive in almost any climate or environment. For instance, they establish settlements in fertile plains, arid deserts, thick forests, lofty mountain valleys, and other places where other races have never ventured or even imagined going.
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +1 to each Ability score
Age: Humans reach adulthood around late teenagers and rarely live past 100 years old.
Alignment: Humans tend toward no particular Alignment.
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and one extra language of your choice.
Tiefling
Appearance
While some Tieflings look like normal humans, most retained physical features they’d inherited from their ancestors, such as horns, tails, and pointed teeth. Some of them also have ball-like eyes of black, red, white, silver, or gold, while others have eyes more closely resembling human ones. Tiefling skin is usually of human color, although it also ranged from normal human colors to reddish tones. The hair of the Tieflings is often the same color as human hair, although dark blue, red, or purple hues are common among this race. Tieflings are on average as tall as humans, from 5 to 6 feet, weighing only slightly heavier than 140 to 220 pounds.
Personality traits
The Tieflings are human-based, plane-touched native outsiders, descended from devils, demons, evil deities, and others who procreated with humans. The Tieflings are known for their cunning and personal magnetism, which makes them excellent deceivers, but also inspiring leaders.
Racial traits
Ability score increase: +2 Charisma, +1 Intelligence
Age: Tieflings live a few years longer than humans and mature at the same rate.
Alignment: Many Tieflings incline toward a chaotic Alignment.
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft
Darkvision: Darkvision within 60 ft. They can see in dim light as it was a bright light and in the dark as it was dim light. They can’t discern color in dark.
Hellish Resistance: Resistance to fire damage.
Infernal Legacy: You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. When you reach 3rd Level, you can cast the Hellish Rebuke spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest. When you reach the 5th Level, you can cast the Darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these Spells.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Infernal.
