All DnD races and species explained

DnD races represent the different species found in the world of Dungeons and Dragons. Your DnD species (as they’re also called) decides your character’s size, speed, and unique abilities. The 2014 version of fifth edition also features Dungeons and Dragons races that grant certain ability score increases. This guide explains each of the 5e races, from the core Player’s Handbook options to the rarer species found in supplementary books.

After choosing your DnD classes, picking a race is the most important decision you’ll make during character creation. At least, that was true until 2024. Now DnD 2024 backgrounds are responsible for deciding a character’s ability score increase, we’d say that species are the tertiary choice for DnD character builds.

How many DnD races are there?

There are 10 DnD races in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, while the 2014 Player’s Handbook features nine. Many of the 2024 species are updated versions of those found in the 2014 rules, but some options were swapped. The biggest change is that the Half-Elf and Half-Orc from 2014 were replaced with the Orc, the Goliath, and the Aasimar.

Beyond the core DnD books, there are an additional 45 ‘fantastical’ DnD races. This includes lineages (rules designed to modify an existing species), but it doesn’t factor in options from third-party Dungeons and Dragons books, or species found in non-book supplements.

The core DnD races are:

• Aasimar
• Dragonborn
• Dwarf
• Elf
• Gnome
• Goliath
• Halfling
• Half-Elf
• Half-Orc
• Human
• Orc
• Tiefling

The rarer DnD races include:

• Aarakocra
• Astral Elf
• Autognome
• Bugbear
• Centaur
• Changeling
• Deep Gnome
• Dhampir
• Duergar
• Eladrin
• Fairy
• Firbolg
• Genasi
• Giff
• Githyanki
• Githzerai
• Goblin
• Hadozee
• Harengon
• Hexblood
• Hobgoblin
• Kalashtar
• Kender
• Kenku
• Kobold
• Leonin
• Lizardfolk
• Loxodon
• Minotaur
• Owlin
• Plasmoid
• Reborn
• Satyr
• Sea Elf
• Shadar-kai
• Shifter
• Simic Hybrid
• Tabaxi
• Thri-kreen
• Tortle
• Triton
• Vedalken
• Verdan
• Warforged
• Yuan-ti 

Aasimar

Thanks to a shared ancestry with celestials, each Aasimar is blessed with divine looks and abilities. Along with the standard 60 feet of Darkvision, they’re naturally resistant to necrotic and radiant damage. Plus, they’re gifted healers who can roll d4s equal to their proficiency bonus and restore a creature’s HP by that amount.

Additionally, an Aasimar can cast the Light cantrip, using Charisma as their spellcasting modifier. This implies that a fully optimized Aasimar should have a strong Charisma stat, so casters in that category will get the most out of the species. However, if you’re happy to sacrifice the potency of this (admittedly very situational) cantrip, an Aasimar can excel in any D&D class.

The Aasimar’s most explosive feature is Celestial Revelation. When activated, this can give your Aasimar a fly speed, create a ten-foot emanation of light that deals radiant damage, or force enemies to make a Charisma save or become frightened. All of these options also mean the Aasimar can deal additional radiant or necrotic damage when they attack.

Learn more in our full Aasimar species guide.

Dragonborn

Dragonborn resemble humanoid dragons, though D&D lore flip-flops on exactly how this species got their draconic features. However it happened, the Dragonborn’s scaly, wingless appearance makes them one of the most recognizable species.

Their signature Breath Weapon helps in that department, too. Able to exhale a force of destructive energy that deals 1d10 damage (or 2d6 in the 2014 rules) on a failed Constitution saving throw, they’ve got an ace in the hole straight out of the gate. Its damage and difficulty class will increase as you level, and your chosen Draconic Ancestry will determine its damage type, as well as your character’s damage resistances.

The 2024 Dragonborn also benefits from 60 feet of Darkvision. More excitingly, once they reach level five, they can grow wings as a bonus action to gain a fly speed.

Learn more in our DnD Dragonborn species guide.

Dwarf

Like those found in Tolkien’s Middle-Earth, the DnD Dwarf originated from cave-dwelling clans. They’ve always had a reputation for durability and a handy way with stone. However, the species as a whole has branched out – and they can now be found in varied communities and professions across the multiverse.

The 2014 Dwarf species starts with a +2 Constitution buff, and they choose a subrace that determines their second stat boost. Hill Dwarves favor Wisdom, for example, while Mountain Dwarves have great Strength. Each type of Dwarf also gains an ability that’s unique to them.

The 2024 rules have done away with subraces and stat boosts, but many of the Dwarf’s other features have survived. They still have Darkvision (though the more recent rules give them 120ft rather than the standard 60ft). All Dwarf characters are resistant to poison damage, and they have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned.

2024 Dwarfs also have the Dwarven Toughness feature, which was previously only available to Hill Dwarves. This automatically increases their maximum hit points by one, and it does so again with every DnD level up. They also have an upgraded version of the 2014 Stonecunning feature, which now gives your Dwarf tremorsense for 60 feet instead of enhanced History rolls.

Learn more in our complete DnD Dwarf guide.

Elf

Tall, sleek, and pointy-eared, The DnD Elf is a graceful being, most at home in ethereal forests. Their Darkvision and proficiency in either Insight, Perception, or Survival make them excellent stealthy scouts. Elves also have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and they enter trances instead of going to sleep at night.

Each Elf has an Elven Lineage that decides some of their natural abilities. In the 2014 rules, these Lineages were distinct subraces that offered additional ability score increases and features. The stats have been removed, but you can still decide your Elf’s extra spells and powers based on whether they are a Drow, High Elf, or Wood Elf.

Drow have enhanced Darkvision, and they can cast Dancing Lights, Faerie Fire, and Darkness. High Elves know Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, and Misty Step – though they can swap the cantrip with another from the Wizard spell list each day. Wood Elves have a base speed of 35 feet, as well as the ability to cast Druidcraft, Longstrider, and Pass Without Trace.

Learn more in our DnD Elf species guide.

Gnome

Vibrant and expressive, DnD Gnomes hail from small burrows in forests and hillsides. They’re often styled as a curious and cunning race that enjoys the thrill of adventure. However you choose to roleplay them, all Gnomes gain the same basic benefits – Darkvision, plus advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws.

If you want something more customizable, then you’re in luck. The 2014 version of the species chooses a subclass that determines their second ability score increase, plus some extra benefits. Forest Gnomes are Dexterous illusionists who can speak to small beasts, while Rock Gnomes have increased Constitution and the ability to craft small devices with artisan’s tools.

The 2024 Gnome still chooses one of these lineages. Minus the stat increases, their abilities are very similar. Forest Gnomes can cast Minor Illusion and Speak With Animals (often without a spell slot). Meanwhile, Rock Gnomes can cast Mending and Prestidigitation, and they can still tinker with tools to create a small mechanical device.

Learn more about this species in our DnD Gnome guide.

Goliath

DnD Goliath characters are essentially human-sized giants. They’re as durable as granite, and they make for great martial characters. Plus, thanks to the recent rules update, they’re hugely versatile – even if there are some clear standout class combos for the species.

The 2014 Goliath is proficient in Athletics and has an increased carrying capacity. Their mountainous origins make them resistant to cold damage, and they can spend a reaction to reduce incoming damage by 1d12 plus their Constitution modifier.

The 2024 Goliath, however, feels like an entirely new species. They have advantage on checks against the grappled condition, and from level five onwards, they can become Large for 10 minutes, which gives them advantage on Strength checks and increases their speed by 10 feet.

Additionally, the 2024 Goliath chooses one ability that’s unique to their Giant Ancestry. This might allow them to teleport as a bonus action, deal extra damage, slow or knock enemies prone, or even reduce the damage the Goliath takes.

Learn more in our DnD Goliath guide.

Halfling

Halflings are almost identical to the Hobbits of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, though without the thick foot hair and round front doors. Living in peaceful, bucolic communities usually hidden from the conflicts of the world, they’re cheerful and curious.

Halflings are extra nimble, able to move through any creature’s space as long as they’re one DnD size larger than them. They’re also brave, with advantage on saves against the frightened condition, and lucky, meaning they’re able to reroll any 1 on a d20. As well as luck and courage, Halflings have stealth to fall back on, as they can Hide as long as they’re obscured by a creature at least one size larger than them.

This natural stealth was only available to one subrace of Halfling in the 2014 rules. Like many other species, the earlier rules for the Halfling allowed you to choose from several subraces, which decided whether you’d boost Wisdom or Charisma along with Dexterity. 2014 Halflings could also gain telepathy or Druid spells, depending on their subrace.

For a full description, check out our DnD Halfling guide.

Half-Elf

Born of Human and Elf parents, DnD Half-Elf characters take bits from both of their ancestral lines. Thanks to their Elf lineage, they have Darkvision and are immune to being put to sleep. They also have the versatility of Humans, which gives them proficiency in two extra DnD skills.

Like Elves, Half-Elves have a subrace that can give them further powers. However, if you want to take the optional features of a Drow, High, or Wood Half-Elf, you must sacrifice the extra skill proficiencies granted by your Human ancestry. In their place, you can learn additional spells, become trained in additional weapons, or gain a swimming speed.

Species of dual nationality like the Half-Elf and the Half-Orc (who we’ll discuss in a moment) weren’t included in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, so you’ll only have the 2014 version to work with. Still, their flexible stats and skills make them strong Charisma casters. The Bard is our top choice of class for the species overall.

Want to learn more? Here’s our full DnD Half-Elf species guide.

Half-Orc

With Orc and Human blood running through their veins, Half-Orcs partially resemble the classic Tolkien-esque creatures. They’re physically mighty, and they may have visible teeth and green-ish skin.

Their famed physical might is realized through their Relentless Endurance and Savage Attacks. The first ability means that, should a Half-Orc be downed in battle, they can immediately bounce back with one HP. Savage Attack, meanwhile, lets them roll an additional attack die whenever they land a critical hit – perfect for massive bursts of damage.

Like the Half-Elf, the Half-Orc was left out of the 2024 rules update. However, you can still shoehorn them into your games thanks to backwards compatibility. Whether you use their associated ability score increase or not, Half-Orcs are best suited to melee-based martial classes.

Here’s a complete guide to the DnD Half-Orc that can tell you more.

Human

DnD Human characters are variable and adaptable folks, who ambitiously explore the land for both personal gain and altruistic devotion. Their lives are short, but their empires are enormous.

Humans are by far the most versatile of the common species. The 2014 version gives you complete control over your ability score increases, and the popular Variant Human gains a feat for free straight out of the gate.

In the 2024 rules, every character gains a free DnD 2024 feat at level one, but the Human can choose a second feat. They also start with an extra skill proficiency, and they gain Inspiration whenever they finish a long rest. Whichever version of the Human you’re planning to use, they’re an excellent choice for basically any class.

Learn more in our DnD Human species guide.

Orc

While they’re stereotyped as villains in a lot of fantasy media (including past editions of D&D), the Orc 5e has as much right to be a heroic adventurer as anyone else. The Half-Orc’s large teeth, green skin, and physical might are all inherited from this species.

An Orc is best known for their imposing strength. Like the Half-Orc, this is represented by the Relentless Endurance ability, which lets them drop to one hit point instead of zero if they are downed in combat. Additionally, Adrenaline Rush lets them dash as a bonus action, Rogue-style, and it gives the Orc temporary HP equal to their proficiency bonus.

2014 Orcs also have a Powerful Build feature that increases their carrying capacity, though this is absent from the 2024 version of the species. This doesn’t reduce the newer Orc’s prowess as a martial fighter – though always going for Strength-based builds might start to feel a bit same-y after a while.

Tiefling

Tieflings have a devil, demon, or yugoloth somewhere in their ancestry. Horns protrude from their forehead, a tail from their back, and sharp teeth fill their mouths. All Tieflings have some extra resistances to different DnD damage types, and their infernal heritage gives them some extra spellcasting capabilities.

The exact spells and damage resistances you can access will depend on your subrace choice. The 2014 Tiefling has a heap of subrace options or none at all, depending on which books you have access to. The more recent 2024 Tiefling finds a nice middle ground by offering three possible picks: Abyssal Tiefling, Cthonic Tiefling, or Infernal Tiefling.

Abyssal Tieflings are resistant to poison damage, and they learn Poison Spray, Ray of Sickness, and Hold Person. Chthonic Tieflings are resistant to necrotic damage, and they learn Chill Touch, False Life, and Ray of Enfeeblement.

Finally, Infernal Tieflings have the standard fire resistance, and they’ll learn Fire Bolt, Hellish Rebuke, and Darkness. This last option is very similar to the ‘standard’ Tiefling found in the 2014 rules for D&D.

Our Tiefling 5e can tell you more about the 2014 version of the species. Head to our DnD 2024 Tiefling guide for more info on the newer rules.

Aarakocra

The standout feature of the bird-like Aarakocra is their flight. With a large pair of feathered wings sprouting from their back, they were the first playable D&D race that could fly, letting them soar above enemies to pick them off from afar. They have a natural +2 Dexterity and +1 Wisdom increase, and they also sport a pair of talons that let you deal damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier.

Given their natural Dex increase, an Aaarakocra can make a brilliant DnD Ranger, especially if paired with the Archery fighting style to make use of their mobility. The DnD Rogue is also a good choice, as Flight lets you hop about hiding places with even more ease. If you want a more martial build, go for a DnD Fighter specializing in Finesse weapons. Flight will help you traverse the battlefield.

For a full run-through of the best Aarakocra names, classes, and builds, check out our full Aarakocra 5e species guide.

Astral Elf

The Astral Elf 5e comes from literal, actual space (or the Astral Plane, as D&D calls it). They have many of the standard Elf’s abilities, including Darkvision, advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and the ability to go into a trance rather than sleep. Starlight Step also lets them teleport 30 feet as a bonus action, and they’re naturally proficient in Perception.

The Astral Trance is a bit different from the respite that other Elves get. Whenever you finish a trance, you gain proficiency with one skill and weapon/tool from the Player’s Handbook. You can switch these every time you take a DnD long rest – perfect for the party Skill Monkey. 

Autognome

The fifth edition Spelljammer books gave us the Autognome 5e, and these pint-sized automatons are suitable for pretty much any class.

Their metal bodies give them a base armor class of 13 + your Dexterity modifier, even without armor. That’s handy for anyone who isn’t relying on Strength or heavy armor to protect them. Plus, the excellent ‘Built for Success’ ability lets you add 1d4 to any attack roll, ability check, or saving throw you make, and you can do so multiple times per day.

The Autognome’s remaining abilities are a bit situational – the ability to spend Hit Dice when someone casts mending on you, plus two extra tool proficiencies and the ability to remain conscious while resting. However, this species remains an unusual yet competent all-rounder.

Bugbear

Once one of the most recognizable DnD monsters, members of the Bugbear 5e race are also available as player-character options. They’re the hairy, stocky cousins of goblins, and they have a little bit of Feywild magic to help them with skills like stealth.

As well as being proficient in stealth, Bugbears can deal a Surprise Attack (and an extra 2d6 damage) to any creature that hasn’t taken a turn yet in combat. While a Rogue might seem like an obvious choice for a Bugbear, that Surprise Attack is useful for pretty much any class in battle. Bugbears also have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, but that’s less instrumental to choosing the right class for your build.

For full details on how you can become a big ol’ Bugbear, check out our complete Bugbear 5e species guide.

Centuar

These half-humanoid, half-horse Fey creatures have an affinity with nature – and a powerful hind kick. As a Centaur 5e, you’ll often be charging into battle – meaning that you’ll move 30ft into melee range, hit with your weapons, and then get a Hooves attack with your bonus action. Your hooves are pretty hefty, dealing 1d6 plus your Strength modifier as an unarmed attack.

Centaurs can also choose to have proficiency in Animal Handling, Nature, Medicine, or Survival thanks to their Fey ties. They’ve got a superior carrying capacity to other creatures of their size, but please don’t ask them to climb anything. The hooves make it very difficult. The hooves also limit your optimal class choices – since they require a high Strength modifier, you’re best off playing frontline martial classes. 

Changeling

A Changeling 5e has the power to completely alter their appearance as an action. Their ancestry essentially means that they have constant access to the Disguise Self spell, only with guaranteed success. As you can imagine, this means that Changelings excel in social situations – and sneaky subterfuge.

When you create a Changeling character, you can choose two extra skill proficiencies from Deception, Insight, Intimidation, or Persuasion. These additional Charisma-based skills, combined with that powerful shapeshifting ability, make the Changeling ideal for two classes in particular: the sneaky Rogue and the performative Bard.

Deep Gnome

Technically, the Deep Gnome 5e is a subrace of the regular Gnome species. However, depending on which D&D books you’re reading, you can also find complete rules for a separate Deep Gnome species. Whichever mechanics you plan to use, the basic concept is the same — these are Gnomes born in and shaped by the Underdark.

These Gnomes are tricksy, so their natural ability to cast Disguise Self and Nondetection come in handy. Similarly, they’ll get great use out of the Svirfneblin Camouflage feature, which gives them advantage on Stealth checks a certain number of times per long rest. Lastly, your Deep Gnome will be naturally resistant to magic, so they have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against spells.

The Deep Gnome’s features complement almost any class in D&D. We’d recommend playing whichever strikes your fancy – though, if you’re looking to optimize at every possible turn, the Ranger and the Rogue get the most from the Svirfneblin mix of stealth and sorcery.

Dhampir

A Dhampir is a humanoid of another species that’s reached a state of undeath most commonly associated with vampires. Perhaps one of those monsters transformed your Dhampir, or maybe they inherited the curse in some other dark way. Either way, they’re almost unrecognizable in their new, undead form.

Since this is a lineage, you must choose a race that your Dhampir once belonged to. You can keep their skill proficiencies and unusual speed types (flying, climbing, etc.), but all other rules are replaced with that of a Dhampir.

Your new features include 60 feet of Darkvision, the ability to survive without breathing, a climbing speed equal to your walking speed, and a tasty Vampiric Bite that lets you deal damage and regain HP with your fangs.

Learn more in our Dhampir 5e guide.

Duergar

Originally a Dwarf subrace, the Duergar 5e became a separate species in Monsters of the Multiverse. Their rules are slightly different in this D&D book, but they’re still an Underdark species that shares many traits with its surface-dwelling cousins.

Duergar still have Dwarven Resilience, which gives them resistance to poison damage and advantage on saving throws against poison. They also still have 120ft of Darkvision and the ability to cast Invisibility and Enlarge/Reduce using their Duergar Magic.

The Duergar’s sunlight sensitivity is (thankfully) gone, so they’re not disadvantaged when adventuring during the day. They also have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or stunned. While flexible stats mean a Duergar is playable for pretty much any class, those that use magic to enhance their combat and stealth skills will maximize the Duergar’s potential.

Eladrin

The Eladrin 5e are Elves that specifically come from the Feywild, and their appearance and abilities are tied to a particular season. An Eladrin might change seasons over their life or always remain the same.

Like many Elves, Eladrin have advantage on saving throws against the charmed condition. Plus, an Eladrin can teleport 30ft as a bonus action and immediately gain a particular benefit granted by their season. We’re particularly keen on Spring, which lets you teleport another creature instead of yourself. Eladrin also have proficiency in Perception, and they can enter a trance instead of sleeping, finishing a long rest in just four hours.

Teleportation is an excellent ability for any character that can’t do so already. Since Eladrin also have a natural lean towards Wisdom-based skills, we recommend playing a Druid or Cleric. However, thanks to their custom ability scores, an Eladrin is suitable for any class you like.

Fairy

Agile, mystical, and tricksy, a Fairy 5e is gifted with spellcasting and enormous wings that let them fly as fast as they can walk. None of their spellcasting options are game-breakers, in our opinion – Druidcraft, Faerie Fire, and Enlarge/Reduce are all a bit situational. But they’re a nice extra for a class that can’t cast them already, even if you can only use them once per long rest.

Because of this and their flexible ability score increases and the chance to choose your spellcasting ability for those extra spells, Fairies make a suitable species for most classes. We’d recommend one that’ll really benefit from flight – like the agile Rogue or a Druid armed with ranged area-of-effect spells.

Firbolg

The Firbolg 5e is a distant relation of the Giants. They bear some physical resemblance to their ancestors (and they do count as a size larger when determining how much they can push, drag, lift, or carry), but they have more expertise in magic rather than brute strength.

They innately know how to Detect Magic 5e and Disguise Self, with fewer restrictions than the average spellcaster. As a bonus action, a Firbolg can also turn invisible until their next turn or attack begins. And their ties to the woods mean they have limited influence over beasts, plants, and other vegetation.

While all this forest flavor may draw you to the Druid or Ranger classes, we argue that the Rogue is a far better option for Firbolg players. Invisibility, disguises, and advantage on beast-based Charisma checks all play into what a Rogue does best.

Genasi

The offspring of genies and mortals, Genasi are elemental beings that manifest the power of planar magic within their blood. Although they closely resemble humans, a Genasi’s elemental heritage is clearly visible.

Their gameplay abilities are almost entirely defined by their subraces. Air Genasi can naturally cast the Levitate spell and are resistant to lightning damage; Earth Genasi get a free cast of Pass Without Trace every long rest and can walk across rough terrain for no penalty; Fire Genasi are resistant to fire and know the Produce Flame cantrip from level one; while Water Genasi gives you acid resistance, makes you amphibious, and lets you cast the Shape Water cantrip.

Each subrace has differences, but none of them are significant enough that they’re particularly suited to a certain class. The Cleric 5e has subclasses that work with the Air Genasi and Fire Genasi, while the Earth Genasi offers minor benefits to martial classes like the Fighter.

You’ll find a complete look at the ways of the Genasi in our dedicated DnD Genasi 5e species guide.

Giff

The Giff 5e are stocky hippo humanoids who are most commonly found traversing Wildspace. These Giff can use their Astral Spark to add extra force damage to their simple or martial weapon attacks (equal to their proficiency bonus). They can also ignore the loading property on firearms, and they have advantage on Strength-based ability checks and saving throws.

These features sound ideal for a combat-focused character. In truth, they’re all at odds with each other – the Giff’s Strength focus clashes with its specialization in Dex-based firearm fighting. It’s not the class we’d recommend for optimal builds, but if you’re keen to play a big hippo, go for a Fighter. Or perhaps a very combat-focused Artificer.

Githyanki

The Githyanki were once trapped in servitude to the Mind Flayer 5e empire, but they escaped and began new lives in the Astral Plane. Githyanki have a natural resistance to psychic damage, and all that time traveling the Astral Plane has given them profound Astral Knowledge.

This means that, during a long rest, a Githyanki gets proficiency in any skill, weapon, or tool from the Player’s Handbook until their next long rest. Skill-heavy classes like the Bard can get a lot of mileage out of this.

A Githyanki automatically knows the Mage Hand 5e spell, and they pick up Jump and Misty Step as they level up. These spells can be a big help for classes that spend a lot of time in melee combat but might not have the best mobility.

You can learn more in our full Githyanki race guide.

Githzerai

The Githzerai share their origins with the Githyanki – both gained psionic abilities while trapped in subservience to Mind Flayers. While their cousins fled to the Astral Plane, Githzerai are now found in the Ever-Changing Chaos of Limbo.

The Githzerai Psionics ability means that a Githzerai automatically knows the Mage Hand cantrip, and they learn to cast Shield and Detect Thoughts once per long rest as they level up. Psychic Resilience gives them resistance to psychic damage and Mental Discipline grants advantage on saving throws to end the charmed or frightened condition.

Goblin

While the Goblin 5e species can be found all over the multiverse, their ancient tie to the Feywild means they gain 60 feet of Darkvision, as well as advantage against the charmed condition. Whatever their ancestry, it’s their small size they use to their advantage most. Nimble Escape means they can Disengage or Hide as a bonus action, and Fury of the Small allows them to deal extra damage equal to their proficiency bonus when they successfully hit a creature of a larger DnD size.

Most classes could benefit from these abilities (except maybe the Rogue, who’s able to do similar things all by themselves). We recommend choosing a Fighter or Ranger if you prefer a martial playstyle, or a Wizard for spellcasters. All benefit from the ability to dip in and out of combat, avoiding opportunity attacks and adding a nice scalable bonus to their attacks.

You can learn more about this race in our dedicated Goblin 5e guide. 

Hadozee

The Hadozee 5e are humanoids that share the physical features of monkeys, and they have wing-like skin flaps that let them glide in the air. They’re one of D&D’s more troubled species, as Wizards of the Coast had to retcon them as soon as they were added to 5e – both for balance and to address racist undertones.

The original, printed version of a Hadozee’s Glide ability let them move five feet horizontally for every foot they descended in the air – all with no movement cost. Digital versions and later printings of the Spelljammer books changed this to let you glide horizontally up to your walking speed if you’re falling at least ten feet above the ground.

In both versions, Hadozees can also use their Dexterous Feet to manipulate objects, pick up Tiny objects, or interact with doors – all using their feet. Hadozee Dodge also lets you spend a reaction and roll a d6 to reduce incoming damage. These abilities aren’t particularly suited to any one class, but the Hadozee’s stats are flexible, so they can suit a range of builds.

Harengon

A Harengon is a Fey being that shares the physical features and agility of a regular rabbit. Leporine Senses gives Harengon proficiency in Perception, while Hare-Trigger allows them to add their proficiency bonus to initiative rolls. Thanks to Lucky Footwork, Harengon can also make a last-ditch effort to recover on a failed Dexterity saving throw –  a d4 can be rolled and added to the save, potentially changing that failure into a success.

The Harengon can also jump a number of feet equal to five times your proficiency bonus as a bonus action. This won’t trigger opportunity attacks either.

The Harengon’s impressive dexterity lends itself to a wide variety of DnD classes. Supporting classes like the Bard will find it very useful to get ahead in the initiative order, as they can cast their buff spells early. Combat-focused classes benefit from this too, but the Harengon’s ability to move around the battlefield easily and without provoking opportunity attacks helps you set up a strong offense.

For even more bunny bits, hop along to the full Harengon 5e guide.

Hexblood

A Hexblood is a creature from another species that has been significantly altered by Fey magic, witchcraft, or some other equally eldritch occurrence. They partially resemble the creature they once were, but the Hexblood now also shares physical features and abilities with a Hag.

While some minor details of their past life remain the same (speed, skills, etc), the majority of the rules for the race are replaced with those of the Hexblood lineage. In this case, the Hexblood gains 60ft of Darkvision and the ability to turn their hair, teeth, or nails into a token as a bonus action. This token can be used for telepathic communication and remote scrying. A Hexblood can also cast Disguise Self and Hex to further up the trickery factor.

Learn more in our Hexblood 5e guide.

Hobgoblin

Like their Goblin cousins, each Hobgoblin 5e has an ancestral tie to the Feywild. This mainly manifests as 60 feet of Darkvision and an advantage against being charmed, but Hobgoblins also have one extra Fey Gift, which lets them use Help as a bonus action.

Once they reach third level, this ability comes with extra benefits. Every time a Hobgoblin helps an ally, they can do one of the following:

• Give themselves and the helped creature temporary hit points equal to 1d6 plus the Hobgoblin’s proficiency bonus
• Increase their and the helped creature’s walking speed by ten feet until the start of the Hobgoblin’s next turn
• Until the start of the Hobgoblin’s next turn, the helped creature gives the first target they successfully attack disadvantage on their next attack roll made within the next minute

Hobgoblins also have the Fortune from the Many feature, which lets them add a bonus to a failed roll that gets bigger depending on how many allies they have.

You can learn more about the Hobgoblin 5e in our dedicated guide.

Kalashtar

The Kalashtar 5e hail from the Eberron setting and mostly look like humans, but they’ve got psychic abilities that make them stand out. Dual Mind means a Kalashtar character has advantage on all Wisdom saving throws, and Mental Discipline gives them resistance to psychic damage.

Mind Link allows you to speak telepathically with a creature you can see, and its range increases with each DnD level up. Finally, Severed from Dreams protects you from effects that force you to enter a dream state.

The set stats for the Kalashtar limit them to Wisdom-based classes (or maybe Charisma, if you really want to play a Bard). However, if you use the custom origins rules from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, you can give a Kalashtar any stat buffs you want. If you do this, we’d recommend picking a martial class like the Fighter or the Barbarian – they’re famously weak to psychic attacks.

Kender

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen brought the Kender 5e back to D&D. These Gnome-like people are best known for their curiosity and bravery. In older editions, they were also known for kleptomania, but the newest version of the species has moved away from this stereotype.

Kender have advantage on saving throws to avoid being frightened, and they can choose to automatically pass one of these saves once per long rest. As a Kender, you’re naturally proficient in Insight, Investigation, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, or Survival.

Perhaps their most impressive ability is Taunt. This bonus action forces a target within 60 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw, and they have disadvantage on attack rolls against everyone except you if they fail. Taunt is a pretty great defensive tactic, but you’ll need high Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma to use it.

Kenku

Corvid-like in appearance and experts at mimicry, all Kenku 5e gain advantage on ability checks when copying someone else’s writing or craftwork. Meanwhile, the Mimicry ability means creatures that hear you mimic a voice must pass a Wisdom (Insight) to tell it’s not the real deal – this has a difficulty class (DC) of eight plus your proficiency bonus and Charisma modifier.

Thanks to their exceptionally good memory, a Kenku has proficiency in two skills of your choice. You also get to give yourself advantage before rolling on a check for one of these skills, and you can do this a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.

Read our full Kenku 5e species guide for more information.

Kobold

Kobolds are rascally reptilian humanoids who are best known for trapping, tunneling, and treasure-hunting. As a playable species, the Kobold is highly versatile. Want to try some sorcery? Want to avoid being frightened? Want proficiency in Arcana, Medicine, Investigation, Survival, or Sleight of Hand? All of these are possible choices in Kobold Legacy.

Kobolds are best suited to classes that mix melee fighting with a little bit of spellcasting – hence our choice of Fighter or Rogue. This is due to their Draconic Cry, a powerful shout that can grant you advantage against enemies within ten feet, and the Kobold Legacy trait, which offers several different skills.

For a more detailed look at the Kobold race, be sure to take a peek at our Kobold 5e species guide.

Leonin

Found in Mythic Odysseys of Theros, the Leonin 5e gives your character the looks and powers of a lion. Standard Darkvision and an extra proficiency (Athletics, Intimidation, Perception, or Survival) are always nice. You’re not likely to use your Claws attack often, given that it only does 1d4 + your Strength modifier in slashing damage.

But Daunting Roar is a great ability. It’s a bonus action that lets you roar, frightening creatures within ten feet that fail a Wisdom saving throw. Having a high Constitution modifier makes this save harder to beat, so we’d recommend pairing the Leonin race with a tank-y fighting class.

Lizardfolk

Lizardfolk 5e rely on their connection with nature and super-sharp teeth to get by. Lizardfolk have a bite that deals 1d6 plus their Strength modifier in damage, and the Hungry Jaws feature lets them use it as a bonus action – and gives them hit points equal to the damage they deal.

The Lizardfolk also have a base armor class of 13 plus their Dexterity modifier when they aren’t wearing DnD armor, as well as proficiency in two skills from the following: Animal Handling, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Stealth, or Survival.

It’s challenging to recommend an optimal class for the Lizardfolk. Their racial features rely on a range of different stats – Strength, Dexterity, and Wisdom – which are hard to balance and don’t naturally lend themselves to one particular playstyle.

In our opinion, the Druid is your best bet. You’ll benefit from the natural armor and the extra proficiencies, and if you do find yourself keen to bite someone, your abilities should still work while you’re in Wild Shape form.

Loxodon

The Loxodon 5e are humanoid elephants that hail from the MTG plane of Ravnica. Loxodon have a powerful build that ups their carrying capacity and natural armor class of 12 + their Constitution modifier. Combine this with advantage on Perception, Survival, and Investigation checks, and you’ve got a hardy Wisdom caster who doubles up as a Scout. Druid is our top pick here, but Cleric and Ranger make just as much sense.

A Loxodon can use their trunk to lift and interact with objects, as well as make unarmed strikes. They can’t wield weapons or complex items, but the trunk is a surprisingly useful extra limb. 

Minotaur

Divorced from their real-world mythology origins, the Minotaur 5e race is said to hail from the deadly mazes of the Planescape setting. Supposedly tasked with patrolling the magical mazes of the Lady of Pain, Minotaurs have developed an excellent sense of direction – as well as some handy combat skills.

Labyrinthine Recall gives your character advantage on any Survival check when navigating or tracking. A Minotaur can also use their horns to make unarmed strikes that deal 1d6 plus their Strength modifier in piercing damage. Plus, Goring Rush allows you to make a Horns attack as a bonus action if you Dash for at least 20 feet.

Alternatively, your Minotaur could use Hammering Horns. After a successful melee attack, this ability lets you push the target with your horns as a bonus action. As long as they’re within five feet, aren’t more than one size larger than you, and don’t succeed on a Strength saving throw, your target is pushed ten feet away.

Owlin

An Owlin 5e has double the Darkvision range many species get (120ft), and they’re also automatically proficient in stealth thanks to the Silent Feathers trait. Combine this with a flight speed equal to your walking speed (provided you’re not wearing anything heavier than light armor), and you’ve got a character that can swoop in silence, swiftly taking out foes.

Unsurprisingly, these traits make the Owlin a great pick for a Ranger or a Rogue. Their flexible ability scores mean you could choose Owlins for any build, but we don’t think a Barbarian will have quite the same amount of fun with those racial traits.

If you’re ready to take flight, check out our full Owlin 5e guide.

Plasmoid

The Plasmoid 5e is as close as an official race gets to a Gelatinous Cube. This Spelljammer character option lets you play a sentient pile of goo, meaning you can shift your shape with ease.

Amorphous lets you squeeze through any space that’s at least one inch wide (though you can’t wear or carry anything). If you want to take full advantage of your Amorphous state, you’ll need to pick a class that can get by without weapons and armor.

You’ve got advantage on grapple checks, Darkvision, the ability to hold your breath for an hour, and the Shape Self ability. As an action, this lets you reshape your body to have extra appendages. Alternatively, you can spend a bonus action excreting a tiny pseudopod. This can operate independently from you, so you can manipulate objects, doors, and containers from a distance.

Reborn

A Reborn is a humanoid of a different species that died and, against all odds, returned to life. Their new physical form bears some mark of this event – perhaps a ghostly glow, stitches from being pieced back together, or skeletal limbs. Most Reborn have also lost the memories of their past life.

Since this is a lineage rather than a race, you’ll steal a few minor details (skill proficiencies and unusual speeds, for example) from another DnD race. Everything else is Reborn rules, though.

Your character doesn’t need to eat, drink, sleep, or breathe, and they have advantage on death saving throws. They’re also resistant to poison damage and have advantage on saves against disease or the poisoned condition. Plus, they can finish a long rest in four hours and occasionally add a d6 to their skill checks – thanks, corpse-like body and missing memories!

Learn more in our Reborn 5e guide.

Satyr

Unlike most D&D races, the Satyr 5e are Fey rather than humanoids. This has the occasional obscure mechanical effect, but it also tells you a lot about your character’s origins. Satyr are predominantly found in the Feywild, where they are raised in a world of trickery, whimsy, and revelry.

Their natural proficiency with Performance, Persuasion, and a musical instrument may make them seem like natural Bards. However, the Satyr’s other abilities would suit a range of builds. Magic Resistance grants advantage on saving throws against spells, so a Satyr is a suitable candidate for any Charisma-based caster.

The Satyr’s Ram and Mirthful Leap abilities rely heavily on Strength, though. The first lets you deal 1d6 plus your Strength modifier in bludgeoning damage, while the second extends the distance you can jump. Neither of these are game-breaking abilities, but if you want to make use of them, a Paladin might be your best bet. 

Sea Elf

Despite their watery origins, a Sea Elf 5e has many of the same traits as their land-based brethren, including 60 feet of Darkvision, advantage on rolls against being charmed, and the option to go into a trance rather than sleep. However, they have many water-based proficiencies, too.

Sea Elves can swim as fast as they walk, and they can breathe both water and air. Their ancestry makes them resistant to cold damage, and they can communicate simple ideas to any Beast with a swim speed. Additionally, a Sea Elf has proficiency in Perception, and they can swap tool and weapon proficiencies during a long rest.

The only major mechanical benefit of the Sea Elf is their water-breathing abilities and affinity for aquatic animals. Because of this, we’d recommend choosing a class that fits the flavor of the race.

Shadar-kai

The Shadar-kai 5e are a species of Elf that is native to the Shadowfell, a grim and dark D&D plane. Their physical appearance and abilities have been altered by their homeland, and many of them pledge service to a powerful Shadowfell deity, The Raven Queen.

This tie gives the Shadar-kai their first ability: Blessing of the Raven Queen, which allows your character to teleport 30 feet as a bonus action. From level three, this feature also gives you resistance to all DnD damage types for one turn after you teleport. Shadar-kai also have 60 feet of Darkvision and permanent resistance to necrotic damage. They’re also still Elves at the end of the day, so they benefit from the usual Trance resting, Fey Ancestry, and Keen Senses.

Fully customizable ability score increases, plus several free teleports per long rest, mean that the Shadar-kai is an excellent option for any class. If you want to fully optimize, aim for a class that can’t already cast Misty Step but would benefit from hopping in and out of melee range. Our personal favorite examples are the Cleric and the Barbarian.

Shifter

The Shifter 5e race is often called the ‘weretouched’ thanks to their lycanthrope ancestors. Though not full were-beasts, and very different to the Werewolf 5e, Shifters are gifted with some transformation abilities – most of which make them pretty formidable in battle.

We’ve not included the Shifter’s ability scores here as these can be quite flexible. If your Shifter comes from a family of humans but has a lycanthrope parent, they’d have a human’s ability scores. Likewise, you could also be a member of one of the fantastical races and end up using these stats instead.

Bestial Instincts means Shifters have a natural proficiency in Acrobatics, Athletics, Intimidation, or Survival. The fun really starts with Shifting, though – this allows you to become a more beastly version of yourself for up to a minute. This grants you temporary hit points and one of four additional benefits:

• Beasthide – +1d6 temporary hit points and +1 AC.
• Longtooth – You can make unarmed strikes with your fangs that deal 1D6 + Strength modifier piercing damage.
• Swiftstride – +10 speed, and you can move 10ft as a reaction if a creature ends its turn five feet in front of you without triggering opportunity attacks.
• Wildhunt – Advantage on Wisdom checks and no creature within 30ft can attack with advantage against you.

Simic Hybrid

A Simic Hybrid 5e is a humanoid who has been infused with the traits of animals, transforming them into a unique species. Apart from Darkvision, Simic Hybrids only gain one species feature, but they manage to do a lot with it.

At level one, you can choose one of three options. Gain a climbing speed, learn to breathe underwater and gain a swim speed, or sprout fins that allow you to glide and reduce fall damage.

At fifth level, you get three more options (though you can still pick a first-level option if you like). The simplest gives you a +1 armor class bonus when you’re not wearing armor. Another lets you spray acid as an action, with 2d10 acid damage that scales as you level. Finally, you can grow two extra appendages that let you make unarmed strikes and grapple as a bonus action. While Simic Hybrids have flexible stats, we think these abilities pair best with a melee-focused martial class.

Tabaxi

Though all Tabaxi were created by the Cat Lord, two of these humanoid felines are rarely alike. Despite this variation, there are a few things all Tabaxi excel in – agility and stealth.

The Feline Agility trait allows your Tabaxi to move at double its speed (though you’ll need to spend a turn moving zero feet to regain this power). Cat’s Claws give your character an unarmed melee attack that deals 1d6 plus your Strength modifier in damage, and Cat’s Talent provides proficiency in Perception and Stealth. There’s also that 30ft climb stat to consider, too.

There are multiple sourcebooks for Tabaxi race rules in 5e, offering a lot of ways to build your character – check out our Tabaxi 5e species guide for more details. 

Thri-kreen

Spelljammer’s Thri-kreen 5e race is a giant space bug with four arms. The flavor alone is intriguing, but this character option comes with plenty of funky mechanics too.

Your Secondary Arms let you use your two smaller arms to manipulate objects, interact with doors and containers, pick up tiny objects, or wield light weapons. That last one is key – you can now wield weapons and shields with hands left over for spellcasting, extra weapons, and so on.

Thri-kreen also have standard Darkvision, and they require rest but not sleep. They can’t speak any DnD language other than Thri-kreen, but they can use telepathy to communicate in other languages they know.

Tortle

The Tortle 5e race may look like a tortoise, but there’s nothing slow or dull about them. They’re able to deal unarmed slashing damage with their claws, and they can hold their breath for an hour. Their Shell Defense allows them to gain advantage on Strength and Constitution rolls (though at the cost of their Dexterity and movement, as they retreat into their shell to do so).

Their natural armor gives them an AC of 17, and Nature’s Intuition gives them proficiency in Animal Handling, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Stealth, or Survival. All-in-all, this is one hardy race – and one that makes a solid choice regardless of what class you have in mind for your character.

To learn more, be sure to check out our DnD Tortle 5e guide.

Triton

If you’re playing a sea-faring campaign, the Triton 5e is a handy ally to have. Their Amphibious nature means they can breathe air and water, and Emissary of the Sea lets them share basic ideas with creatures that have a swimming speed.

Most of the Triton’s unique features offer basic utility. Darkvision is always nice to have, and Guardian of the Depths grants resistance to cold damage. Plus, thanks to Control Air and Water, you can cast Fog Cloud, Gust of Wind, and Water Walk (spell slots optional).

These spells aren’t going to break any character builds, and they don’t push the Triton towards any particular class. If you’re planning to play a Triton, you’re probably not planning to power-build anyway – so pick the class that calls to your water-loving heart.

Vedalken

Vedalken 5e are partially amphibious humanoids who, apart from their blue skin and lack of hair, closely resemble tall humans. They can breathe underwater for up to one hour (though they’ll need a long rest after doing so).

They also have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws. Plus, they get an extra tool and skill proficiency, though they can only choose from Arcana, History, Investigation, Medicine, Performance, and Sleight of Hand.

Breathing underwater is a pretty situational ability, but permanent advantage on all mental saving throws is a major buff for any character. We’d lean towards Intelligence-based casters, but Wisdom-focused characters can get in on the action too.

Verdan

Introduced in the Acquisitions Incorporated sourcebook, the Verdan 5e evolved from goblinoids, though they’re often confused for Half-Elves. Whatever their origin, they’re best known for their ability to speak telepathically with any creature they can see within 30 feet. Verdan are also proficient in persuasion, as well as Wisdom and Charisma saving throws. Basically, they’re a perfect choice for Charisma casters.

On top of these features, Verdan also gain Black Blood Healing. This allows them to reroll a one or a two on a rolled Hit Dice.

Warforged

Members of the Warforged 5e race were once mindless automaton soldiers in the DnD setting of Eberron, but at some point, they gained sentience. Now they’re ready to join an adventuring party, armed with their newfound emotions and an artificial body that’s ideal for soaking up damage.

Warforged don’t need to do pesky mortal things like eat, drink, breathe, or sleep, but they do require rest and healing like any other humanoid. Being made of wood and metal, they’re less affected by poisons and they’re blessed with a boosted armor class. They can also meld their DnD armor of choice to their body so enemies can’t remove it.

To learn more about the Warforged 5e, here’s our full guide to the species. 

Yuan-ti

Part human and part snake, the Yuan-ti 5e can often be distinguished by their serpent eyes, noses, or tongues. As well as the standard Darkvision, Yuan-ti get advantage on saving throws against all spells – and to end the poisoned condition on themselves. Plus, they’re resistant to poison damage.

Serpentine spellcasting allows you to cast Poison Spray, Suggestion, and Animal Friendship (but only on snakes). These options are a little underwhelming, and they don’t lend themselves to any particular class build. Any adventurer can benefit from the Yuan-ti’s handy resistances, after all. If we were going purely on flavor, we’d make a Swarmkeeper Ranger who can summon an army of slithering friends.

Got a D&D character in mind already? Here are the best DnD campaigns and DnD one shots you could play them in. We can also recommend some other tabletop RPGs to try if you want to go beyond D&D.