D&D 5e Races Guide - All Playable Races
Complete guide to all playable races in D&D 5e. Compare ability bonuses, traits, speed, and size for every race including subraces from the SRD.
Race Comparison Table
| Race | Ability Bonuses | Speed | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human | Str +1Dex +1Con +1Int +1Wis +1Cha +1 | 30 ft. | Medium |
| Elf | Dex +2 | 30 ft. | Medium |
| High Elf | Dex +2Int +1 | 30 ft. | Medium |
| Wood Elf | Dex +2Wis +1 | 35 ft. | Medium |
| Dark Elf (Drow) | Dex +2Cha +1 | 30 ft. | Medium |
| Dwarf | Con +2 | 25 ft. | Medium |
| Hill Dwarf | Con +2Wis +1 | 25 ft. | Medium |
| Mountain Dwarf | Con +2Str +2 | 25 ft. | Medium |
| Halfling | Dex +2 | 25 ft. | Small |
| Lightfoot Halfling | Dex +2Cha +1 | 25 ft. | Small |
| Stout Halfling | Dex +2Con +1 | 25 ft. | Small |
| Gnome | Int +2 | 25 ft. | Small |
| Rock Gnome | Int +2Con +1 | 25 ft. | Small |
| Half-Elf | Cha +2 | 30 ft. | Medium |
| Half-Orc | Str +2Con +1 | 30 ft. | Medium |
| Dragonborn | Str +2Cha +1 | 30 ft. | Medium |
| Tiefling | Cha +2Int +1 | 30 ft. | Medium |
Detailed Race Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best race in D&D 5e?
There is no single best race in D&D 5e. The best race depends on your class and playstyle. For example, Half-Orcs and Dragonborn excel as Barbarians, while High Elves and Gnomes make great Wizards due to their Intelligence bonuses.
How many playable races are there in D&D 5e?
The 5e SRD includes 9 base races (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling, Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Dragonborn, and Tiefling) with several subraces. Expanded sourcebooks add many more options.
What are ability score bonuses for races?
Each race grants bonuses to one or more ability scores. For example, Dwarves get +2 Constitution, Elves get +2 Dexterity, and Humans get +1 to all six ability scores.
Can I play a small race in D&D 5e?
Yes. Halflings and Gnomes are Small-sized races. Small creatures can move through the space of hostile creatures that are Medium or larger, but they have disadvantage with heavy weapons.
What race has the highest speed in D&D 5e?
Wood Elves have the highest base walking speed at 35 feet. Most Medium races have 30 feet, while Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes have 25 feet.