Orcs in Dungeons & Dragons are durable, aggressive humanoids frequently encountered as adversaries or player options. This reference covers the official D&D orc stats you need to run or play them, grounded in the Monster Manual and updated Player’s Handbook entries. You will find core numbers, racial abilities, common class choices, and tactical considerations that remain relevant across editions. Use this breakdown to quickly stat an orc NPC, evaluate balance, or design encounters that feel challenging yet fair.
Core Orc Stat Block (Standard)
The baseline orc presents a simple, sturdy template suitable for warriors, scouts, or spell-resistant variants. Below are the most widely cited numbers for a standard orc fighter/adventurer reflecting official sources.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Armor Class | 16 (chain mail) | Monster Manual / PHB |
| Hit Points | 73 (7d10 + 42) | Monster Manual / Variant Build |
| Speed | 30 ft. | PHB Racial Trait |
| STR | 16 (+3) | Typical for frontline orc |
| DEX | 14 (+2) | Typical for balanced orc |
| CON | 14 (+2) | Typical for durable orc |
| INT | 10 (0) | Average intellect |
| WIS | 12 (+1) | Typical perception |
| CHA | 8 (-1) | Low social presence |
Racial Traits (PHB and MM)
- Darkvision 60 ft.
- Relentless Endurance: Drop to 1 HP instead of dropping to 0 once per short rest.
- Savage Attacks: On a crit, roll one extra damage die when you score a critical hit with a melee weapon.
- Languages: Common, Orc
Ability Scores and Build Archetypes
Orcs are built to favor martial durability and burst damage. Their +2 Constitution and +2 Strength make them excellent frontliners. Many builds leverage Relentless Endurance and Savage Attacks to stay in fights longer and punish critical hits. Below are common approaches with numbers tailored to each archetype.
Berserker Barbarian
Focus on Strength and Constitution, with occasional Dexterity for AC. Primary stats: STR 16–20, CON 14–16. Use Greatsword or Greataxe; Feral Instinct helps leverage Relentless Endurance. Expect AC in the mid-teens to low 20s with shields or Unarmored Defense.
Eldritch Knight Fighter
Balanced STR/DEX with CON support. Primary stats: STR 14–16, DEX 14–16, CON 14. Use Warhammer or Longsword; medium armor and shields are viable. Orcish Fury (TCoE) can replace or supplement Savage Attacks for more consistent damage.
Glaive Captain (Tasha’s) or Swashbuckler
DEX-focused builds favor higher Dexterity for AC and initiative. Primary stats: DEX 16–18, CON 14, STR 12–14. Mobile positioning and finesse weapons let you trigger Relentless Endurance often while controlling battlefield space.
Tactical Considerations and Common Builds
Orcs excel when you can reliably trigger Relentless Endurance each short rest and capitalize on crits with Savage Attacks. Their stat line supports tanky damage-dealer roles, but low Wisdom and Intelligence limit utility options outside combat. Consider multiclassing into Monk or Rogue for skill utility, or choose Spellslinger (TCoE) for limited spellcasting that fits the orc’s rugged aesthetic.
- Tank: Berserker Barbarian or Battle Master Fighter with Shield.
- Striker: Eldritch Knight or Two-Weapon Fighting Slayer.
- Skillful Scout: Swashbuckler or Rune Knight with Athletics and Perception focus.
Comparative Snapshot (Orc vs Common Ancestry Alternatives)
| Metric | Orc (Standard) | Hill Dwarf | Halfling | Dragonborn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Combat Strengths | High durability, crit leverage | Stability, HP, saves | Mobility, luck | Elemental damage, presence |
| Key Racial Traits | Relentless Endurance, Savage Attacks | Dwarven Resilience, Stoneguard | Brave, Lucky | Draconic Ancestry, Breath Weapon |
| Typical STR/CON | 16/14 | 13/15 | 8/14 | 16/14 |
| Typical DEX | 14 | 12 | 15 | 14 |
| Role Fit | Frontline striker | Tank/Support | Scout/Skill | Controller/face |
Action Economy and Feat Choices
With Relentless Endurance, an orc can reliably survive one lethal hit per short rest, which strongly affects action economy in drawn encounters. Pairing the feat Tavern Brawler improves control and versatility with improvised weapons, while Mobile helps reposition. For martial builds, Polearm Master or Sentinel can further enhance durability and control, whereas Alert benefits scouts and spellswords needing initiative edge.
Version and Source Notes
Core orc stats presented here reflect the Player’s Handbook (PHB) baseline and the Monster Manual entry, with common variant rules from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything and Xanathar’s Guide to Everything noted where relevant. If your table uses point-buy or standard array, adjust STR/CON/DEX within typical ranges (12–16 for core builds) while preserving the orc’s intended playstyle: durable, aggressive, and crit-focused.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Use STR 16, CON 14, DEX 14 as a starting point for frontline orcs.
- Remember Relentless Endurance (1/short rest) and Savage Attacks (extra damage on crit).
- Prefer heavy armor and shields to reach AC 16–18; consider medium armor with DEX for mobility.
- Choose feats that reward durability or crits: Tavern Brawler, Mobile, Polearm Master, Sentinel, Alert.
- Leverage Orcish Fury or alternative racials from TCE when you want consistent burst without crit dependency.
By understanding the baseline D&D orc stats and how they interact with class features, you can create resilient orc characters and formidable encounters that hold up over many sessions. Treat the numbers as flexible scaffolding—tune damage, HP, and AC to match your table’s power budget and playstyle while keeping the orc identity intact.