What Is a Tiefling in D&D 5e
A Tiefling is a planar-touched humanoid marked by infernal heritage, making them a durable evergreen choice for players who want a charismatic outcast with built-in story hooks. In D&D 5e, Tieflings blend martial resilience, arcane aptitude, and roleplay depth, offering versatile options for characters navigating deals with devils, urban prejudice, or quests for redemption. This guide covers core traits, builds, and practical guidance for long-term play.
Core Racial Traits and Mechanics
Tieflings in 5e share a defined set of game benefits that remain relevant across editions and campaigns. Key abilities enhance survivability, skill utility, and damage output, while variations by subrace or lineage let you tailor them to your concept.
- Ability Score Increase: +2 Charisma, +1 Intelligence (standard Lineage replaces INT with WIS)
- Size: Medium; Speed: 30 feet
- Darkvision: 60 feet
- Languages: Common, Infernal
- Type: Humanoid (extraplanar)
Lineage and Subrace Options
Lineage (Player’s Handbook) and subrace choices determine specific powers. Choose from options that emphasize spellcasting, resilience, or utility, depending on your class and narrative goals.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Matures by human standards; lifespan often influenced by infernal pact | PHB |
| Alignment | Leans toward chaotic and neutral, but any alignment is possible | PHB |
| Darkvision | 60 feet, based on infernal eyesight | PHB |
| Hellish Rebuke | 1st-level trait; retaliate with fiery damage when damaged | PHB |
| Infernal Legacy | Limited spell-like abilities scaling with level | Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes |
| Languages | Common and Infernal; optional regional tongues | PHB |
Personality, Ideal, Bond, and Flaw Guidance
Use these prompts to ground your Tiefling’s motivations. Tie infernal lineage to present choices, and let flaws create meaningful obstacles that your party can help overcome.
- Personality: World-weary pragmatism, dry wit, or simmering anger shaped by prejudice.
- Ideal: Power through pacts, freedom from chains, or earned redemption.
- Bond: A vow tied to an ancestor, a debt to a fiend, or loyalty found in adventuring companions.
- Flaw: Distrust of authority, fear of losing control, or a lingering craving for forbidden power.
Best Classes for Tieflings
Tieflings excel in roles that leverage Charisma, mental flexibility, or consistent damage. Consider multiclassing when flavor and mechanics align.
Sorcerer (Draconic or Divine Soul)
Charisma focus maximizes spell damage and control; Draconic Bloodline adds durability, while Divine Soul offers healing and support. Infernal Legacy can supplement spell options at low levels.
Warlock (Fiend Patron)
Eldritch Invocations and Pact Magic fit thematically; short rests restore resources, supporting consistent invocations and flexible blasting.
Paladin or Ranger
Charisma-based martial paths allow front-line presence and reliable damage. Channel Divinity and Fighting Style choices emphasize control and survivability.
Optimizing Your Build
Prioritize Charisma and secondary mental stats early, and choose skills and tools that reflect your background. Resistances and proficiencies make Tieflings competent out of the gate, so build around your concept rather than min-maxing at low tiers.
- Skills: Insight, Investigation, and Intimidation suit many concepts.
- Tools: Gaming set, musical instrument, or navigator’s tools for flavor.
- Saving Throws: Charisma and Wisdom or Intelligence, depending on class.
Lore, Names, and Campaign Integration
Tieflings often face suspicion, but their infernal ties can be a source of strength. Work with your DM to define how your ancestors made pacts, how planar forces view you, and how your party’s actions shift others’ perceptions.
- Names: Use infernal-sounding elements while reflecting regional culture (e.g., Barbatos, Lilura, Malakor).
- Backgrounds: Charlatan, Hermit, or Soldier highlight outsider status; Acolyte or Sage emphasize knowledge of infernal lore.
- Worldbuilding: Tie infernal heritage to local myths, ongoing conspiracies, or divine conflicts.