The Best Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition Races for Clerics

In Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition, choosing the right race can significantly enhance your cleric's capabilities and effectiveness in various scenarios. Here, we will explore the best races for clerics based on their racial traits and abilities that complement the cleric's role.

1. Hill Dwarf

The Hill Dwarf is a robust choice for a cleric. Their racial abilities include:

Ability Score Increase: 2 Constitution, 1 Wisdom

Key Traits:

Resilient and extra hit points for survivability. Wisdom bonus, crucial for spellcasting proficiency.

These traits make Hill Dwarfs formidable defenders and reliable supports in the party.

2. Aasimar

The Aasimar race brings a unique blend of powers and abilities, making them ideal for clerics:

Ability Score Increase: 2 Charisma, 1 to another ability score often Wisdom

Key Traits:

Healing abilities and resistance to necrotic and radiant damage. Divine heritage that aligns well with clerical themes.

These traits make Aasimars excel as supportive and powerful allies in battles.

3. Human

The versatile Human race offers a balance that caters to a wide range of cleric types:

Ability Score Increase: 1 to all ability scores

Key Traits:

Versatility and adaptability make them suitable for any cleric build. Well-rounded character due to balanced ability scores.

This flexibility allows humans to excel in spellcasting, melee, or support roles.

4. Half-Elf

The Half-Elf offers a blend of adaptability and proficiencies, making them ideal dual-classed clerics:

Ability Score Increase: 2 Charisma, 1 to two other ability scores often Wisdom and Constitution

Key Traits:

Versatility and additional proficiencies for diverse roles. Excellent for clerics who wish to excel in both social and combat situations.

These traits make Half-Elfs highly adaptable and well-suited for a variety of roles.

5. Triton

The Triton race is ideal for aquatic campaigns and unique clerical builds:

Ability Score Increase: 1 Strength, 1 Constitution, 1 Charisma

Key Traits:

Innate spellcasting abilities and resistance to cold damage. Unique traits make them a standout in water-based campaigns.

This versatility in traits and spells is particularly beneficial for aquatic adventures.

6. Tiefling

The Tiefling race offers innate spellcasting and resistance to fire damage, though they are not traditional clerics:

Ability Score Increase: 2 Charisma, 1 Intelligence or Wisdom with certain subraces

Key Traits:

Inherent magical prowess, suitable for interesting and unique character builds. Fire-based resistance, making them formidable in combat.

These traits can lead to engaging and powerful spellcasting characters.

7. Firbolg

The Firbolg race is perfect for nature and healing-focused clerics:

Ability Score Increase: 2 Wisdom, 1 Strength

Key Traits:

Natural affinity for healing and nature. Stealth and social interaction abilities enhance their effectiveness.

These traits make Firbolgs excellent for druids and clerics who focus on nature and healing.

Considerations for Choosing a Race

Ability Scores: Prioritize races that increase Wisdom, as it is crucial for a cleric's spellcasting.

Survivability: Races that offer bonuses to Constitution or provide resistances can help clerics stay alive in combat.

Roleplay and Background: Consider how the racial traits and lore fit into your character concept and the campaign setting.

Ultimately, the best race for a cleric depends on your playstyle and the specific campaign. Each of these races brings unique strengths that can enhance a cleric's effectiveness in various scenarios.