Tiefling (2024) Guide 5e

What is this guide?

This guide is meant to give you an idea of whether or not the tiefling (2024) will be right for your 5e character build.

The color code below has been implemented to help you identify, at a glance, how good that option will be for your tiefling (2024). This color coding isn’t a hard and fast rule; there are plenty of sub-optimized options out there that will be viable to your party and will be fun to play.

• Red : Isn’t going to contribute to the effectiveness of your character build at all
• Orange : Situationally good, but a below-average option otherwise
• Green : A good option
• Blue : A great option, you should strongly consider this option for your character
• Sky Blue: An amazing option. If you do not take this option your character would not be optimized

What are Tieflings in 5e?

Tieflings are humanoids whose bloodlines are tainted—or blessed, depending on who you ask—by fiendish heritage. This connection to the Lower Planes could stem from a devilish ancestor, a pact made generations ago, or even being born in realms steeped in infernal or abyssal power.

Despite their fiendish origins, Tieflings are not bound to a specific moral alignment. Each Tiefling decides whether to embrace or reject their infernal legacy, and this choice shapes both their identity and approach to the world.

Tieflings are known for their striking appearances. Horns, tails, and skin tones ranging from crimson to ashen gray are just a few of the features that mark them as otherworldly. Whether they are revered, feared, or shunned often depends on the cultural lens of the society they inhabit.

Tiefling (2024) 5e Traits

Size: You can choose to be Medium or Small. Medium is the typical size of most races, and is neither good nor bad. Small creatures average out at 2-3 feet tall, but being a Small creature has had its negatives smoothed out in the 2024 Player’s Handbook. The upside is you get to use Medium creatures as mounts. The downside is you have have a reduced Carrying Capacity. Small character races no longer have a decreased Speed or Disadvantage wielding Heavy weapons, which is a decently big buff in the 2024 Player’s Handbook.

Speed: The tiefling’s walking speed of 30 feet is standard.

Darkvision: Darkvision is always great, but its advantage can be ruined if your party members do not also have it.

Otherworldly Presence: You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. Its spellcasting ability matches the one you choose for your Fiendish Legacy. Thaumaturgy is a decent utility cantrip, but its uses aren’t as widespread as Minor Illusion or Prestidigitation.

Fiendish Legacy: This allows you to choose one of three lineages (listed below). Your lineage grants you a unique level 1 feature, as well as spells you learn at levels 3 and 5. You always have your lineage spells prepared and can cast each once per Long Rest without using a spell slot. Alternatively, you can cast the spells using spell slots you have. You also get to choose Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma as your spellcasting ability for these spells when you select your lineage, allowing you to meld your racial spellcasting with your classes’ focus.

• Abyssal: Abyssal Tieflings specialize in delivering Poison damage and locking down enemies. They start off at level 1 with Resistance to Poison damage and access to the Poison Spray cantrip, which is one of the highest damage cantrips in the 2024 Player’s Handbook. At higher levels, Ray of Sickness adds ranged damage and the potential to debuff enemies, while Hold Person can completely incapacitate Humanoid enemies, making Abyssal Tieflings a strong choice for players who enjoy controlling the battlefield and overwhelming enemies. The biggest downside to this legacy is Poison is a commonly resisted damage type among Undead, Constructs, and other poison-based creatures. It’s a relatively common damage type that’s used by monsters, however you may find that your Poison-based abilities don’t land as often as you’d like. You also can’t buff it with feats like Elemental Adept
• Chthonic: Chthonic Tieflings blend durability with utility, making them an excellent choice for defensive playstyles. Necrotic Resistance bolsters their survivability, while Chill Touch offers long-range offense with anti-healing utility. False Life enhances their durability by providing Temporary Hit Points, and Ray of Enfeeblement can weaken foes determined to bash your head in—because the best defense is a good offense. This legacy is perfect for players who enjoy a mix of added survivability and debuffing their enemies.
• Infernal: Infernal Tieflings are fiery powerhouses, combining explosive damage potential with potent utility. Resistance to Fire damage and the Fire Bolt cantrip provide a solid foundation for survivability and ranged attacks. Hellish Rebuke punishes enemies target you, while Darkness offers an option to disrupt foes. Infernal Tieflings thrive in aggressive playstyles that lean into fiery destruction and tactical positioning. Fire damage is an amazing Resistance to grab as it’s incredibly common. Also, as long as you’re smart about using your Fire-based spells, you can get around enemy Resistances fairly easily (just don’t throw a Fire Bolt at a Fire Elemental or Red Dragon, ya know?)