Tiefling 5e Handbook: Comprehensive DnD 5e Race Guide – RPGBOT (2024)

Introduction

Tieflings are humans that bear fiendish traits due to the influence of devils in their ancestry. Mechanically, tieflings have traits which associate them with devils, such as the fire resistance, Darkvision, and innate spellcasting. Tieflings have recieved a lot of attention in the rules, giving them an unmatched number of variants and subraces, allowing you to deeply customize your character to suit your preferences.

Regardless of your choice of variant or subrace, Tiefling is a very strong race option. Their ability score increases are good even without the custom origin rules, they have resistance to one of the most common types of non-weapon damage, and their innate spellcasting offers a variety of useful options depending on your subrace. If you use the custom origin rules, things get even better because you can mix and match your innate spellcasting to suit your build.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Disclaimer
• Tiefling Traits
  • Tiefling Subraces and Variants
• Tiefling Classes (Customizable Origins)
• Tiefling Classes (Default Rules)
• Tiefling Feats

Disclaimer

RPGBOT uses the color coding scheme which has become common among Pathfinder build handbooks, which is simple to understand and easy to read at a glance.

• Red: Bad, useless options, or options whichare extremely situational. Nearly never useful.
• Orange: OK options, or useful optionsthat only apply in rare circ*mstances. Useful sometimes.
• Green: Good options. Useful often.
• Blue: Fantastic options, often essentialto the function of your character. Useful very frequently.

We will not include 3rd-party content, including content from DMs Guild, in handbooks for official content because we can’t assume that your game will allow 3rd-party content or homebrew. We also won’t cover Unearthed Arcana content because it’s not finalized, and we can’t guarantee that it will be available to you in your games.

The advice offered below is based on the current State of the Character Optimization Meta as of when the article was last updated. Keep in mind that the state of the meta periodically changes as new source materials are released, and the article will be updated accordingly as time allows.

Tiefling Traits

• Ability Score Increases: +2/+1 isstandard. The default ability score increases make the Tabaxi good bards, sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards, but make other class options difficult. The custom origin rules remove those limitations.
• Age: Rarely impactful.
• Size: Medium is very slightly better thanSmall because you can’t be grappled or swallowed whole by as manyenemies.
• Speed: Standard.
• Darkvision: In a game with a lot of darkdungeons, Darkvision is essential.
• Hellish Resistance: Resistance to one ofthe most common damage types in the game.
• Infernal Legacy: The spell selection isinteresting, but it can be difficult to use effectively. Thaumaturgy isnovelty, Hellish Rebuke’s save will only be reliable for Charisma-basedspellcasters, and you can’t see through the magical darkness created byDarkness.

  Note that if you take one of the variants presented in Mordenkainen’sTome of Foes you will replace this innate spellcasting.

• Languages: Common+1 is standard.

Tiefling Subraces and Variants

Tieflings are the only race with both variants and subraces. The mechanics were essentially “retconned” to make the Player’s Handbook Tiefling into a subrace. Thanks to the variants presented in Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide and the subraces presented in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes, the Tiefling has the longest list of subrace options of any published race, totaling an impressive 14 individual subraces and variants. These options make tieflings diverse, flexible, and viable in an impressively large number of builds. However, because the subraces all shuffle around the Tieflings ability increases and spellcasting, it can often feel like they’re all the same race with a pallet swap rather than subraces which differ in theme and personality.

The interactions of variants and subraces for Tieflings can be confusing. The Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide states that the Feral variant is compatible with the other published variants, and Jeremy Crawford has clarified that you can use any of the variants with DM permission, so you could use a variant alongside a subrace if your DM allowed it. Of course, if you’re using the custom origin rules in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, the Feral Tiefling variant has no effect.

Personally, I think that the variants presented in Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide should be treated like subraces, and therefore shouldn’t be combined with other Tiefling subrace options, including those contained in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes. Even combining the Feral variant with other variants seems like a potentially complicated and problematic option.

While that’s wonderful from a character optimization perspective, it also means that you can cobble together a Tiefling for essentially any build which really defeats the purpose of having numerous, diverse races. If building a Tiefling allows three individual choices within the race (feral or regular, subrace, and potentially another variant), the Tiefling quickly becomes one of the most powerful races in 5e without using the custom origin rules.

The custom origin rules in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything level the playing field in a lot of ways, so the Tiefling is no longer an easy build choice in nearly every class by combining some set of subraces/variants. Now that every race gets flexible ability score increases, the Feral Tiefling variant is totally irrelevant. You can now also pick any tiefling subrace exclusively for its spell selection, which offers many exciting optimization options. The winged tiefling variant becomes a go-to option for any build that can’t already fly easily, supplanting the aarakocra as the best option for racial flight.

Tiefling Classes (Customizable Origins)

This section assumes that you’re using the option “Customizing Your Origin” rules presented in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. If you’re not using those rules, scroll down to the next section.

Artificer

Because the innate spellcasting is Charisma-based, you want to avoid subraceswith spells which allow saving throws. Glasya is great for a sneaky artificer,Levistus is good for front-line builds, and Mammon has some utility options(not amazing ones) which fit the theme of the Artificer. The winged variant isan easy option for any ranged build.

Barbarian

Spellcasting is hard for the Barbarian, so innate spellcasting is difficult.Your best bet is the winged variant, which conveniently allows you to fly inmedium armor.

Bard

With Charisma-based spellcasting, basically any tiefling subrace works forthe Bard. You might also consider the Winged variant if you can’t find innatespells that appeal to you.

Cleric

Because the innate spellcasting is Charisma-based, you want to avoid subraceswith spells which allow saving throws. Glasya is great for a trickery clericand Mammon offers some vaguely boring wizard-like utility options that feel athome on an arcana cleric. Since most clerics are in medium armor, the wingedvariant is a great choice. Stay out of reach, turn on Spirit Guardians, andchase your enemies until they run out of hit points.

Druid

Because the innate spellcasting is Charisma-based, you want to avoid subraceswith spells which allow saving throws. Glasya and the winged variant are goodgo-to options.

Fighter

For ranged builds, the winged variant is an easy go-to options.Charisma-based innate spellcasting is hard to work into a fighter build, soglasya and levistus are you best options.

Monk

Glasya tiefling is basically your only good option, but it is a very goodoption.

Paladin

The Tiefling’s best martial option. Building around Blessed Warrior is greatif you really want to lean into the innate spellcasting, but the ZarielTiefling gets smite spells, so a classic Strength or Dexterity-based build arestill excellent choices.

Ranger

For ranged builds, the winged variant is an easy go-to options.Charisma-based innate spellcasting is hard to work into a ranger build, soglasya and levistus are you best options.

Rogue

Glasya gets you early access to spells that feel at home on the ArcaneTrickster. Levistus gets you access to Darkness, so that’s an option, too. Asalways, the winged variant is a solid choice for ranged builds.

Sorcerer

Nearly any subrace will work, but avoid Zariel for its emphasis on smitingthings with weapons.

Warlock

Literally any version of the tiefling works as a warlock. Even Zarial worksfor hexblades.

Wizard

The innate spellcasting is Charisma-based, so your best options are glasya,mammon, and the winged variant.

Tiefling Classes (Default Rules)

Artificer

An Intelligence increase is a great start, and with a long list of variantsand subraces you have a lot of room for fun customization. Look for a subracethat offers innate spells that suit your play style, but remember that yourinnate spellcasting is still Charisma-based so avoid spells which allow savingthrows.

Barbarian

Zariel Tiefling is the closest you’ll get to a good option for a Tieflingbarbarian, but even that isn’t a great option. You can’t cast spells(including racial innate spellcasting) while raging, so you give up one of theTiefling’s most interest racial traits while raging.

Bard

Many Tiefling usbraces offer Charisma increases, and a number of the subracesand variants have a lot to offer the Bard. The Tiefling’s innate spellcastingis also Charisma-based, which synergizes well with the Bard.

Cleric

The only Tiefling option with a Wisdom increase is the Fierna Tiefling. TheFierna Tiefling’s spellcasting is all charm spells, so this could be a goodoption for a Tiefling planning to be their party’s Face, but remember that theinnate spellcasting is Charisma-based, so the save DC won’t match that of yourcleric spells.

Druid

All of the same issues as the Cleric, but since Druids usually dump Charismathe Fierna Tiefling might not be enough to make the Druid a passableoption.

Fighter

Darkvision and Fire Resistance are both great assets for the Fighter, anddepending on your choice of subrace your racial spellcasting can offer avariety of useful options.

Your fighter subclass options will vary depending on your subrace, so hereare some suggestions for the Tiefling subraces which work best as fighters:

• Glasya: Consider a Dexterity-based PurpleDragon Knight with an emphasis on stealth. A good fit in a party full ofsneaky characters like rogues, trickery clerics, and illusionists.
• Zariel: An excellent option for afront-line Purple Dragon Knight. The spells include smite spells from thePaladin spell list, offering some great offensive options.
• Variant: Feral: The only way to play aTiefling without a Charisma increase, the Feral variant is the best optionfor any archetype except Purple Dragon Knight. Eldritch Knight is an obviouschoice, but don’t feel locked into it solely because you have a +1Intelligence increase, and remember that the innate spellcasting is stillCharisma-based.
• Variant: Winged: The ability increaseswon’t be helpful unless you combine this with Feral, but permanentnonmagical flight is a massive tactical advantage. Just keep in mind thatthe wings don’t work in heavy armor, so you’ll want to build aroundDexterity.

Monk

Dispater Tiefling and Glasya Tiefling are both options because they providerelevant ability increases, but I think the Feral variant is your best bet.Glasya can be very sneaky and tricky thanks to their free spells, but thevanilla tiefling spells may be a better complement to the monk’s combatabilities, offering a mix of magical utility and damage that monks can’treplicate on their own.

Paladin

If you want to play a front-line tank, Paladin is the Tiefling’s go-tooption, beating out Fighter because the Tiefling’s ability increases work sonicely for the Paladin. Darkvision is great for facing enemies in the darkwhere they live, and fire resistance adds to the Paladin’s already fantasticdurability. The Tiefling’s innate spellcasting is also Charisma-based, whichworks very well for the Paladin.

Many Tiefling variants work very well for the Paladin, so you have plenty ofoptions to make your Tiefling Paladin unique. Charisma increases are obviouslyfantastic, but you likely also want a Strength or Dexterity increase, but ifyou use the Blessed Warrior fighting style, and you can build your paladingaround Charisma and barely concern yourself with Strength or Dexterity. Youshould also consider how your subrace’s spells will contribute to your overallbuild. Here are some suggestions based on the Tiefling subraces which workbest for the Paladin.

• Dispater: The ability scores line upnicely for a Dexterity-based Paladin, and the spells make for anunconventional character. Disguises and the ability to detect thoughts mayhelp you to locate and defeat enemies by more subtle means than a typicalpaladin.
• Glasya: The ability scores line upnicely for a Dexterity-based Paladin, but the spells don’t cater to yourtypical Paladin playstyle. This could be a fun option for a trickyOathbreaker Paladin.
• Levistus: Despite the lack of a Strengthor Dexterity increase, Levistus Tiefling is a great option for itsexceptional durability, and with Blessed Warrior the lack of aStrength/Dexterity increase isn’t a problem. A Constitution increase isobviously helpful, and you also get Armor of Agathys, which is an excellentdefensive option.
• Zariel: This is your go-to option forTiefling Paladin. The ability scores are perfect, and the racial spellsinclude smite spells from the Paladin spell list to complement the Paladin’slimited spell slots.
• Variant: Winged: Permanent nonmagicalflight is a massive tactical advantage. Stay aloft and cast SacredFlame.

Ranger

The vanilla Tiefling’s ability scores are terrible for a Ranger, but subracesand variants offer some better options. If you want a melee ranger, Irecommend the feral variant. If you want an archer, I recommend the Glasyasubrace.

• Dispater^MToF: Interesting and potentially viable, but Charisma does almost nothing forthe Ranger and the innate spellcasting doesn’t directly complement theranger’s skillset.
• Glasya^MToF: Legacy of Malbolge provides some useful stealth options not typicallyavailable to rangers.
• Variant: Feral^SCAG: Much better than the Vanilla Tiefling, but the Intelligence bonus is tillwasted.

Rogue

Darkvision and the free spells offer some interesting options, especiallywith the numerous Tiefling subraces. Depending on your subclass and whether ornot you want to be a Face you’ll find some subraces more appealing thanothers.

• Dispater^MToF: Good ability spread, and interesting spell options. This is a greatoption in a campaign with a lot of intrigue, espionage, and socialinteraction.
• Glasya^MToF: Ideal for tiefling rogues. Legacy of Malbolge offers useful spell optionsnormally only available to arcane tricksters.
• Variant: Feral^SCAG: Perfect for an Arcane Trickster.
• Variant: Devil’s Tongue^SCAG: Tempting if you are building a Face with decent Charisma, but better as aBard.
• Variant: Hellfire^SCAG: If you’re casting Burning Hands then you’re not using Sneak Attack.
• Variant: Vanilla^PHB: The ability scores don’t work as well as Feral, but not bad for aFace.
• Variant: Winged^SCAG: On a Rogue I would absolutely take flight over the free spells.

Sorcerer

Tieflings get a Charisma increase, which makes them a good option forSorcerer on its own. Fire resistance is always welcome, and your choice ofsubrace allows you to customize your racial spellcasting to suit yourneeds.

• Asmodeus^PHB/MToF: A perfectly fine option, but the Intelligence is wasted and you can findbetter spells from Devil’s Tongue.
• Baalzebul^MToF: The Intelligence is wasted, but access to Thaumaturgy could be nice.
• Dispater^MToF: Dexterity means better AC, and the spells are great if you want to besneaky or tricky.
• Fierna^MToF: The Wisdom is largely wasted, but the spells are great for a Face.
• Glasya^MToF: Dexterity means better AC, and the spells are great if you want to besneaky or tricky.
• Levistus^MToF: Constitution means more hit points, and the spells offer a nice mix ofdefensive, offensive, and utility options.
• Mammon^MToF: The Intelligence is wasted, and the leveled spells are highlysituational.
• Mephistopheles^MToF: The Intelligence is wasted, and sorcerers should rarely be in meleecombat enough to use Flame Blade.
• Zariel^MToF: Way too melee-centric.
• Variant: Feral^SCAG: Nothing useful for the Sorcerer.
• Variant: Devil’s Tongue^SCAG: The replacement spells are absolutely better than the normal Tieflingspells.
• Variant: Hellfire^SCAG: Burning Hands is probably worse than Hellish Rebuke for mostSorcerers.
• Variant: Winged^SCAG: Flight is a massive advantage, especially without requiringConcentration.

Warlock

Tiefling warlocks work well for all the same reasons that tiefling sorcerersdo.

• Asmodeus^PHB/MToF: A perfectly fine option, but the Intelligence is wasted and you can findbetter spells from other subraces.
• Baalzebul^MToF: The Intelligence is wasted, but access to Thaumaturgy could be nice.
• Dispater^MToF: Dexterity means better AC, and the spells are great if you want to besneaky or tricky.
• Fierna^MToF: The Wisdom is largely wasted, but the spells are great for a Face.
• Glasya^MToF: Dexterity means better AC, and the spells are great if you want to besneaky or tricky.
• Levistus^MToF: Constitution means more hit points, and the spells offer a nice mix ofdefensive, offensive, and utility options.
• Mammon^MToF: The Intelligence is wasted, and the leveled spells are highlysituational.
• Mephistopheles^MToF: Flame Blade is tempting for blade pact warlocks, but Zariel is still abetter option.
• Zariel^MToF: Strength is wasted, but that doesn’t matter much. The big draw is thesmite spells.
• Variant: Feral^SCAG: Dexterity is normally fine for a melee build, but for Warlocks you’ll beusing your Charisma thanks to Hexblade.
• Variant: Devil’s Tongue^SCAG: Arguably better spell options for a Warlock.
• Variant: Hellfire^SCAG: Burning Hands is about as good for the Warlock as Hellish Rebuke, butdoesn’t require you to be hit to use it.
• Variant: Winged^SCAG: Flight is fantastic, especially for a class so dependent on rangedcombat.

Wizard

+1 Intelligence makes Wizard an option, but if you’re going for an arcanespellcaster you’ll do better with either Warlock or Wizard since they’reCharisma-based spellcasters and will benefit more from the Tiefling’s InnateSpellcasting. Of course, if you’re going for the Winged variant that doesn’treally matter.

• Asmodeus^PHB/MToF: The ability scores don’t work as well for a Wizard as a race with a +2Intelligence bonus, and as nice as the free spells are they’re also on theWizard spell list already.
• Baalzebul^MToF: Intelligence and access to Thaumaturgy.
• Mammon^MToF: Bonus intelligence, but the spells are really situational.
• Mephistopheles^MToF: Bonus intelligence, but using Flame Blade is dangerous for a wizard.
• Variant: Feral^SCAG: Marginally better because Wizards get more from Dexterity than fromCharisma.
• Variant: Devil’s Tongue^SCAG: Changing the spells doesn’t really improve the Tiefling for Wizards.
• Variant: Hellfire^SCAG: Burning Hands works better for Wizards than Hellish Rebuke.
• Variant: Winged^SCAG: Permanent flight without concentration. You don’t need the free racialspells on a Wizard, so this is a great trade. If you can combine this withFeral, that’s basically the perfect choice.

Tiefling Feats

Flames of Phlegethos^XGtE

This works best for full spellcasters like Sorcerer and Wizard, but otherspellcasters might still be interested. The ability score increase caters toany arcane spellcaster.

Rerolling 1’s on damage rolls is one of those things that sounds really nice,and it’s emotionally reassuring, but the actual math isn’t great. This addsjust 0.33 damage per die on average. It will feel nice if you emphasize firedamage very heavily, but it’s not very effective.

The final portion of the feat works best for tiefling spellcasters who spend a lot of time in melee, such as an eldritch knight fighter. Cast Green-Flame Blade and dare enemies to retaliate. Of course, it’s only 1d4 damage and it doesn’t scale, so it’s not much of a deterrent.

Infernal Constitution^XGtE

Resistance to two more types of damage, and +1 Consitution. This is feat forfront-line characters who draw a lot of fire, but unless you’re tanking don’tbother with this.