Dwarf 5e
Dwarves are a short, stocky race known for their skill in warfare, mining, and craftsmanship. They stand between 4 and 5 feet tall, but are broad and compact, often weighing as much as a human. Bold and hardy, dwarves are known as skilled warriors, miners, and workers of stone and metal. Though they stand well under 5 feet tall, dwarves are so broad and compact that they can weigh as much as a human standing nearly two feet taller.
At a Glance
Ability Scores
+2 Constitution
Size
Medium
Speed
25 ft.
Languages
Common, Dwarvish
Source
Player's Handbook
Racial Traits
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Darkvision | You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. |
| Dwarven Resilience | You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage. |
| Dwarven Combat Training | You have proficiency with the battleaxe, handaxe, light hammer, and warhammer. |
| Tool Proficiency | You gain proficiency with the artisan's tools of your choice: smith's tools, brewer's supplies, or mason's tools. |
| Stonecunning | Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check. |
| Dwarven Toughness (Hill Dwarf) | Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level. |
| Dwarven Armor Training (Mountain Dwarf) | You have proficiency with light and medium armor. |
Subraces
| Subrace | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Hill Dwarf | +1 Wisdom. Dwarven Toughness: Your hit point maximum increases by 1 per level. |
| Mountain Dwarf | +2 Strength. Dwarven Armor Training: Proficiency with light and medium armor. |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting that speed is not reduced by heavy armor (dwarven trait)
Common Mistake
Not applying the double proficiency bonus from Stonecunning correctly
Common Mistake
Thinking Dwarven Toughness gives extra hit dice (it's just +1 HP per level)
Common Mistake
Forgetting to choose a tool proficiency during character creation
Common Mistake
Assuming all dwarves have armor proficiency (only Mountain Dwarves)
DM Tips
DM Tip
Dwarven culture revolves around clan, tradition, and craftsmanship - create NPCs that embody these values
DM Tip
Hill Dwarves make excellent clerics and druids, Mountain Dwarves are perfect for gish builds
DM Tip
The poison resistance is useful against many low-level threats
DM Tip
Consider ancient dwarven ruins and stonework as plot elements that Stonecunning can reveal
DM Tip
Dwarven holds and clan politics provide rich campaign material
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Dwarf — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD race text
- Dwarf — D&D Beyond — Official race reference
- Dwarf Handbook — RPGBOT — Race optimization guide