Players who play dwarves in DND 5e tend to identify with some of the characteristics of the dwarf race, but you should also consider the traits, mechanics, and sub-races.
The Dungeons and Dragons (DND) fifth edition (5e) has a simplified rule book and encounter-centred gameplay which makes it more accessible for players.
If you intend on playing a dwarf is DND 5e, you should be aware of the characteristics of this race, as well as of their physical traits and the in-game mechanics and the different sub-races that exist.
What is good about DND 5e?
Although there has always been much discourse around which DND edition is the best and whether the DND format is even worth playing at all anymore compared to newer TTRPGs games, there are some die-hard fans of the game’s fifth edition that see it as a necessary step in refining the DND game series as a whole.
The fifth edition of DND initially attracted many new players to DND, because the simplified rules are easier to follow for new players and for inexperienced dungeon masters.
5e is also quite encounter-focused, which takes the focus away from exploration and emphasises the use of special powers, new monsters, and more.
In this way, the game becomes much more familiar to players who are used to video gaming, which, in turn, has made DND much more approachable for larger groups of players.
DND 5e: Dwarf
If you are planning on playing DND 5e soon, it is important to know that in numbers alone, dwarves remain one of the best races in the Player’s Handbook.
Players who choose to play dwarves can usually identify with some of the traits with which dwarves have long been associated in different kinds of literature, games, and mythology, such as a fierce sense of duty and a stubbornness in their convictions.
You may also commonly hear dwarves being referred to as the “Stout Folk” and “Deep Folk”. These names and the fact that dwarves are short, but sturdy, are all aligned with the history and lore surrounding the dwarves in DND 5e.
Much like the stone that the dwarves build their homes in, this race is stubborn and steadfast. However, this same steadfast conviction means that they have a strong sense of loyalty, and they form incredibly close bonds with family members or clans.
Even though a friendship with a dwarf is difficult to earn, once you have earned it, it will be a rewarding and strong one.
Dwarves tend to be hot-headed characters, but they are also smart and excellent at building, crafting, and engineering things that last, including the grudges that they may hold against other players.
While many of these personality traits are part of what makes dwarves such fun characters to play, the traits and mechanics of the dwarf race are an important part of ensuring that you understand your character.
It is also good to have a fair understanding of the different sub-races of dwarves, and to understand how they fit into your game.
DND 5e dwarf traits
To get a better idea of what playing a dwarf in DND 5e truly entails, it is important to know which traits the dwarf race possesses. These are:
| Trait | Description |
| Age | Dwarves live to be about 350 years old. This means that dwarves are considered to be young until about the age of 50, even though they mature at the same rate as humans |
| Size | Dwarves grow to be between four and five feet tall |
| Weight | Although dwarves are shorter than other humanoid creatures, they weigh 150 pounds on average, which makes them sturdy, stocky characters |
| Speed | Dwarves have a walking speed of about 25 feet, but they are not weighed down by heavy armour |
DND 5e dwarf mechanics
Some of the in-game mechanics that you need to be aware of if you intend on playing a dwarf in DND 5e include the following:
| Mechanics | Description |
| Ability to score increase |
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| Languages |
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| Features |
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DND 5e dwarf sub-races
The most common sub-races for dwarves in DND 5e are mountain dwarves and hill dwarves, and there are other sub-races that include the duergar (or grey dwarves).
The mountain dwarfs tend to have slightly lighter skin and be a bit taller than other types of dwarves and they also increase your strength score by two.
Hill dwarfs naturally have a friendlier disposition, and they have keen sense. This is also why a hill dwarf increases your wisdom score by one and you get an additional health point for every new level.
