How to Choose the Race & Class of Your First D&D Character

Choosing the right race and class is an important decision when creating your first character in Dungeons & Dragons; it’s critical to getting started playing D&D. Each race and class has unique traits and abilities that can influence gameplay and enhance the overall experience. You might wonder, then: what is the best race and class for your first D&D character?

While I give you lots of options below, I thought it might help to share my first character combo just for inspiration; I chose to try my hand at D&D by playing an Elf Fighter. As you’ll see, this is a good combination of race and class for first D&D characters – but there are lots of choices.

Below I’ll share some of the best races and best classes for first-time D&D players; if you’re not familiar with these, it can help to learn about them in the D&D sourcebooks or on D&D Beyond. This is an important decision, since choosing a good starter combo will help you get hooked on the game and continue playing for many campaigns – giving you plenty of future opportunities to try lots of other races and classes later.

Choosing Your First D&D Character’s Race

When considering the best race for your first character, it’s important to consider your character concept and playstyle. Some races offer unique abilities that may suit certain classes better, such as the Half-Elf’s versatile ability score increase, which makes them suitable for any class. Alternatively, if you prefer playing a more combat-oriented character, the Dragonborn’s breath weapon may be a useful ability to have.

Another important factor to consider is role-playing potential. Some races have rich cultural and historical backgrounds, such as the Dwarves, who are known for their skill in metalworking and stonecraft. This could provide an opportunity to add depth and complexity to your character’s backstory and personality.

There is no one “best” race for a first character in Dungeons & Dragons, as the choice of race depends on personal preference and the type of character you want to play. Each race has its unique traits and abilities that can influence the gameplay.

Here are some of the most popular races for first-time players.

Human

Humans are a versatile race with no penalties or bonuses to any ability scores. This makes them suitable for any class and allows for a wide range of character concepts. They also have an extra skill proficiency, which gives them an advantage in non-combat situations.

Additionally, humans have a lot of role-playing potential, as they are often the most populous race in the game world and can come from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Elf/Half-Elf

Elves and Half-Elves have a unique ability score increase, which makes them suitable for any class. They also have access to both human and elf abilities, making them versatile in gameplay.

Elves and Half-elves also have an ability called “Fey Ancestry,” which gives them an advantage on saving throws against being charmed and immunity to magical sleep effects. This can be especially useful in campaigns where charm spells and sleep effects are common.

Half-Elves in particular are a good choice for players who want to create and roleplay characters with a mix of human and elven cultural traits.

Dwarf

Dwarves have a bonus to Constitution, which gives them extra hit points and makes them more durable in combat. They also have proficiency in some types of armor and weapons, making them suitable for combat-oriented characters.

Additionally, dwarves have darkvision, which allows them to see in complete darkness up to 60 feet. This can be especially useful in dungeons and other dark environments. Dwarves also have a rich cultural history, often being associated with mining, metalworking, and stonecraft, which can provide opportunities for interesting role-playing scenarios.

Tiefling

Tieflings have a bonus to Charisma, which makes them suitable for classes that rely on charisma-based abilities, such as Bard or Sorcerer. They also have a unique ability, Hellish Rebuke, which allows them to deal fire damage to enemies that attack them.

Like dwarves, tieflings have darkvision, which can be useful in dark environments. Tieflings have a rich backstory in the game world, often being associated with infernal bloodlines and having to deal with the prejudices of other races. This can provide interesting role-playing opportunities for players who want to explore these themes.

Ultimately, the best race for a first character in D&D is the one that fits your character concept and playstyle the best.

Choosing Your First D&D Character’s Class

Similar to the choice of race, there is no one “best” class for a first character in Dungeons & Dragons. The best class for a first character depends on your personal preferences and the type of character you want to play. Each class has its unique abilities and playstyles that can influence the gameplay.

Here are some of the most popular classes that people starting to learn D&D choose for easier gameplay but a good opportunity to learn and plenty of roleplaying opportunities.

Fighter

Fighters are known for their versatility in combat. They can use a wide range of weapons and armor, making them suitable for any situation. Fighters have high hit points, making them durable in battle, and can deal significant damage.

They also have a variety of abilities, such as Second Wind, which allows them to heal themselves in combat. Fighters can also choose a subclass, such as the Eldritch Knight or the Battle Master, which gives them unique abilities and spells.

Rogue

Rogues are skilled in stealth and can deal massive damage with sneak attacks. They are also excellent at picking locks, disarming traps, and detecting traps. Rogues have a variety of abilities that make them versatile in combat, such as Cunning Action, which allows them to take a bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide.

They can also choose a subclass, such as the Assassin or the Swashbuckler, which gives them unique abilities and proficiencies.

Wizard

Wizards are powerful spellcasters, capable of dealing significant damage and controlling the battlefield. They have a vast array of spells to choose from, making them versatile in combat.

Wizards can also choose a subclass, such as the Evoker or the Conjurer, which gives them unique abilities and spells. However, wizards are relatively fragile, and their spellcasting abilities require preparation and planning.

Cleric

Clerics are divine spellcasters, capable of healing allies, dealing damage to enemies, and controlling the battlefield. They also have access to a wide range of spells, including buffs and debuffs.

Clerics can also choose a subclass, such as the Life Domain or the War Domain, which gives them unique abilities and spells. Clerics are versatile in combat, and their healing abilities make them valuable members of any party. However, their spellcasting abilities also require preparation and planning.

Ultimately, the best class for a first character in D&D is the one that fits your character concept and playstyle the best. Consider what type of character you want to play, and choose a class that complements that concept.

The Best Race & Class Combo for Your First D&D Character

Choosing the best race and class combo for first-time D&D players can be challenging, as there are many options to consider. However, there are some combinations that can be particularly beginner-friendly, offering both gameplay advantages and a satisfying role-playing experience.

Human Fighters are one super-easy race and class combo for first-time players. Humans are the most versatile race, with no penalties or bonuses to any ability scores, and Fighters are a straightforward class that focuses on combat skills. This combo allows players to easily get into the action, without having to worry too much about complex mechanics or character abilities. Fighters are also durable and have a lot of hit points, which can be helpful for players who are still learning the game.

Another good race and class combo for first-time players is the Half-Elf Bard. Half-Elves have a unique ability score increase, which makes them suitable for any class, and Bards are a versatile class that can fill many roles in a party. Bards are also charismatic and have access to a wide range of spells and abilities, making them useful in both combat and social situations. Additionally, Half-Elves have an ability called “Fey Ancestry,” which gives them advantage on saving throws against being charmed and immunity to magical sleep effects, which can be helpful in certain situations.

A third recommended race and class combo for first-time players is the Dwarf Cleric. Dwarves have a bonus to Constitution, making them more durable in combat, and Clerics are a versatile class that can heal, buff, and debuff depending on the situation. Clerics also have access to a wide range of spells and abilities, making them useful in both combat and non-combat situations. Additionally, dwarves have darkvision, which allows them to see in complete darkness up to 60 feet, which can be helpful in dungeons and other dark environments.

Ultimately, the best race and class combo for first-time D&D players like you depends on personal preferences and the type of character the player wants to play. It’s important to choose a combination that feels fun and exciting, while also allowing for easy gameplay and role-playing opportunities.

Have any questions about how to choose the race and class of your first D&D character, or want to run a character combo by me? Let me know in the comments below!