Half-Orc

Key facts

Speed

30

Size

Medium

Traits

Darkvision, Menacing, Relentless Endurance, Savage Attacks

Languages

Common, Orc

Overview

Half-Orc is built for melee. Strength +2 with Constitution +1 is the classic martial spread, and both signature traits reward committing to close combat: Savage Attacks adds an extra weapon damage die on a melee critical hit, and Relentless Endurance drops you to 1 hit point instead of 0 once per long rest. Relentless Endurance is the trait that changes how you play rather than what you roll. Knowing you get one free refusal to fall lets a half-orc take a risk nobody else at the table can, whether that means holding a doorway alone or stepping in front of something. Menacing adds Intimidation proficiency, and darkvision to 60 feet covers the rest.

How it works

Ability Score Increase: +2 Strength, +1 Constitution Size: Medium Speed: 30 feet Darkvision: See in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. Menacing: Proficiency in Intimidation. Relentless Endurance: When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you drop to 1 hit point instead. Once per long rest. Savage Attacks: When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, roll one of the weapon's damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage.

Tips and playstyle

Best Classes: Barbarian (Strength, Savage Attacks stacking with Brutal Critical, and Relentless Endurance on top of rage resistance), Fighter, and Strength-based Paladin, whose critical smites gain the most. Character Concepts: Tribal champion, city enforcer, redeemed outcast, arena fighter, bounty hunter, siege breaker who talks a lot less than they hit. Why Choose Half-Orc: It is the best SRD race for a critical hit build, because Savage Attacks stacks with class features that add critical dice. Relentless Endurance functions as a free extra life every long rest, which is worth more in play than it reads on paper.

Frequently asked questions