Tieflings are demonic humanoids misunderstood by many in D&D, often becoming powerful Warlocks, unlocked Sorcerers, charismatic Bards, and stealthy Rogues.
That said, Tieflings have a lot to prove to those around them but rarely feel the need to do so. Will you be different?
Contents
- Best Classes for Tieflings
- 5. Rogue
- 4. Bard
- 3. Sorcerer
- 2. Warlock
- 1. Paladin
- Final Thoughts
Best Classes for Tieflings
5. Rogue
Primary Ability Score – Dexterity
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Intelligence (For Arcane Tricksters)
Armor Proficiencies – Light
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbows
Why the Rogue?
Tieflings offer Darkvision, which is already a plus since most Rogues will like to operate in the dark where they can’t be seen. You’ll also get a free spell with your subrace, so you can customize your build even further.
The Tiefling’s natural Charisma (2) helps create a more social Rogue, fitting well with the Glasya, Variant Feral, and Variant Winged subraces (the best would be the Variant Winged, as it gives you flight, which is nearly unmatched).
Recommended Subclasses
- Arcane Trickster is for a stealthy spellcaster.
- Assassin is the perfect subclass for Tieflings who want to deal high damage, disguise themselves, and infiltrate areas.
- Soulknife is for a psionic blade-wielding Gnome that pumps out damage.
4. Bard
Primary Ability Score – Charisma
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbow
Why the Bard?
Tieflings have a natural Charisma (2) increase, which is the most important ability score for a Bard.
That said, many subraces of the Tiefling provide the Bard with many different improvements to fit whichever role they want to play, allowing for unparalleled customization.
Note: Don’t forget about all the spells that Tiefling subraces have that affect your customization.
Recommended Subclasses
- College of Eloquence focuses on the Bard’s core abilities.
- College of Lore is a jack-of-all-trades build, being able to fill in for almost any class in D&D, especially if they take a dip into multiclassing.
- College of Whispers is the perfect roleplaying Bard subclass, doing well in campaigns with political intrigue and if you want to play an evil character.
3. Sorcerer
Primary Ability Score – Charisma
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – None
Weapons Proficiencies – Daggers, Quarterstaffs, Light Crossbows, Darts, Slings
Why the Sorcerer?
Tieflings already receive a Charisma (2) increase, making them natural Sorcerer candidates, and the fact that they are resistant to Fire gives them more durability against a relatively common form of damage.
The best subraces are as follows:
- Dispater and Glasya – Both have Dexterity that provides AC and spells to be sneaky/cunning.
- Levistus – Increased Constitution means higher HP and a mix of offensive, utility, and defensive spells.
- Variant Devil’s Tongue – Devil’s Tongues have good replacement spells compared to the spells of a Sorcerer.
- Variant Winged – Flight is exceptionally important and allows you to keep your Concentration.
Recommended Subclasses
- Aberrant Mind functions well as a “mind-leeching” Tiefling Bard combination.
- Shadow Magic is a versatile subclass that fits with a Tiefling’s dark theme.
2. Warlock
Primary Ability Score – Charisma
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple
Why the Warlock?
Warlocks also primarily use Charisma, which the Tiefling has an abundance of, and having the Fire resistance also helps with durability.
The best subraces for the Warlock are:
- Dispater and Glasya – Both have Dexterity that provides AC and spells to be sneaky/cunning.
- Levistus – Increased Constitution means higher HP, and there is a mix of offensive, utility, and defensive spells.
- Variant Devil’s Tongue – Devil’s Tongues have good replacement spells compared to the spells of a Warlock.
- Variant Winged – Flight is exceptionally important and allows you to keep your Concentration.
Recommended Subclasses
- The Fiend is the perfect offensive Warlock subclass and fits with a Tiefling’s infernal heritage.
- The Great Old One is perfect if you want to draw your power from something unknowing.
- The Hexblade is your go-to melee spellcasting build for a Tiefling.
1. Paladin
Primary Ability Scores – Charisma and Strength
Secondary Ability Score – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Heavy, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Paladin?
Paladin Tieflings are a go-to frontline tank, as the ability score increases of the Tiefling fits perfectly with what a Paladin needs to function.
Darkvision greatly helps a Paladin in the dark, while Fire resistance improves its durability, and the number of Tiefling subraces gives a Paladin plenty of options.
The best subraces are as follows:
- Levistus – Levistus Tieflings have incredible durability, adding to your Constitution (1) and giving you access to the Armor of Agathys and Darkness spells.
- Zariel – Probably the best Paladin subrace, adding to your Strength (1) score and also freely unlocking Searing Smite and Branding Smite at the appropriate levels, helping with the Paladin’s limited spell slots.
- Variant Winged – Being able to fly without needing magic is probably one of the abilities in D&D.
Recommended Subclasses
- Oath of Conquest is a good mix of offense and crown control.
- Oath of Vengeance for offensive capability or support.
- Oathbreaker is perfect for those wanting to play a violent or evil Tiefling, which fits the Tiefling’s theme.
Final Thoughts
Tieflings are quite versatile, but most are more attuned to magic because of their infernal nature.
This doesn’t take away the fact that they can be proficient in melee, meaning you can easily build an optimal Tiefling and prove yourself to those who doubted you in D&D!
