Tiefling 5e: The Complete Species Guide

Tieflings are descended from infernal bloodlines. Most people assume their ancestor was an archdevil, a succubus, or some other fiend; most Tieflings don't actually know. They get horns. They get tails. They get a bad attitude about other humanoids judging them for having horns and tails.

Mechanically, Tieflings are Charisma-based with built-in fire resistance and a pipeline of innate spells.

Base Tiefling Traits

Tieflings get:

• +1 Intelligence, +2 Charisma. (Standard Tiefling.)
• Age: Similar to Human.
• Size: Medium.
• Speed: 30 feet.
• Darkvision (60 feet).
• Hellish Resistance: Resistance to fire damage.
• Infernal Legacy:
  • Level 1: Know Thaumaturgy cantrip.
  • Level 3: Cast Hellish Rebuke once per long rest (2nd level).
  • Level 5: Cast Darkness once per long rest.
• Languages: Common + Infernal.

Charisma + fire resistance + free spells is a strong combination.

Class Combos

Tiefling + Warlock. The iconic pair. Cha caster + Infernal Legacy spells + fiendish patron = maximum thematic alignment.

Tiefling + Paladin. +2 Cha + fire resistance. The aura boost from Charisma is a classic Tiefling Paladin.

Tiefling + Sorcerer. +2 Cha for spellcasting. Fire resistance helps survive your own Fireball cast at bad angles.

Tiefling + Bard. +2 Cha. Bardic Inspiration and innate spells make the Tiefling Bard versatile.

Tiefling + Rogue (Arcane Trickster). +1 Int + +2 Cha. Thieves use Charisma skills (Deception, Persuasion) heavily.

Tiefling + Cleric. Not ideal. Tiefling favors Cha, Clerics favor Wis. But flavor-driven Tiefling Clerics exist, often with a "redemption" arc.

Infernal Legacy

At levels 1, 3, and 5, Tieflings unlock spells:

• Level 1: Thaumaturgy. Voice effects, minor sounds, flickering flames. Utility cantrip.
• Level 3: Hellish Rebuke. Reaction spell when you take damage: target takes 2d10 fire damage (save half). Cast at 2nd level when using this racial version.
• Level 5: Darkness. 15-foot radius magical darkness, 10 minutes, concentration.

All cast as racial abilities. No spell slots. Once per long rest each.

Hellish Rebuke is the highlight. Reaction damage. Even non-caster Tieflings carry it. A Fighter Tiefling who gets hit can rebuke for meaningful retaliation damage once per day.

Hellish Resistance

Fire resistance. Half damage from all fire sources. Useful:

• Against fire-based enemies (dragons, fire elementals, demons).
• When casting Fireball near yourself (area centered on you or your adjacent space).
• In environmental fire damage (lava, traps, burning buildings).

Fire is common in D&D. The resistance is consistently useful.

Tiefling Subraces (Non-SRD)

Some rulesets offer Tiefling subraces representing specific infernal ancestry (Asmodeus, Zariel, Baalzebul, etc.) with different stat bonuses and spell sets. For SRD play, you have the standard Tiefling.

Tiefling in Solo Play

Tieflings are A-tier solo:

Strengths:

• Cha + Int. Good for caster builds.
• Fire resistance. Common damage type.
• Free spells. Extra resources without slot cost.
• Hellish Rebuke. Reactive damage from a racial spell.

Weaknesses:

• No Con bonus. Some builds need Con and Tiefling doesn't give it.
• Spell uses limited to once per long rest. Infrequent.

For more, see our classes ranked for solo play.

Final Verdict

Tiefling is a strong Charisma-based species for casters and martial-casters. Fire resistance and free spells add depth that other Charisma species (Half-Elf) don't offer.

Start a Tiefling on The Endlessness, pick Warlock with Fiend patron, and enjoy the thematic synergy.