Summary
The world ofDungeons & Dragonsis a melting pot boasting diverse styles, beliefs, and chiefly races. Many humanoids coexist in the Material Plane living in relative peace despite their considerable differences, which is astounding considering the vast number of different races.Dungeons & Dragons’base books and various expansionsprovide players with a wide selection of races to choose from.
Although dozens of choices are available to the community, many inventive individuals have expanded this list offering endless possibilities. Everything, from homebrewed variants to races and subraces, is available to those seeking to make a distinct character. However, some creations exceed all others for their inventiveness, effectiveness, and roleplaying capabilities.
Updated July 09, 2025 by Mara Cowley:Dungeons and Dragons continues its reign as the premium fantasy role-playing game, with the 5th edition being one of the most streamlined and beginner-friendly experiences, though many may be starting their gradual transfer toOne D&D, their latest system that largely remains the same, with tweaks to the existing material. With there still largely being the same races on offer, it might be worth looking to the world ofDnD homebrew racesfor something more new and exciting to bring to the table.
The world of homebrew is vast, limited only by the creativity of other players, which in the D&D world seems to know no bounds. As such, there are guaranteed to behomebrew dnd racesto appease everyone.
1Godzilla Dragonborn
Become The King Of All Dragonborn
Dragonborn is one of the bread-and-butter species that exists withinD&D5e, humanoids covered in the same scales as their large, winged brethren. They lack the size that dragons do but know a breath weapon, which sure comes in handy when faced with multiple foes.
Even the most casual movie watchers will know who Godzilla is. The large lizard is known as the king of monsters and has terrorized or protected humanity since his debut back in 1954. The Godzilla dragonborn combines the two to very interesting results, equipping dragonborn with his famed atomic breath and the ability to frighten foes with their fearsome warcry.
2"Two" Goblins In A Trenchcoat
Nothing Suspicious To See Here…
What is better (or worse) than one goblin? Two of course, but it isn’t the norm to see them stacked on top of one another, hiding their dual nature behind one long garment. But the Two Goblins in a Trenchcoat species isn’t limited to just two goblins, as players can be a swarm of spiders, four cats, two flumphs…pretty much anysmall creature, DM allowing of course.
This is an unserious but frankly hilarious race that would be the favorite in any one-shot or short campaigns, though the gimmick could wear off in longer campaigns. Still, this is the perfect choice for anyone looking to inject some humor and mischief into a game or two.
3Yokai Tribesman
Akin To The Entities From Japanese Folklore
Yokai are traditionally viewed as demons, ghosts, spirits, or other supernatural entities inJapanese folklore, often partaking in mischief without inherently being too evil. Thus far they have never existed withinD&D, but this homebrew race changes that.
Taking a little inspiration from the animeOne Piece, the Yokai Tribesman is made up of a wide range of subraces to give each a different edge and ensure no one Yokai Tribesman is the same. Perfect for classes such as the Monk with traits such as increased melee range, this race is sure to be one of the stronger player characters during combat.
4Breadbold
For When Just An Ordinary Kobold Is Too Simple
Not every campaign will be an epic adventure of swords, sorcery, and a band of noble heroes who will do whatever it takes to save the world and make it a better place. Sometimes, it will be a far less serious campaign just to have some laughs with friends, and that is when you pull out a character race such as the Breadbold, a very random cross between a kobold and a loaf of bread.
Barely any background is given as to how this creation came to be, such as a prank, a series of experiments, or something along the lines ofThe Fly,giving players free rein to choose how their character came to be. Surprisingly, the Breadbold has some pretty nifty tricks up their sleeves, such as the ability to rip off a chunk of their bread body to heal one of their party members 2d4 hit points and have resistance to certain damage types because of their malleable form. They are most certainly entirely edible, so too let’s hope the party never goes too hungry, or the Breadbold will likely be the first on the chopping block.
5Gorgon
Become A Fictional Beast Of Legends
Many will recognize Gorgons from Greek legends, particularly Medusa who was cursed to turn anyone she looked upon to stone. Their stories are normally filled with pain and sorrow which hardens much like their stare, to hatred and malice. That doesn’t need to be true of the player’s Gorgon character, of course, but what player can resist a tragic backstory, and the temptation of working with the party to overcome trauma and learn to trust again?
As such, the Gorgon is a popular choice amongD&Dplayers, as this race encourages a well-thought-out backstory and RP. Figuring out how this creature exists and how they would navigate a world that may be frightened of what they may do could be a really fun exercise between the player and the DM.
6Mistborne
Perfect For Ravenloft Fans
Ravenloft has birthed many dark entities, and the Mistborne is just one of them. Bornfrom the Shadowfell, these creatures have just one goal in their life–to lure adventurers to the mist surrounding Barovia, in hopes of trapping them in the Dread Domains for their Lords to play with as they please. They are not only the perfect NPCs for DMs, especially for the start of Curse of Strahd, but also for players in or even outside of a Ravenloft game.
Though they were created for an express purpose, it could be they broke their link to the dread domains and are now trying to atone for all the souls they damned, or maybe playing the ultimate long-con with the party. This race gives ample opportunities to spin their story however they wish, and with some pretty cool mist powers at their ghostly fingertips, the Mistborne is one of the more unique and fun races out there.
7Aarakocra (Phoenix)
A New Spin On A Classic Race
The Arakocra has already seen several variants in the homebrew world to allow players to spread their wings in terms of customization, but the Phoenix rises to the top as the best. Not only would this stand out as the most beautiful with its vibrant colors and fiery plumes, but it also has some pretty nifty features to remain faithful to the theme.
Fire spells, skin so hot it burns, and the ability to stave off death once a week in typical Phoenix fashion, Aarakocra enthusiasts are likely pecking at the bit to give this one a whirl. Though with how rare and likely valuable these creatures are, any players choosing this race should probably be on the look ur for poachers or rival adventuring gangs that want to get their hands on some of those feathers.
For Players Uncontent With The Lineage, Try This Homebrew Race
Although the Ravenloftsourcebook introducedthe reborn lineage, which sees players come back from the dead, creator stuffattacknightofrandom made an entire Undead race with some flare. It has plenty of subraces to give this class great versatility, breaking the tired old trope that all undead are evil. Although gamers are welcome to lean into the evilness of the undead, fans can also play one that is good with The Blessed subrace.
Though players will likely not reach undead levels of power and infamy as Vecna did, the Undead is still a great class for those wanting to try something a little different, as this race will sure make for some interesting RP, especially if paladins or clerics are in the party.
9Valashae
An Original Race For All Plant Lovers
There are certain classes, like druids, and spells that revolve around plants in some way, but this is the first time an entire race has. Creator Thauraeln_the_Bold over on DnDBeyond has posited a class known as the Valashae, sentient plant folk that have a humanoid shape, but are made from bark and leaves like trees.
They have a strong affinity with the forests they dwell in and are more likely to only become active when it is threatened. As such, they are more suited for classes such as druids, and could very easily fit into a campaign where nature has come under the threat of some blighted evil.
10Artigin
Their Body Can Be Whatever Tool They Want
Tools are one of the many useful items anyD&Dplayer would have as part of their arsenal with a variety of uses outside combat. But what if players could have one of these tools implemented as part of the bodies, like calligraphy quills for fingers?
This is the question the Artigin answers, as it allows the players to transform their hands into a tool of their choice, and if the DM allows it, they could even homebrew a tool that fits their character concept, for example, a bard whose artistic flair lies in writing may have a typewriter as the tool, and it fits into their world. Not only is this a useful benefit to have, but it also allows for some truly unique characters.
