Small races in Dungeons & Dragons have their limitations as well. The Medium Armor Master Feat allows those wearing medium armor to make their Stealth checks without disadvantage, and Shield Master allows a player to add their shield’s DC to Dexterity saving throws. The Moderately Armored or the Athlete Feat can increase a character’s Dexterity stat. Larger PCs can find balance in useful D&D Feats as well.

Players should also consider having the Pass Without Trace spell always prepared for such an occasion. When the party attempts to sneak, everyone will be grateful for a proficiency in Stealth from the larger members. Larger characters also have a tendency to wear heavier armor, which can impose disadvantage to Stealth checks. To combat a low Dexterity stat, if players are given the opportunity to choose D&D skill proficiencies, larger races can significantly benefit from a boost to Acrobatics. Larger than average characters that weigh well over two hundred pounds, like the Bugbear drawn above by DeviantArt’s Phill-Art, can find themselves in difficult situations when dexterity is required. That said, players will naturally want to have at least a small safety net to supplement those weaknesses. This acceptance breeds a solid modicum of teamwork among the party, and can be a great opportunity for roleplay in-game. A balanced character is well-rounded, including a few shortcomings. When building a hero, players should remember that weaknesses are a good thing. Related: How D&D Fighters Can Get Overpowered Fast

For the sake of this article, the “larger” races include anything larger than the average human.

These size distinctions are so specific that it is often up to the DM’s discretion how their size affects the game.

Conversely, small races like Gnomes, Halflings, and Kobolds can vary in height as well, creating a vast variety of building opportunities for players. D&D Humans are of average height and weight, while races like Dragonborn or Goliaths can stand up to eight feet tall and weigh several hundred pounds as a Medium sized race. While most official playable races are classified as medium or small sized, there is a wide range within the medium category. Is it possible for players to bypass their character’s physical limitations when building an adventurer? But when using the D&D races of extreme sizes, it can be difficult to end up with a balanced character. Character creation in Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons & Dragonsis full of endless possibility, whether players are looking to step into a hero of great size and strength, or a small one of dexterity and wit.

D&d player races