Half-Orc Point Buy Guide for D&D 5e
Half-Orc is the dedicated melee frontliner race. The +2 STR/+1 CON ASI covers exactly what Barbarians and Fighters need, Relentless Endurance gives you a free 'drop to 1 HP instead of 0' per long rest, and Savage Attacks adds an extra weapon damage die on crits. For a Barbarian specifically, this race is nearly optimal — crits with a greatsword deal 4d6+STR instead of 3d6+STR, which adds up over a campaign.
Half-Orc Lore & Background
Half-Orcs in D&D carry the legacy of their orcish ancestry — often misunderstood, often underestimated, and frequently among the most capable fighters in any party. The Forgotten Realms and Eberron both have rich Half-Orc traditions: in Eberron, they're associated with the Gatekeepers druid tradition and revered as guardians against extraplanar threats. Mechanically, the Menacing trait (Intimidation proficiency) pairs well with Charisma-light builds who still want a social skill.
Mechanical Traits
Half-Orc traits: +2 STR, +1 CON, darkvision 60 feet, Menacing (proficiency in Intimidation), Relentless Endurance (when reduced to 0 HP but not killed outright, drop to 1 HP instead — 1/long rest), and Savage Attacks (when you score a critical hit with a melee weapon, roll one of the weapon's damage dice one additional time and add it to the damage). Relentless Endurance is essentially a free second wind, and Savage Attacks dramatically increases critical hit damage.
Ability Score Bonuses
2014 PHB
+2 STR and +1 CON is one of the strongest melee ASI combos in the game. A Barbarian with this racial starts with STR 17 (from 15 base) and CON 15 (from 14 base) after racial bonuses, covering both primary stats before any ASIs. Compare this to spending precious ASI increases to reach those same values — Half-Orc saves you a full ASI worth of investment.
2024 PHB
Under 2024 rules the ASIs are flexible, making Half-Orc traits (Relentless Endurance, Savage Attacks, Menacing) the main draw. These traits remain excellent regardless of stat allocation.
Sample Point Buy Builds
Totem Barbarian
STR 15+2 / DEX 14 / CON 14+1 / INT 8 / WIS 10 / CHA 8. STR 17, CON 15, DEX 14 — all primary stats covered. Rage + Reckless Attack + Savage Attacks crits devastate. 27 points.
Champion Fighter
STR 15+2 / DEX 13 / CON 14+1 / INT 8 / WIS 10 / CHA 10. Improved Critical at level 3 + Savage Attacks means crits add 2 extra damage dice. 26 points.
Oath of Vengeance Paladin
STR 14+2 / DEX 8 / CON 13+1 / INT 8 / WIS 10 / CHA 14. STR 16, CHA 14, CON 14 — a balanced Paladin spread. 25 points.
Best Class Pairings for Half-Orc
The combination of Savage Attacks, Relentless Endurance, and +2 STR/+1 CON makes Half-Orc arguably the best Barbarian race in the 2014 PHB.
Champion Fighters especially benefit from Savage Attacks, since their expanded crit range means more crits, and each crit adds an extra damage die.
STR+2 covers weapon attacks, Relentless Endurance keeps you standing for Divine Smite when it counts most.
STR-based melee Rangers are niche but Half-Orc works well for a melee-focused Ranger build.
War Cleric with STR+2 can be a surprisingly effective melee cleric, and Relentless Endurance keeps the healer alive.
Common Build Mistakes
Building a Half-Orc as anything other than a STR-based melee character — you're fighting the racial design. Also: don't forget Relentless Endurance. Many players forget it exists mid-combat, then realize they should have used it when they're rolling a death save. Mark it prominently on your character sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions — Half-Orc
Is Half-Orc the best Barbarian race?
Does Savage Attacks work with all weapons?
How often does Relentless Endurance come up?
Can Half-Orc work as a caster?
What's the best Half-Orc background?
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