D&D Race Guide: How to Play a Goblin
While not the most common player race out there, Goblins can still be a lot of fun to play, if you don’t mind being a tiny little menace.
Have you ever considered playing a Goblin character? Did Sam Riegel’s masterful turn as Nott the Brave make you want to try a tiny nuisance of your own? Then look no further! Originally appearing in Volo’s Guide to Monsters as a playable race, they’ve recently seen an update in Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse. This update made them less of a stereotypical menace and more cunning and intelligent fighters. They survive thanks to looking for weaknesses in their enemy, rather than just being cruel bullies. However you choose to play them, though, goblins are very rewarding for a canny player.
Goblin Traits
Thanks to the updates to character origins, Goblins can add +2 to any one ability score and +1 to anyone other. They are still small, still have 30 ft of movement, and still possess Darkvision.
Fury of the Small also saw a slight buff, going from one use to a number of uses equal to your proficiency bonus. It still does proficiency bonus damage, but the extra uses mean you can be a little less conservative with your extra damage. They also still have access to Nimble Escape, letting them Dash or Disengage as a bonus action.
A new feature for this new brand of goblin is Fey Ancestry, giving them advantage to resist or end the charmed condition.
Best Classes
High Dex and Con make Ranger a decent job option for Goblins. And their Nimble Escape would help them keep their distance from foes while using ranged weapons such as bows while Fury of the Small would play effectively with Hunters Mark.
Despite their unboosted Strength, Goblins could also see a fair amount of success as Fighters. Extra movement and damage are always helpful for a fighter. You’ll probably want to make sure that the dice are on your side when it comes to rolling up that Strength score, though.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a Goblin Rogue. Sneak Attack, Fury of the Small, and a high Dexterity make this the perfect class for the little guys. Plus, you’re small, which is a flavor win for Rogues.
Variants
There are quite a few Goblin variants out there from adventure modules. Adventures with Muk introduces the Dankwood Goblin who can speak with small beasts such as squirrels, rabbits, and pets.
Plane Shift: Ixalan has its own variety of Goblin. They have a 25ft climbing speed as long as they’re not wearing medium or heavy armor.
Finally, Plane Shift: Zendikar has yet another Goblin. These guys have ‘Grit,’ giving them resistance to fire and psychic damage and a base AC of 11 + their Dexterity modifier. Finally, this variant belongs to one of three tribes, which Zendikar goes on to describe. Each tribe has a different bonus proficiency.
Tips & Tricks
Goblins can be a lot of fun, and even variants that don’t specify their penchant for mischief should probably lean into a little chaos some of the time. It’s also good to keep in mind that Goblins aren’t generally seen as friendly or good by many townsfolk; Goblins are the quintessential first monster you fight in every game and many townsfolk have probably been harassed by at least one in their life. It’s a weird social line to toe in your game, but a dynamic that can really encourage you to be creative and fast on your feet, so to speak, at the table.
Have you ever played a Goblin character? Have you had one in your party? Do you think you’d ever make a Goblin character? Let us know in the comments!
Happy adventuring!
