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Is Variant Human a Subrace in D&D 5e? A Comprehensive Guide

No, the Variant Human in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition is not a subrace. It is an optional rule presented in the Player’s Handbook that offers an alternative way to build a human character. Instead of receiving a +1 bonus to all six ability scores like a standard human, the variant human gains +1 to two ability scores of their choice, proficiency in one skill, and a feat at level 1. This allows for greater customization and specialization right from the start of the game. The core difference is that subraces add to or modify the base race’s traits, while the variant human replaces some of the base human’s traits with different ones.

Understanding Races, Subraces, and Variants

To truly understand why the Variant Human isn’t a subrace, it’s crucial to distinguish between the terms race, subrace, and variant within the context of D&D 5e.

Race: This refers to a character’s fundamental ancestry, such as Human, Elf, Dwarf, or Halfling. It defines the basic physical and cultural characteristics, as well as core abilities.
Subrace: A subrace is a more specific branch within a race. Examples include High Elf, Wood Elf, and Dark Elf (Drow) within the Elf race, or Hill Dwarf and Mountain Dwarf within the Dwarf race. Subraces typically inherit the base race’s characteristics but also gain additional traits or modifications to existing ones. Choosing a race with subraces will require the player to choose a subrace.
Variant: A variant, like the Variant Human or the Half-Elf variants described in the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide (SCAG), provides an alternative way to build a character of that race. It involves swapping out some of the standard racial traits for different ones, allowing for greater customization. Variants are often seen as optional, allowing the player to pick the standard version or the variant.

The Variant Human is designed to trade some of the Human base traits for more individual customization.

The Appeal of the Variant Human

The Variant Human is popular among players for a few reasons:

Early Customization: The feat at level 1 provides a significant power boost and allows players to shape their character’s build and playstyle from the very beginning.
Flexibility: Choosing the ability score bonuses and skill proficiency allows players to tailor their character to fit a specific role or concept.
Optimization: The ability to select a feat can significantly enhance a character’s effectiveness in combat, exploration, or social interactions.

Why Not a Subrace?

The Variant Human replaces the standard Human’s traits. This is key. Subraces add to the base traits. The Variant Human is an alternate build option, not an offshoot with added features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Variant Humans

Q1: What are the benefits of playing a Variant Human?

The primary benefits are the +1 bonus to two ability scores, proficiency in one skill of your choice, and a feat at level 1. These provide significant customization and early power.

Q2: Does the Variant Human get all the benefits of the standard Human race?

No, the Variant Human replaces the standard Human’s +1 to all ability scores with the +1 to two ability scores of your choice, one skill proficiency, and a feat.

Q3: Can I choose any feat as a Variant Human?

Generally, yes. However, your Dungeon Master (DM) has the final say on which feats are allowed in their game. Some DMs may restrict access to certain feats based on setting or character concept.

Q4: Does being a Variant Human affect my character’s backstory or cultural background?

Not necessarily. The choice of being a Variant Human is purely mechanical. You can still develop a rich backstory and cultural background for your character, regardless of whether you choose the standard or variant option.

Q5: Is the Variant Human considered overpowered?

Some argue that the feat at level 1 gives Variant Humans an advantage over other races. However, it comes at the cost of the versatility of the standard Human’s ability score bonuses. Whether it’s overpowered is subjective and depends on the campaign and player skill. The Games Learning Society hosts many discussions on game balance, which can be relevant here.

Q6: Can I play a Variant Human in any D&D 5e setting?

Most settings allow Variant Humans, as they are a core option in the Player’s Handbook. However, some DMs may choose to restrict races or variants based on the specific lore and themes of their campaign world.

Q7: Can I multiclass as a Variant Human?

Yes, being a Variant Human does not restrict your ability to multiclass.

Q8: Are there any specific character classes that benefit most from being a Variant Human?

Any class can benefit from the customization offered by the Variant Human. However, classes that rely heavily on specific feats or ability scores, such as Fighters, Rogues, and Paladins, often find the Variant Human particularly advantageous. Classes such as spellcasters also find this race helpful.

Q9: How does the Variant Human interact with multiclassing requirements?

When multiclassing, you need to meet the ability score requirements for both your current class and the class you are multiclassing into. The +1 bonuses to two ability scores from the Variant Human can help you meet these requirements.

Q10: Can I take the “Human Determination” feat if I’m a Variant Human?

Yes, you can take the “Human Determination” feat if you are a variant human, assuming your DM allows it.

Q11: Are there Variant Humans in published D&D adventures?

Published adventures generally don’t specify whether NPCs are standard or variant humans. It’s up to the DM to decide which version to use for their NPCs.

Q12: How does “Custom Lineage” from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything relate to the Variant Human?

“Custom Lineage” is a different, more flexible way to create a character with similar benefits to the Variant Human. It allows you to choose your creature type, size, and other aspects, making it even more customizable. Custom Lineage is more customizable than the Variant Human.

Q13: Can I change my choice of feat or skill proficiency after creating a Variant Human character?

Typically, no. Your choice of feat and skill proficiency are locked in at character creation. However, some DMs may allow you to retrain these choices under specific circumstances.

Q14: What’s the difference between “Custom Lineage” and “Variant Human?”

“Custom Lineage” allows players to choose a race with traits that best fits their character design, while “Variant Human” is the human race with special traits.

Q15: Is Variant Human considered “power gaming?”

While the Variant Human can be optimized for combat effectiveness due to the early feat, it doesn’t automatically equate to “power gaming.” It’s all about the player’s intent and how they use their character within the game’s context. A player can choose a feat for roleplaying reasons, not necessarily to optimize their combat abilities. Power gaming isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just depends on how the player uses their characters and their capabilities.

In conclusion, the Variant Human offers players a unique way to customize their character. For more information on the impact of games and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Is variant human a subrace?