What are the different types of elves in D&D?

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As one of the most unique tabletop RPGs of all time, dungeons and dragons The game is synonymous with the fantasy genre, which includes many unique species and monsters. Of the species in Dungeons & Dragons, few are as deeply rooted in the games as elves.

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Although elves have long been a mainstay of the fantasy genre, D&D is home to a variety of elves that differ significantly from Tolkien's. Since elves are such an important part of D&D, we'll explore the different types of elves. their legend And what makes them mechanically different?

Updated on January 16, 2025 by Jack Filsinger: With the release of the Player's Handbook and Spelljammer: Adventures in Space in 2024, a new breed of elves was released. Including some old rules that have been updated. We've updated this guide to ensure every type of elf is represented in DND.

What differences does ELF have in the 2024 PHB?

A tall ivory tower in an elf city nestled between mountains in Dungeon & Dragons.
City of Elves by Jedd Chevrier

while Players can also use both versions of Elves. Between the 2014 Player's Handbook and the 2024 Player's Handbook (at the DM's discretion). There are some important differences. Between the original 2014 book and the 2024 version.

  • Shared rules – Instead, each Elf lineage has different rules. Now, most elves have a few key things in common, such as skill proficiency and the ability to take long rests in as little as four hours.
  • Choosing an elf lineage – In addition to these general features When you select an elf lineage from the 2024 Player's Handbook, such as a stick or comma. You will receive different benefits at levels 1, 3 and 5 depending on your choice.

High Elf

A high elf casts a spell on an ancient stone in Dungeons & Dragons.
Intelligence Review by Tom Babbey

Book source

Player's Guide 2024

Important features

Predetermination can be canceled with additional spells at higher levels.

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Feywild

When some D&D players think of elves as a whole, High Elves might be what comes to mind at first. Sometimes, They are known as Sun or Moon Elves in the Forgotten Realms setting.

Appears in the 2024 Player's Handbook. High elves are famous for their cunning and magical abilities.Regardless of whether the elf had a spellcasting class or not, they received Combined with the magic of both the Feywild and the Material Plane.and the intersection between

While some of these elves Known for his arrogant attitudeBelieving in the superiority of the elves Therefore, there are many others who are known for their friendliness and are often found living in species other than elves.

High elves are like all elves. Advantage on saving throws. do To avoid or end the fascination and can Complete your long rest within four hours.– They have. Access spells based on specific species.

Player level

Known spells

level one

Presets can be overridden at any time. Long rest with cantrip of different wizards

Third level

detect magic

Level five

misty steps

wood elf

The forest elf hunter wields a bow and arrow in Dungeons & Dragons.
Half-Elf Moon Ranger – D&D by Aaron Miller

Book source

Player's Guide 2024

Important features

Increase Druid Craft Speed

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Feywild

or otherwise known as forest elfgreen elf or forest elf This is another classic type of elf found in the Player's Handbook. As their name indicates Wood elves are native to forests. and is Know your intuition and intuition

Unlike some High Elves Many wood elves tend to be quite reclusive. Be careful of species other than elves.

As it is a native species of the forest, there are these creatures. Known for its agile speed and them Ability to blend in with the wildernessUsing natural camouflage These characteristics can be seen in the mechanism of this animal such as Wood elves have above average movement speed of 35 feet. them too Gain the following spells at some levels.

Player level

Known spells

level one

Druid Craft

Third level

Try the Strider

Level five

pass without a trace

Wood elves have other forms. in different settings For example, The Greyhawk scene has Grugach.– If you are playing in a specific campaign setting Talk to your DM about the right wood elf version. for your table

Dark Elf (Drow)

A baby elf and his panther companion on a snowy mountain in Dungeons & Dragons.
Drizzt Do'Urden artwork by Wizards of the Coast.

Book source

Player's Guide 2024

Important features

Expand Darkvision

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Feywild, Underdark

Heir of LothGoddess of spiders, the dark elf (also known as drow) is A type of people who traditionally live underground.Deep in the Underdark According to the teachings of Lot Traditional drow society is a large clan society and It consists of high houses that ruthlessly strive to climb the ranks no matter the cost.

For most of the history of D&D, drow were viewed as opposing power Presented in the Monster Manual and Monsters of the Multiverse are the same. However, There are many other vices that go together well. Such as the famous ranger Drizzt Do'Urden and those who left the Underdark but still carry their magic with them.

In the atmosphere of Eberron at The drow doesn't live in the Underdark.Instead, there are rainforests and Cyclopean ruins found on the distant continent of Xen'drik.

mechanically The species has clearly extended Darkvision (out to 120 feet). By losing sensitivity to sunlight (in the 2014 Player's Handbook)

Player level

Known spells

level one

Druid Craft

Third level

Try the Strider

Level five

pass without a trace

Eladrin

Three different types of eladrin elves stand side by side in Dungeons & Dragons.
Mordenkainen presents: Monsters of the Multiverse by Wizards of the Coast.

Book source

Mordenkainen presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Important features

Seasonal Relationships The ability to teleport varies depending on the season.

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Feywild aircraft material

While all elves can trace their origins back to the Feywild, Eladrin is found both on the material plane and in the feywild.-Although elves are known to be the oldest civilization of all species, Eladrin is said to have some of the most ancient cities. Any kind of elf

One of the most important factors about eladrin is the manner in which emotional states are directly linked to the seasons. When the seasons change Eladrin's appearance and behavior also changed.They have characteristics that reflect a given season. For example, while Eladrin in winter form may be cool and reserved.It's the same eladrin. It may look cheerful and expressive in spring style.

While some eladrin change with the seasons. There are many others who choose to stay in the same style. All year long as well, have Others change their style several times a week. to be appropriate for the current state of mind

Mechanically, all these features definitely have an impact on the game. These elves have access to a stellar teleportation ability known as the Fey Step.It provides different benefits depending on the current form of Eladrin. Whenever Eladrin takes a long breakthey are The pattern can be changed according to the season.

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Dungeons & Dragons: Half-Elf Species Guide

Half human, half elf, all adventurers.

Chadar-kai

All three Shadar Kai present their weapons in succession. They wore black armor and had pale skin.
Mordenkainen presents: Monsters of the Multiverse by Wizards of the Coast.

Book source

Mordenkainen presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Important features

Magical Teleportation Resistance to fixed damage

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Shadow Fell

Eladrin, on the other hand, are emotion-driven elves with an innate connection to the feywide. But Chadarkai is the opposite: Elves of the dark plane of Shadowfell.– Shadar-kai according to tradition Serve as the follower of the mysterious Raven Queen.which is the god who resides in the plane

Has incredibly pale skinThey may look eternally youthful like other elves. When in the Material Plane, however, they appear older and more worn out than in the Shadowfell. Although eladrin are inherently linked to emotional states, Shadar Kai often appears completely emotionless. – although this is not necessarily the case.

Mechanically, not only these elves. Can teleport In a way comparable to Eladrin. But when doing so They gain resistance to all types of damage. Until the next turn

sea ​​elf

A blue-skinned, green-haired elf swam next to the turtle.
Sea Elves by Nikki Dawes

Book source

Mordenkainen presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Important features

Breathing underwater includes communication with aquatic animals and people.

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Elemental Plane of Water

As their name indicates Sea elves are amphibious elves. It is at home in communities hidden in the oceans and within the elemental plane of water. blue skin elf This species shares a deep hatred for the Sahuagin. Throughout the history of the multiverse it is said that Sea elves have explored the seas of many real planes.

The sea elves moved to use their mechanics. There are a number of benefits that make them suitable for water campaigns, including: Ability to breathe underwaterswimming speedResistance to cold damageand Ability to communicate thoughts with beasts As long as there is swimming speed!

Astral Elf

Star Elves from Dungeons & Dragons Spelljammer
Star Elf by Nikki Dawes

Book source

Spelljammer: A Space Adventure

Important features

Teleportation via the Starlight Step and access to sacred cantrips

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sea ​​of ​​stars

Traveler of the Astral Sea, Star elves don't dream. and have There is no need for basic necessities in life. such as sleep, food or drink They are also immortal.This means that their sense of time is extremely distorted. In addition, the star elf Can deepen knowledge about the Astral Sea. and Gain weapon skills and expertise. Each long rest

thin Great class options For the Star Elves Including craftsmen and wizardsOr any highly intelligent character. If you're playing a campaign that doesn't have the Astral Sea as a location, talk to your DM about how to incorporate your astral elf's backstory into their campaign world.

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