In the 2024 Player’s Handbook, species (formerly races) got a major glow-up: bonuses are more flexible (+2/+1 or +1 to three abilities), traits are balanced, and they integrate perfectly with point buy for optimized characters. No more rigid racial ASIs—now you can fine-tune with backgrounds and origin feats like Tough for massive HP gains.
I’ve built and played 50+ characters in Lahore campaigns using 2024 rules (from one-shots to year-long homebrew). The right species can turn a solid point buy into an unkillable tank or versatile caster. Here are the best species for point buy in 2024, focusing on HP synergy, Tough feat, and multiclass potential—tested in real play.
Test These with Our Free Point Buy Calculator (auto-applies species bonuses) → then HP Calculator for final numbers.
How Species Work in 2024 Point Buy
- Start with base 8s + 27 points (max 15 before bonuses).
- Species give +2 to one ability +1 to another, or +1 to three (flexible).
- Backgrounds add more (+2/+1 or +1/+1/+1).
- Origin feats (e.g., Tough) available at level 1 for many.
- Goal: Hit 16-17 in primary/secondary stats + high CON for HP.
Top Species Picks for Point Buy Builds
1. Hill Dwarf (or Similar Resilient Species) – Best for Raw HP
Why Top-Tier: Dwarven Resilience gives advantage on poison saves + poison resistance. Hill Dwarf trait often adds +1 HP per level (if legacy-style or homebrewed; 2024 has similar toughness themes). Pair with Tough feat for insane HP stacking.
Point Buy Example (27 pts): CON 15 (9 pts), WIS 15 (9), STR 14 (7), DEX 10 (2), INT 8, CHA 8 = 27.
Species (Hill Dwarf): +2 CON, +1 WIS → CON 17 (+3), WIS 16 (+3). Background (e.g., Guild Artisan): +1 CON or WIS. Origin Feat: Tough (+2 HP/level retroactive).
Level 5 HP (Cleric d8 avg 5 + CON 3): 8+3 (lvl1) + 4×(5+3) = 11 + 32 = 43 base.
- Tough +10 + racial HP if applied → ~55+ HP. In my campaigns, this Dwarf Cleric tanked undead hordes easily.
Best For: Tanks, Clerics, Druids—HP monsters.
2. Goliath – Tough Feat Synergy & Damage Reduction
Why Great: Stone’s Endurance (reduce damage 1d12 + CON once/short rest) + powerful build (carry more, no disadvantage on grapples). Perfect for frontline with Tough.
Point Buy: STR 15 (9), CON 15 (9), DEX 14 (7), WIS 10 (2), INT/CHA 8 = 27.
Species: +2 STR, +1 CON → STR 17, CON 16. Origin Feat: Tough.
HP at Level 5 (Barbarian d12): ~55 base + Tough +10 = 65 HP + damage reduction = survives nova hits. Real play: My Goliath Barb raged through boss fights unscathed.
Best For: Barbarians, Fighters—melee bruisers.
3. Human – Flexible Bonuses + Origin Feat Power
Why Strong: +1 to three abilities or +2/+1 + extra origin feat (Tough free at lvl1). Most versatile for point buy optimization.
Point Buy: STR 15, DEX 14, CON 14, WIS 13, INT 10, CHA 8 (adjust for class).
Species: +1 STR, +1 CON, +1 WIS → STR 16, CON 15, WIS 14. Extra Feat: Tough.
Multiclass Example: Human Paladin 2 / Sorcerer X → high CHA + CON + early Tough = durable nova caster (~80+ HP by lvl 10). Used in sessions for spell-slinging tanks.
Best For: Any class—customizable.
4. Other Strong Picks
- Bugbear: Surprise Attack (+2d6 damage once/turn on first round) – great for burst builds. Point buy DEX/STR focus.
- Elf (Wood/High): Speed + perception bonuses – Rangers/Rogues with DEX point buy.
- Dragonborn: Breath weapon + resistance – casters with CON focus.
Avoid for Point Buy Optimization: Species without defensive traits if going squishy (e.g., pure glass cannon).
Comparison Table: Level 5 HP (Average, Tough Feat, CON +3)
| Species | Point Buy Focus | Base HP (d10 class) | + Tough | Total HP | Key Trait Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill Dwarf | CON/WIS | 43 | +10 | 53+ | Poison resist + HP/level |
| Goliath | STR/CON | 55 | +10 | 65 | Damage reduction |
| Human | Flexible | 48 | +10 | 58+ | Extra feat + bonuses |
| Bugbear | STR/DEX | 45 | +10 | 55 | Burst damage |
(Add multiclass for more!)
Tips for Species + Point Buy Success
- CON Priority: Always 14+ for HP/saves.
- Tough Early: Origin feat slot = huge early-game edge.
- Background Synergy: Match bonuses to fix dumps.
- Test Combos: Our calculators handle species auto-bonuses + feats.
- Common Mistake: Ignoring CON for max primary—leads to quick downs.
These picks are from real 2024 campaigns—consistent wins without min-max feel.
Build Your Species-Optimized Stats See HP Results with Feats
FAQ: Species & Point Buy in D&D 5e 2024
Do species bonuses apply after point buy?
Yes—buy to 15 max base, then add species/background.
Best species for Tough feat?
Human (extra feat) or any high-CON like Dwarf/Goliath.
Multiclass species choice?
Flexible ones (Human) for prereqs + HP.
2024 changes to species?
More flexible bonuses, no fixed ASIs—better for point buy.
Comment your build ideas—I help refine! Check our HP Guide: Ultimate HP Guide 2024 and Point Buy Guide.
Happy creating! 🎲
Written by Kashif – 8+ years D&D player/DM, 50+ characters optimized with 2024 PHB in Lahore sessions.
(Last updated: February 2026)
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