Distant cousins to giants, these towering people are famous for their hardiness and mountainous home. The goliath race was first published in Volo’s Guide to Monsters (VGtM), and an updated version was more recently published in Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse (MPMM). This is a separate version and does not overwrite the original, it just presents a different way of playing a goliath using more current design conventions.
A nomadic people
Goliaths are humanoid representations of the very mountains that they inhabit, their skin tone the various colors of stone, and their muscled bodies as hard as granite. Seeing their massive frames standing between seven and eight feet tall leaves one with no doubt that they are related to giants. Goliaths live in nomadic tribes, existing at altitudes so harsh that few people have the chance to interact with them in this environment just because it’s so harsh to reach, preferring the warmer and more oxygen-rich lowlands. These giantkin are constantly on the move, with the strongest leading the pack and the young and elderly following behind, occasionally a goliath that falls behind may end up integrating with other communities after losing touch with their own tribe.
The sheer physicality and fast-paced nature of a goliath’s lifestyle often lead to a deep competitive streak, with the desire to always better their own achievements or be the best/strongest out of their peers burning strongly inside of them. Despite this competitiveness, fairness in competition is integral to their sense of identity, if the playing field isn’t level, then what is the worth of that accomplishment? This forms the structure of their society, with the leadership being those that are the most physically and mentally capable of leading the tribe in the dangerous mountain ranges they call home. Unfortunately, this competitive streak can develop into a spiral of progressively more dangerous feats and self-tests, such as a goliath slaying an owlbear might then seek out even more deadly creatures, one after the next.
Giantkin: Playing a Goliath
Playing a goliath gives you the following traits:
Ability Scores – Str +2 Con +1
Size – Medium
Creature Type – Humanoid
Speed – 30 ft.
Age – Goliaths have a similar lifespan to humans, living a century or less.
Natural Athlete – You have proficiency in Athletics.
Stone’s Endurance – As a reaction when you take damage, you can reduce the damage by 1d12 + your Con modifier. You can do this once per short or long rest.
Powerful Build – You are one size larger when determining how much you can carry and push, drag, or lift.
Mountain Born – You’re naturally acclimatized to high altitudes, including 20,000 feet and higher. You also have resistance to cold damage.
Languages – You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant.
As rugged as the mountains: Playing an MPMM Goliath
Playing a goliath from MPMM gives you the following traits:
Ability Scores – You can increase one ability score by 2 and a different score by 1, alternatively you can increase three different ability scores by 1.
Size – Medium
Creature Type – Humanoid
Speed – 30 ft.
Age – The typical life span of a player character in the D&D multiverse is about a century, assuming the character doesn’t meet a violent end on an adventure.
Little Giant – You have proficiency in Athletics and you are one size larger when determining how much you can carry and push, drag, or lift.
Mountain Born – You’re naturally acclimatized to high altitudes, including 20,000 feet and higher. You also have resistance to cold damage.
Stone’s Endurance – As a reaction when you take damage, you can reduce the damage by 1d12 + your Con modifier. You can do this a number of uses per long rest equal to your proficiency bonus.
Languages – You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for your character.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this brisk stroll through the mountains and that you didn’t get left behind. Have you played a goliath? Are you planning to? If you want to learn more about other race options, check out our races section, or if you want to understand the world’s greatest roleplaying game better, then check out our how to play section. Good luck out there adventurers and until next time, try to keep up!
What are Goliaths in DnD 5E?
Goliaths are a race of tall and muscular humanoids in DnD 5E. They are known for their strength, endurance, and their love of competition.
What classes are best for Goliaths in DnD 5E?
Goliaths are well-suited for classes that rely on Strength and endurance, such as Barbarians, Fighters, and Paladins. Their ability to reduce damage makes them a great tanking race and can even make good casters, using Stone’s Endurance to maintain concentration.
How do Goliaths fit into the world of DnD 5E?
Goliaths are often portrayed as proud and competitive warriors in the world of DnD 5E, and are known for their strength and endurance. They are often found in rugged, mountainous regions and are well-suited for adventures that require physical prowess and endurance.
