Elf (High Elf & Wood Elf) Point Buy Guide for D&D 5e
High Elf and Wood Elf are two distinct subraces of elf in the 2014 PHB, and they target very different classes. High Elf gets +2 DEX and +1 INT with a free wizard cantrip — tailor-made for Arcane Trickster Rogues, Eldritch Knight Fighters, and any DEX/INT build. Wood Elf gets +2 DEX and +1 WIS with increased movement speed and Mask of the Wild, making it excellent for Rangers, Druids, and Scout Rogues. Both share the powerful Keen Senses (Perception proficiency), Fey Ancestry, and Trance (need only 4 hours of meditation instead of sleep).
Elf (High/Wood) Lore & Background
Elves are among the oldest races in the D&D multiverse, with millennia of history predating most other civilizations. High Elves in the Forgotten Realms are associated with Evermeet and arcane scholarship. Wood Elves (called 'Wild Elves' or 'Copper Elves' in some lore) inhabit ancient forests and maintain a deep connection to nature. Both subraces share Elvish heritage: pointed ears, lithe builds, a connection to magic, and lifespans measured in centuries. The Trance trait means Elves don't technically sleep, which comes up more in roleplay than mechanics but is worth knowing for watch rotations.
Mechanical Traits
All Elves: +2 DEX, darkvision 60 ft, Keen Senses (Perception proficiency), Fey Ancestry (advantage vs charm, immune magical sleep), Trance (4-hour long rest equivalent). High Elf adds: +1 INT, one Wizard cantrip (you know this even without INT investment — useful for Booming Blade or Minor Illusion), Elf Weapon Training (longsword, shortsword, shortbow, longbow). Wood Elf adds: +1 WIS, increased speed (35 ft instead of 30 ft), Mask of the Wild (you can attempt to hide in light obscurement — leaves, rain, snow).
Ability Score Bonuses
2014 PHB
High Elf: +2 DEX, +1 INT. Perfect for Rogues (especially Arcane Trickster) and Eldritch Knight Fighters. The free cantrip choice is largely independent of your INT — pick a utility cantrip like Minor Illusion or Prestidigitation for any build. Wood Elf: +2 DEX, +1 WIS. Excellent for Rangers (DEX+WIS are both primary stats), Druids, and Scout Rogues. The +5 movement speed is a meaningful combat advantage that's easy to undervalue.
2024 PHB
Under 2024 rules, the subrace traits remain but ASIs go flexible. The free cantrip (High Elf) and Mask of the Wild (Wood Elf) become the differentiators.
Sample Point Buy Builds
Gloom Stalker Ranger (Wood Elf)
STR 8 / DEX 15+2 / CON 13 / INT 10 / WIS 13+1 / CHA 8. DEX 17, WIS 14. Strong ranged damage, Mask of the Wild for ambush setup. 25 points.
Arcane Trickster Rogue (High Elf)
STR 8 / DEX 15+2 / CON 13 / INT 13+1 / WIS 10 / CHA 8. DEX 17, INT 14. Solid Sneak Attack, decent spell save DC. 24 points.
Way of Shadow Monk (Wood Elf)
STR 8 / DEX 15+2 / CON 14 / INT 8 / WIS 14+1 / CHA 8. DEX 17, WIS 15, 35 ft speed. The ultimate shadow monk speed. 27 points.
Best Class Pairings for Elf (High/Wood)
+2 DEX is perfect; Arcane Trickster benefits from +1 INT; Perception proficiency covers the most-rolled skill; Mask of the Wild aids stealth.
Wood Elf +2 DEX/+1 WIS covers both primary Ranger stats, plus 35 ft speed and Mask of the Wild are thematically and mechanically excellent.
High Elf Eldritch Knight gets +1 INT toward spell save DC and Elf Weapon Training adds bow proficiency.
Wood Elf +1 WIS and Mask of the Wild work perfectly for a stealthy, WIS-primary Druid.
+2 DEX is excellent for Monks who use both DEX for AC/attacks and WIS for AC in Unarmored Defense.
Common Build Mistakes
High Elf players picking a cantrip they'll never use. Minor Illusion, Booming Blade, Shocking Grasp, or Prestidigitation are broadly useful. Fire Bolt is fine for damage cantrips. Avoid cantrips that require a high spell save DC — if you have low INT, enemies will save against them consistently. Wood Elf players forgetting the 35 ft speed is a real combat advantage — it affects how far you can dash, charge, and disengage each turn.
Frequently Asked Questions — Elf (High/Wood)
Is High Elf or Wood Elf better?
Do I need INT to use my High Elf cantrip?
Does Mask of the Wild work indoors?
Is Drow elf worth considering?
Can a Wood Elf Ranger hide every turn with Mask of the Wild?
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