Baldur's Gate 3 Races: A Guide to Choosing the Best Race for Your Character

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a role-playing game set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, where you can create and customize your own character and embark on an epic adventure. One of the most important aspects of character creation is choosing your race, which determines your appearance, abilities, and background.

There are 11 races and 31 subraces to choose from in Baldur’s Gate 3, each with its own features and benefits. Some races are better suited for certain classes and builds than others, so you should consider your playstyle and preferences before making your decision.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to all the races and subraces in Baldur’s Gate 3, and give you some tips and suggestions on how to choose the best race for your character. Let’s get started!

Elf

Elves are graceful and intelligent beings, with a natural affinity for magic and nature. They have long lifespans and a keen sense of beauty and art. Elves have Elven Weapon Training, Darkvision, and Fey Ancestry features, which give them proficiency with certain weapons, the ability to see in the dark, and resistance to charm and sleep effects.

There are two subraces of Elves in Baldur’s Gate 3: High Elf and Wood Elf. High Elves are the most cultured and sophisticated of the Elves, and they gain an extra cantrip of their choice from the Wizard spell list. Wood Elves are more attuned to the wilderness and have a faster movement speed and the ability to hide in natural terrain.

Elves are a great choice for any class that relies on Dexterity or Intelligence, such as Rogue, Ranger, Wizard, or Bard. They can also make good Clerics or Druids, depending on their subrace and domain/circle.

Tiefling

Tieflings are the descendants of humans who made pacts with devils, resulting in a bloodline tainted by infernal power. They have horns, tails, and various skin tones, ranging from red to purple. Tieflings have Darkvision and Hellish Resistance features, which allow them to see in the dark and resist fire damage.

There are three subraces of Tieflings in Baldur’s Gate 3: Asmodeus Tiefling, Mephistopheles Tiefling, and Zariel Tiefling. Asmodeus Tieflings are the most common and have a +1 bonus to Intelligence and the ability to cast Thaumaturgy, Hellish Rebuke, and Darkness spells. Mephistopheles Tieflings have a +1 bonus to Intelligence and the ability to cast Mage Hand, Burning Hands, and Flame Blade spells. Zariel Tieflings have a +1 bonus to Strength and the ability to cast Thaumaturgy, Searing Smite, and Branding Smite spells.

Tieflings are a versatile race that can fit any class, but they excel at classes that use Charisma or Intelligence, such as Warlock, Sorcerer, Paladin, or Wizard. They can also make good Fighters or Barbarians, especially the Zariel subrace.

Drow

Drow are dark-skinned Elves who live in the Underdark, a vast network of caverns and tunnels beneath the surface. They are known for their cruelty, cunning, and devotion to the Spider Queen Lolth. Drow have Drow Weapon Training, Superior Darkvision, and Fey Ancestry features, which give them proficiency with certain weapons, the ability to see in the dark up to 120 feet, and resistance to charm and sleep effects.

There are two subraces of Drow in Baldur’s Gate 3: Lolth-Sworn Drow and Seldarine Drow. Lolth-Sworn Drow are loyal to Lolth and have a +1 bonus to Charisma and the ability to cast Dancing Lights, Faerie Fire, and Darkness spells. Seldarine Drow are followers of the Elven pantheon and have a +1 bonus to Intelligence and the ability to cast Dancing Lights, Faerie Fire, and Levitate spells.

Drow are a good option for any class that uses Dexterity or Charisma, such as Rogue, Bard, Warlock, or Sorcerer. They can also make decent Wizards or Clerics, depending on their subrace and school/domain.

Human

Humans are the most common and diverse race in the world, known for their tenacity, creativity, and adaptability. They have no inherent advantages or disadvantages, but they have Civil Militia and Human Versatility features, which give them proficiency with one weapon of their choice and a +1 bonus to all ability scores.

Humans can adapt to any class and build, as they have no weaknesses or limitations. They are a good choice for beginners or players who want to experiment with different options.

Githyanki

Githyanki are peerless warriors from the Astral Plane, known for their legendary silver blades and red dragon mounts. They seek the total destruction of mind flayers, whose ancient empire enslaved the githyanki for millennia. Githyanki have Astral Knowledge, Githyanki Psionics: Mage Hand, and Martial Prodigy features, which give them proficiency with one skill of their choice, the ability to cast Mage Hand as a bonus action, and a +1 bonus to Strength.

Githyanki are a formidable race that can make excellent Fighters, Barbarians, or Paladins, as they have high Strength and martial skills. They can also make decent Wizards, as they have some psionic abilities and a bonus to Intelligence.

Dwarf

Dwarves are sturdy and industrious folk, who value honor, tradition, and craftsmanship. They live in mountain fortresses and underground cities, where they mine and forge metal and stone. Dwarves have Dwarven Combat Training and Darkvision features, which give them proficiency with certain weapons and the ability to see in the dark.

There are three subraces of Dwarves in Baldur’s Gate 3: Hill Dwarf, Mountain Dwarf, and Duergar. Hill Dwarves are the most common and have a +1 bonus to Wisdom and extra hit points. Mountain Dwarves are the most warlike and have a +2 bonus to Strength and proficiency with medium armor. Duergar are gray-skinned Dwarves who live in the Underdark and have a +1 bonus to Strength and the ability to cast Enlarge/Reduce and Invisibility spells.

Dwarves are a solid choice for any class that uses Strength or Constitution, such as Fighter, Barbarian, Cleric, or Druid. They can also make good Rangers or Rogues, depending on their subrace and archetype.

Half-Elf

Half-Elves are the offspring of Humans and Elves, inheriting traits from both parents. They are often seen as outsiders, but they also have a unique perspective and charisma. Half-Elves have Civil Militia, Darkvision, and Fey Ancestry features, which give them proficiency with one weapon of their choice, the ability to see in the dark, and resistance to charm and sleep effects.

There are three subraces of Half-Elves in Baldur’s Gate 3: High Half-Elf, Wood Half-Elf, and Drow Half-Elf. High Half-Elves have a +1 bonus to Intelligence and an extra cantrip of their choice from the Wizard spell list. Wood Half-Elves have a +1 bonus to Dexterity and a faster movement speed. Drow Half-Elves have a +1 bonus to Charisma and the ability to cast Dancing Lights and Faerie Fire spells.

Half-Elves are a versatile race that can fit any class, but they shine at classes that use Charisma, such as Bard, Warlock, Sorcerer, or Paladin. They can also make good Rogues, Rangers, or Clerics, depending on their subrace and skills.

Halfling

Halflings are small and cheerful folk, who value comfort, friendship, and adventure. They live in cozy villages and farms, where they grow crops and trade goods. Halflings have Lucky and Brave features, which allow them to reroll a 1 on an attack, ability check, or saving throw, and to have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

There are two subraces of Halflings in Baldur’s Gate 3: Lightfoot Halfling and Strongheart Halfling. Lightfoot Halflings have a +1 bonus to Charisma and the ability to hide behind larger creatures. Strongheart Halflings have a +1 bonus to Constitution and resistance to poison damage and effects.

Halflings are a good option for any class that uses Dexterity, such as Rogue, Ranger, Monk, or Bard. They can also make good Clerics, Druids, or Sorcerers, depending on their subrace and spells.

Gnome

Gnomes are small and curious beings, who love to invent, explore, and tinker. They have a knack for magic and technology, and a sense of humor and mischief. Gnomes have Gnome Cunning feature, which gives them advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.

There are three subraces of Gnomes in Baldur’s Gate 3: Rock Gnome, Forest Gnome, and Deep Gnome. Rock Gnomes have a +1 bonus to Constitution and the ability to create clockwork devices. Forest Gnomes have a +1 bonus to Dexterity and the ability to cast Minor Illusion and speak with small animals. Deep Gnomes have a +1 bonus to Dexterity and the ability to cast Nondetection and Blindsight spells.

Gnomes are a great choice for any class that uses Intelligence, such as Wizard, Artificer, or Rogue. They can also make good Bards, Druids, or Warlocks, depending on their subrace and spells.

Dragonborn

Dragonborn are proud and noble creatures, who resemble dragons in humanoid form. They have scales, horns, claws, and a breath weapon that matches their draconic ancestry. Dragonborn have Breath Weapon and Draconic Ancestry features, which allow them to exhale a blast of elemental energy and to have resistance to the same type of damage.

There are 10 subraces of Dragonborn in Baldur’s Gate 3, based on the color of their scales and breath weapon: Black Dragonborn, Blue Dragonborn, Copper Dragonborn, Gold Dragonborn, Green Dragonborn, Red Dragonborn, Brass Dragonborn, Bronze Dragonborn, Silver Dragonborn, or White Dragonborn. Each subrace has a +1 bonus to either Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma, depending on the color.

Dragonborn are a powerful race that can make excellent Fighters, Barbarians, Paladins, or Sorcerers, as they have high Strength and Charisma. They can also make good Clerics, Druids, or Wizards, depending on their subrace and spells.

Half-Orc

Half-Orcs are the offspring of Humans and Orcs, inheriting the strength and ferocity of both parents. They are often shunned and discriminated by both societies, but they also have a fierce determination and resilience. Half-Orcs have Relentless Endurance and Savage Attacks features, which allow them to drop to 1 hit point instead of 0 once per long rest, and to roll an extra damage die on a critical hit.

Half-Orcs are a formidable race that can make excellent Fighters, Barbarians, or Paladins, as they have high Strength and Constitution. They can also make decent Rogues, Rangers, or Clerics, depending on their skills and weapons.

Choosing the best race for your character in Baldur’s Gate 3 is not an easy task, as there are many factors to consider, such as your class, build, playstyle, and preferences. However, we hope that this guide has given you some insight and tips on how to make the best decision for your character.

Remember that there is no right or wrong answer, and that you can always experiment with different options and see what works best for you. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game!

Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any thoughts or opinions on the topic of Baldur’s Gate 3 races, feel free to share them in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to check out our other Baldur’s Gate 3 guides for more tips and tricks!

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