The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Baldur's Gate 3 Race!

Baldur's Gate 3, a highly anticipated isometric RPG, is finally set to be officially released in less than a month. With a strong influence on the genre and a million players already engaged during its early access phase, developer Larian Studios has been diligently updating fans on the game's remarkable depth and player choices. The excitement surrounding Baldur's Gate 3, and the potential impact on the franchise as a whole, has reached unprecedented levels.

While many RPG enthusiasts are familiar with the Baldur's Gate name and its influence, it is worth noting that these games are actually based in the Forgotten Realms universe. As the primary setting of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop game, the Forgotten Realms is a high fantasy world originally conceived by renowned fantasy writer Ed Greenwood for his personal campaign. Baldur's Gate 3 stands as the most comprehensive video game adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons, showcasing extensive player choice through eleven distinct races available for character creation.

Human

Humans in Baldur's Gate 3 are the versatile race known as the jack of all trades, making them an ideal choice for new players seeking a balanced character.

With the Base Racial Speed trait, Humans have a consistent movement of nine meters per turn during combat.

+1 to each Ability, the stat points that determine each character's broad range of abilities.

Abilities -

Strength affects the accuracy and damage dealt with weapons that rely on strength, while also influencing the success of Athletics checks such as jumping, swimming, and carrying heavier loads.

Dexterity, on the other hand, impacts the precision of attacks made with weapons that require dexterity, as well as enemy accuracy, and overall agility during combat.

Constitution: Max Hit Points.

Intelligence: Increases accuracy of Spellcasting for Wizard classes.

Wisdom: Increases Spellcasting accuracy for Druids, Rangers, and Clerics.

Charisma: Increases Spellcasting accuracy for Bards, Paladins, Sorcerers, and Warlocks.

Elf

More magically inclined, the Elf race of Baldur's Gate 3 offers variety through its two subraces.

Keen Senses trait gives proficiency in the Perception skill for detecting surroundings.

The Fey Ancestry trait grants elves an advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed and provides immunity to magical sleep effects. In addition, elves are proficient in wielding longswords, longbows, shortbows, and shortswords, gaining a bonus to their attack rolls with these weapons.

Darkvision (Sight in the dark) up to 12m.

+2 Dexterity.

High Elf -

The caster-focused Elf subrace.

One of 13 Cantrips (unlimited use spells).

Base Racial Speed (9m).

+1 Intelligence.

Wood Elf -

The more rogue-oriented Elf subrace.

Fleet of Foot trait gives 10.5m walking speed.

Mask of the Wild trait gives Stealth Proficiency.

+1 Wisdom.

Dwarf

Dwarves are known for their toughness and durability, living up to their reputation while also showcasing diversity through their three subraces. One of their notable traits, Dwarven Resilience, grants them advantages in Saving Throws against Poison and resistance to Poison damage.

Battleaxe, Handaxe, Light Hammer, Warhammer Proficiency.

Darkvision (12m).

+2 Constitution.

Gold Dwarf -

Confident craftsmans with a rich culture, Gold Dwarves can be more varied.

Dwarven Toughness trait increases HP by 1, and a further +1 HP with each level.

Base Racial Speed (7.5m).

+1 Wisdom.

Shield Dwarf -

Defensive and cynical, Shield Dwarves are the toughest kind.

Base Racial Speed (7.5m).

Light, Medium Armor Proficiency (No negative effects from wearing armor type).

+2 Strength.

Duergar -

Launching with the full release of the game, the unique Duergar come from the chthonic realm of the Underdark.

Ability Score Increase (+2 and +1 on any Abilities, or +1 on three Abilities).

Psionic Fortitude (Advantage on Saving Throws for ending Charmed or Stunned condition).

Halfling

Akin to the classic Hobbit archetype in high fantasy, Halflings are a diminutive mainstay of the Forgotten Realms.

Lucky trait allows for re-rolling if a one is rolled.

+2 Dexterity.

Lightfoot Halfling -

In line with expectations, Lightfoot Halflings usually utilize their size to be formidable rogues.

Naturally Stealthy traits gives Stealth Proficiency.

Base Racial Speed (7.5m).

+1 Charisma.

Strongheart Halfling -

Far more hardy, Strongheart Halflings seem to have Dwarven blood.

Strongheart Resilience (Same as Dwarven).

Base Racial Speed (7.5m).

+1 Constitution.

Drow

Reviled throughout the vast expanse of Faerûn, the Drow are undeniably formidable; they serve as the dark counterparts to the benevolent elves within the realm of the Forgotten Realms. Originating as a subrace of Elves in the tabletop game, the Drow have ascended to become a distinct race, boasting two unique subraces of their own.

Base Racial Speed (9m).

Fey Ancestry.

Rapier, Shortsword, Hand Crossbow Proficiency.

Superior Darkvision (24m).

+2 Dexterity.

+1 Charisma.

Lolth-Sworn Drow -

The commonly known variety, members of Lolth's cult worship a brutal goddess.

Dancing Lights Cantrip: Create illuminating wisps with a radius of 12m.

Seldarine Drow -

With the exact same stat bonuses as the Lolth-Sworn, the choice of Drow subrace appears more based in lore and dialogue as the Seldarine seek to settle conflicts.

Half-Elf

Hybrids of Humans and Elves, the aptly named Half-Elves embody characteristics from both.

Fey Ancestry.

Darkvision (12m).

2 free Ability points.

+2 Charisma.

High Half-Elf -

Magically inclined despite their diluted blood, High Half-Elves showcase the race's versatility.

Base Racial Speed (9m).

Choice of Cantrip.

Wood Half-Elf -

Maintaining the Elven traits of their parents, Wood Half-Elves get the best of both worlds as they branch out into the world.

Fleet of Foot (10.5m).

Mask of the Wild.

Drow Half-Elf -

Far less isolated and ostracized than their parents, these hybrids gain distinct traits without the baggage of the main Drow race's civil situation.

Base Racial Speed (9m).

Dancing Lights Cantrip.

Gnome

The smallest race in Baldur's Gate 3, Gnomes make up for their size with specialized traits.

Gnome Cunning trait gives advantage to Saving Throws for Wisdom, Intelligence, and Charisma.

Base Racial Speed (7.5m).

+2 Intelligence.

Rock Gnome -

The most common variant, Rock Gnomes have a hardy reputation despite their stature.

Darkvision (12m).

Artificer's Lore trait gives double Proficiency bonus for History skill checks.

+1 Constitution.

Deep Gnome -

Hailing from the Underdark, Deep Gnomes live guarded lives.

Superior Darkvision (24m).

Stone Camouflage trait gives advantage on Stealth checks.

+1 Dexterity.

Forest Gnome -

Rarely seen, Forest Gnomes live in secret groves as the smallest subrace of Gnome.

Darkvision (12m).

Access to the Speak with Animals Spell.

+1 Dexterity.

Tiefling

Hybrids of human and demon, the intimidating Tieflings are one of the Forgotten Realm's most iconic races.

Hellish Resistance gives half damage from all Fire effects.

Darkvision (12m).

Asmodeus Tiefling -

The traditionally red-skinned Asmodeus subrace fittingly wields fire and darkness.

Base Racial Speed (9m).

Thaumaturgy Cantrip gives advantage to Intimidation and Performance checks.

+1 Intelligence.

+2 Charisma.

Mephistopheles Tiefling -

Typically blue-skinned, the Mephistopheles subrace has the same stats as the Asmodeus variety, but with a different spell.

Mage Hand Cantrip summons a spectral hand that can manipulate objects.

Zariel Tiefling -

Similarly following the Asmodeus archetype, Zariel Tieflings are slightly more attuned for Baldur's Gate 3's melee combat.

+1 Strength instead of Intelligence.

Githyanki

Refugees of the Astral Plane on the run from the Mind Flayers that enslaved their entire race, the powerful Githyanki have rarely ever been playable.

Base Racial Speed (9m).

Light, Medium Armor Proficiency (No disadvantages from wearing armor).

Shortsword, Longsword, Greatsword proficiency.

Githyanki Psionics: Mage Hand Cantrip (Same as regular Mage Hand).

+1 Intelligence.

+2 Strength.

Half-Orc

A new race launching with the game's release, the controversial Half-Orcs represent the inherent rage imbued within their blood through their effectiveness as warriors.

Savage Attacks trait gives an extra attack damage roll after landing a critical hit.

Relentless Endurance trait causes Hit Points to be reduced to 1 instead of 0 (Once per rest).

Menacing trait grants Proficiency in Intimidation skill.

Darkvision (12m).

Strength +2.

Constitution +1.

Dragonborn

The Dragonborn race, undoubtedly the most distinct in the entire game, will make its debut in Baldur's Gate 3. These beings are a blend of Humans and mighty Dragons, defying conventional mechanics with their varied assortment of subraces. One noteworthy ability is the Breath Weapon trait, which enables them to unleash an area-of-effect attack based on their specific Draconic Ancestry (usable once per rest).

The Draconic Ancestry trait governs a Dragonborn's subrace via their skin color, which in turn determines the element and defensive Saving Throw associated with their Breath Weapon trait, as well as providing damage resistance for that elemental type.

+2 Strength.

+1 Charisma.

Black - Acid Breath Weapon/Resistance (Dexterity Saving Throw).

Blue - Lightning Breath Weapon/Resistance (Dexterity Saving Throw).

Brass - Fire Breath Weapon/Resistance (Dexterity Saving Throw).

Bronze - Lightning Breath Weapon/Resistance (Dexterity Saving Throw).

Copper - Acid Breath Weapon/Resistance (Dexterity Saving Throw).

Gold - Fire Breath Weapon/Resistance (Dexterity Saving Throw).

Green - Poison Breath Weapon/Resistance (Constitution Saving Throw).

Red - Fire Breath Weapon/Resistance (Dexterity Saving Throw).

Silver - Cold Breath Weapon/Resistance (Constitution Saving Throw).

White - Cold Breath Weapon/Resistance (Constitution Saving Throw).

Baldur’s Gate 3 releases on August 3 for PC and September 6 for PS5.