Elves play a significant role in Baldur's Gate 3 and are highly respected in the fantasy genre. Even those outside of gaming circles are familiar with Elves in some form or another. Choosing to play as an Elf in the game is a popular and strategic decision.
For gamers who have a fondness for Elves, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a variety of class options. The different subraces add more versatility to the race, allowing players to select a class that suits their preferences and excel at it.
High Elf - Wizard
The High Elf stands out as an excellent choice for players who prefer to play as a Wizard in the game. Boasting high levels of Intelligence and Dexterity, it possesses the ability to enhance its Armor Class, making it a perfect match across all attributes. Moreover, with its plethora of caster options and expansive spellbook, the Wizard's versatility is magnified when paired with the High Elf race.
Undeniably, the most compelling advantage for the Wizard lies in the vast and diverse spellbook it possesses. Additionally, the High Elf's unique attribute of receiving a bonus Cantrip further amplifies the Wizard's already impressive repertoire of spells at their disposal. As a result, the High Elf Wizard is exceptionally well-prepared for both combat and social encounters.
Wood Elf - Ranger
The Wood Elf is an ideal choice for those playing as a Ranger, offering a +2 bonus to Dexterity and exceptional speed. With their proficiency in Stealth, the Wood Elf Ranger becomes a deadly sniper capable of striking from the shadows.
Even for players who prefer melee-focused Ranger builds, the Wood Elf still provides valuable advantages. Their increased speed allows the character to quickly close the distance, while their expertise in Stealth ensures the ability to attack first. Additionally, the Wood Elf's bonus to Wisdom is perfectly suited for the Ranger's spellcasting abilities.
High Elf - Archer Fighter
The Wizard is the sole class in the game that is primarily based on Intelligence. However, the Fighter, particularly the High Elf, benefits surprisingly well from the additional Intelligence point in terms of skill selection. Additionally, the extra Cantrip allows the High Elf Fighter to enhance their own attacks.
For maximizing the race's +2 Dexterity, the Archery subclass is recommended. While playing with friends may create competition, the damage output of the High Elf Fighter is unmatched in martial combat.
Wood Elf - Rogue
The Wood Elf is undoubtedly one of the top choices for the Rogue, particularly when it comes to delivering Sneak Attack damage up close. The Wood Elf's innate speed and natural proficiency in Stealth greatly support this maneuver.
For Ranger Rogues, the Wood Elf becomes even more essential as they are skilled in wielding a formidable Longbow, a weapon typically unavailable to Rogues. This advantage makes the Wood Elf almost a necessity for those who prefer a primarily ranged approach as a Rogue.
Baldur's Gate 3 is currently in Early Access for PC, with its full release scheduled for August 3rd, 2023. The game will also be available on PlayStation 5 on September 6th, 2023. As for the Xbox Series X/S version, it is currently under development.