The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Your Wizard's Potential in Baldur's Gate 3: Unveiling the Top Race Choices (Early Access)

Baldur's Gate 3, being based on the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons, allows players familiar with the board game to already have knowledge about the most dominant spellcaster. As observed by the community, if given a short period of time before a battle or conversation, the Wizard class possesses unlimited potential.

Wizards are inherently formidable, but their power can be further amplified through strategic race selections. With numerous enjoyable races to choose from in Baldur's Gate 3, any can opt for the Wizard class, but only a select few truly excel in this role.

Gnomes

+2 Intelligence

Movement: 7.5 meters per turn

Advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws.

Darkvision

Forest Gnome: +1 Dexterity, Speak With Animals spell

Deep Gnome: +1 Dexterity, Superior Darkvision, Advantage on Stealth checks

Rock Gnomes are bestowed with a +1 bonus to Constitution and possess the remarkable ability to gain double proficiency bonus on History checks. In the realm of subraces, Gnome subraces are universally considered to excel. Uniquely, Gnomes have the unrivaled advantage of receiving a +2 bonus to Intelligence, thus elevating them above all other alternatives. However, the benefits bestowed upon Rock Gnomes extend far beyond this exceptional trait.

High Elf

Due to the Wizard class being ranged, it becomes susceptible to ranged attacks, particularly spells. Hence, the advantage on half of the saving throws proves to be quite advantageous, as it comes in handy frequently. When it comes to gaining inspiration, no other spellcasters can match the productivity of a Gnome Wizard.

+2 Dexterity

+1 Intelligence

Movement: 9 meters per turn

Darkvision

Gain 1 Cantrip

Proficiencies: Longsword, Shortsword, Longbow, Shortbow

Proficient in Perception

Advantage against Charmed saving throws

Can't be magically put to sleep

When exploring the character creation UI, avoid becoming overly fixated on the Gnome's Intelligence attribute and overlooking other potential options. The High Elf boasts a comparable level of Intelligence while compensating for any potential shortcomings by gaining an additional cantrip. This is immensely beneficial, as players often find themselves running low on spell slots during extended battles.

Furthermore, the High Elf's proficiency in Perception proves invaluable, as they possess the ability to notice things that other races may overlook. Additionally, it is crucial not to undermine the advantages provided by their resistance against Charm effects and immunity to Sleep effects. These debuffs can be particularly detrimental in the game, but High Elves have the ability to shrug them off.

High Half-Elf

+2 Charisma

+1 to two other attributes

Movement: 9 meters per turn

Darkvision

Gain 1 Cantrip

Advantage against Charmed saving throws

The High Elf and High Half-Elf share similarities, with the former gaining a +2 boost in Dexterity and the latter in Charisma. This creates an intriguing choice for the Wizard class, as they excel in dealing spellcasting damage while also catering to players who prioritize communication and utility encounters.

The Wizard, armed with a vast spellbook, possesses the same abilities as a Bard and can effortlessly assume the role of party leader, even for a High Half-Elf. Before engaging in combat, it is advisable to save the game, equip charm and negotiation spells, and witness why experienced players praise the Wizard's adeptness in both manipulating others and causing destruction.

Baldur's Gate 3 is currently accessible in Early Access for PC users, with its official release set for August 3rd, 2023. The PlayStation 5 version will become available on September 6th, 2023. Meanwhile, the development of a version for Xbox Series X/S is still ongoing.