Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Baldur’s Gate 3 Races and Subraces Guide

There are a total of 11 playable races in Baldur’s Gate 3. You’re required to choose one of these during the character customization screen. Having unique historical backgrounds, sub-races, abilities, and buffs, each race in Baldur’s Gate 3 brings something unique to the table. In this Baldur’s Gate guide, we’ve provided an overview of all the races in Baldur’s Gate 3, their racial features, abilities, and sub-races.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Race Overview, Subraces, and Racial Features

Updated on August 1, 2023: Baldur’s Gate 3 is finally getting a full release. A lot has changed since we last talked about Baldur’s Gate 3 races and subraces when the game was in early access. Our guide is now updated with all playable races, their abilities, racial features, and subraces.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Races List

  • Dragoborn
  • Drow
  • Dwarf
  • Elf
  • Githyanki
  • Gnome
  • Half-Elf
  • Half-Orc
  • Halfling
  • Human
  • Tiefling

Dragonborn

Dragonborn are a race of proud, honorable warriors, known for their fearsome strength and fiery breath. Descendants of dragons, they share their ancestors’ resistance to certain types of damage and their ability to breathe destructive elemental energy. Dragonborn come in many subraces, each corresponding to a different type of dragon, and each with its own unique breath weapon.

Dragonborn Subrace List

  • Black Dragonborn
  • Blue Dragonborn
  • Brass Dragonborn
  • Bronze Dragonborn
  • Copper Dragonborn
  • Gold Dragonborn
  • Green Dragonborn
  • Red Dragonborn
  • Silver Dragonborn
  • White Dragonborn

Dragonborn Race Features and Traits

Racial Feature and TraitDescription
Dragon AncestryDragonborns have a strong connection to dragons, which is reflected in their physical appearance and abilities. They inherit the breath weapon and damage resistance of their draconic ancestors.
Breath WeaponThe Dragonborn race possesses a unique ability known as the Breath Weapon. This powerful trait allows Dragonborns to unleash a surge of destructive energy as an action. The energy affects all creatures within a certain area, forcing them to make a saving throw. The difficulty of this saving throw is calculated based on the Dragonborn’s Draconic Ancestry, their constitution modifier, and their proficiency bonus, with a base difficulty of eight.

If a creature fails this saving throw, it suffers damage starting at 2d6. This damage increases as the Dragonborn gains levels, rising to 3d6 at the 6th level, 4d6 at the 11th level, and 5d6 at the 16th level. Creatures that succeed in their saving throw aren’t spared entirely – they roll half the indicated dice (rounded up) and take that amount of damage.

This potent racial skill isn’t without its limitations, however. After using their Breath Weapon, a Dragonborn must take a short or long rest before they can use it again. This ensures the ability remains balanced and doesn’t overpower the gameplay.
LanguagesDragonborns can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic, a language thought to be one of the oldest and is often used in the study of magic.
Base Speed7.5m per turn
STR+2
Charisma+1

Note: Dragonborn race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Drow

Drow, or dark elves, are a race of elves known for their dark skin and white hair. They are often feared and mistrusted by other races due to their reputation for cruelty and deceit. However, not all drow are evil. Some reject their dark heritage and strive to live a life of kindness and fairness. Drow are naturally agile and intelligent, and their elven ancestry gives them resistance to charm magic and superior darkvision.

Drow Subrace List

  • Lolth-Sworn Drow
  • Seldarine Draw

Drow Race Features and Traits

Racial Feature and TraitDescription
DarkvisionDrow have superior darkvision, allowing them to see in the dark within 24m as if it were bright light, and in total darkness as if it were dim light. However, their vision is in black and white when in darkness.
Fey AncestryDrow have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put them to sleep.
ProficienciesDrow are proficient with rapiers, shortswords, and hand crossbows, reflecting their emphasis on finesse and subtlety in combat.
LanguagesDrow can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish.
Base Speed9m per turn
Charisma+1
Dex+2

Drow Spells and Cantrips

Spell and CantripDescription
DarknessGenerate a cloud of mystical darkness that significantly hinders visibility and blinds any creatures within its range.
Dancing LightsCreates wisps of light that light up a 9m radius.
Faerie FireWrap several targets in a vibrant, glowing light. This makes the targets easy to spot, and any attack rolls against them are more likely to succeed. If you have the Sculpt Spells feature, your allies won’t be affected by this.

Note: Dwarf race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Dwarf

Dwarves are a race of sturdy, hard-working folk known for their skill in warfare and their ability to withstand physical and magical punishment. They are a proud race, with a strong sense of honor and justice. Dwarves come in three subraces: Gold Dwarves, Shield Dwarves, and Duergar, each with its own unique traits and abilities.

Dwarf Subrace List

  • Gold Dwarf
  • Shield Dwarf
  • Duergar

Dwarf Race Features and Traits

Racial Feature and TraitDescription
ProficiencyYou can add your proficiency bonus to your attack rolls when using a battleaxe, handaxe, light hammer, or warhammer.
ResilienceYou have a better chance of resisting poison, as you get advantage on saving throws against it and have resistance to poison damage.
DarkvisionYou have the ability to see in the dark up to a distance of 18 meters.
Base Speed7.5m Per Turn
Constitution+2

Note: Dwarf race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Elf

Elves are a race of graceful, intelligent beings with a natural affinity for magic. They are divided into two subraces: High Elves and Wood Elves. High Elves are known for their intelligence and magical prowess, while Wood Elves are more in tune with nature and are known for their stealth and agility.

Elf Subrace List

  • High Elf
  • Wood Elf

Elf Race Features and Traits

Racial Feature and TraitDescription
ProficiencyYou can include your proficiency bonus in your attack rolls when using a longsword, shortsword, longbow, or shortbow.
Keen SensesYou are proficient in the Perception skill, allowing you to notice details and spot hidden objects or creatures more easily.
Fey AncestryYou have a natural resistance to charm effects, giving you an advantage on saving throws against being charmed. Additionally, magic cannot induce sleep in you.
DarkvisionYou have the ability to see in darkness as if it were dim light, up to a distance of 12 meters.

Note: Elf race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Githyanki

Githyanki are a race of warriors known for their martial skill and their hatred of mind flayers. They were once slaves to these creatures, but they fought for and won their freedom. Githyanki are naturally strong and agile, and they have a number of unique abilities related to their psychic powers.

Note: Githyanki has no subraces in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Githyanki Race Features and Abilities

Racial Feature and AbilityDescription
Weapon ProficiencyWhen using a longsword, shortsword, or greatsword, you can add your proficiency bonus to your attack rolls, increasing your chances of successfully hitting a target.
Armor ProficiencyIf you’re wearing light or medium armor, it won’t hinder your attacks or stop you from casting spells. In other words, you won’t have a disadvantage roll on your attacks due to your armor.
Base Speed9m per turn.
Intelligence+1
Strength+2

Githyanki Spells and Cantrips

Spell and CantripDescription
Mage Hand (Level 1)This spell conjures an unseen spectral hand that can interact with and move objects around.
Jump (Level 3)With a simple touch, you can boost a creature’s jumping ability, tripling the distance it can leap
Misty Step (Level 5)Teleport to any spot in your light of sight.

Gnome

Gnomes are a race of small, intelligent beings known for their curiosity and their love of invention. They come in three subraces: Deep Gnomes, Forest Gnomes, and Rock Gnomes. Deep Gnomes are known for their stealth and their ability to see in the dark, Forest Gnomes have a natural affinity for nature and animals, and Rock Gnomes are skilled inventors.

Gnome Subrace List

  • Deep Gnome
  • Forest Gnome
  • Rock Gnome

Gnome Race Features and Abilities

Racial Feature and AbilityDescription
Gnome CunningWisdom, Constitution, and Intelligence saving throws advantage.
Base Speed7.5m per turn.
Intelligence+2

Note: Gnome race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Half-Elf

Half-Elves are a race born of two worlds, combining the best traits of humans and elves. They are adaptable, charismatic, and naturally resistant to charm magic. Half-Elves come in the same subraces as the regular Elves, and they can learn anything from their Elven heritage.

Half-Elf Subrace List

  • High Half-Elf
  • Wood Half-Elf
  • Drow Half-Elf

Half-Elf Race Features and Abilities

Racial Feature and AbilityDescription
Fey AncestryYou have a natural resistance to charm effects, giving you an advantage on saving throws against being charmed. Additionally, magic cannot induce sleep in you.
DarkvisionYou have the ability to see in darkness as if it were dim light, up to a distance of 12 meters.
Base Speed9m per turn.
Charisma+2
Extra Ability Scores2

Note: Half-Elf race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Half-Orc

Half-Orcs are a race of strong, hardy individuals known for their physical prowess and their indomitable spirit. They are a passionate race, with a strong sense of personal honor and a propensity for quick, decisive action.

Note: Half-Orcs have no subrace in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Half-Orc Race Features and Abilities

Racial Feature and AbilityDescription
Savage AttacksWhen you land a critical hit with a melee weapon, you get to roll one of the weapon’s damage dice again, adding the result to the total damage of the critical hit. This means you deal extra damage on a critical hit.
Relentless EnduranceIf your health points are 0 but you’re not immediately killed, you can choose to hold on with just one hit point remaining. However, you’ll need to complete a long rest before you can use this feature again.
MenacingProficiency in Intimidation skill.
DarkvisionYou have the ability to see in darkness as if it were dim light, up to a distance of 12 meters.
Base Speed7.5m per turn
Strength+2
Constitution+1

Note: Half-Orc race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Halfling

Halflings are a race of small, nimble beings known for their courage and their surprising resourcefulness. They come in two subraces: Lightfoot Halflings and Strongheart Halflings. Lightfoot Halflings are naturally stealthy, while Strongheart Halflings are known for their toughness and resilience.

Halfling Subrace List

  • Lightfoot Halfling
  • Strongheart Halfling

Halfling Race Features and Abilities

Racial Feature and AbilityDescription
LuckyIf you roll a one on a d20 for an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you have the chance to roll the die again. You are then required to use the new roll, potentially turning a failure into a success.
Base Speed7.5m per turn.
Dex+2

Note: Halfling race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Human

Humans are the most common race in Baldur’s Gate 3, known for their versatility and adaptability. They are a diverse race, with a wide range of appearances, cultures, and beliefs. Humans don’t have any special abilities or traits, but they get a bonus point in every stat, making them a flexible choice for any class.

Note: Humans have no Subrace in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Human Race Features

Note: Human race has no starting traits.

Racial FeatureDescription
Base Speed9m per turn
Charisma+1
Dex+1
Constitution+1
Intelligence+1
Wisdom+1

Note: Human race has no starting Spells and Cantrips.

Tiefling

Tieflings are a race of beings with infernal heritage, which gives them a number of unique abilities. They are known for their intelligence and charisma, and they have a natural affinity for magic. There are three subraces of Tieflings, each tied to a different demon lord: Asmodeus, Mephistopheles, and Zariel.

Tiefling Subrace List

  • Asmodeus Tiefling
  • Mephistopheles Tiefling
  • Zariel Tiefling

Tiefling Race Features and Traits

Racial Feature and TraitDescription
DarkvisionYou have the ability to see in darkness as if it were dim light, up to a distance of 12 meters.
Hellish ResistanceDamage taken from fire is reduced by 50%.
Base Speed9m per turn.

Tiefling Spells and Cantrips

Spells and CantripsDescription
Thaumaturgy (level 1)This spell allows you to display a sign of supernatural power, giving you an edge in intimidation and performance checks. This means you’re more likely to succeed when trying to intimidate someone or perform a task.

These are all the races and subraces in Baldur’s Gate 3. To learn more about the game, feel free to check out our detailed Baldur’s Gate 3 wiki.

Ian Shaw
Ian Shaw
Ian is usually working on putting out game guides or playing them ... it's an endless cycle. Close to 2000 articles published by this Pokemon and Zelda fanatic.

What's Hot