During Baldur’s Gate 3’s gameplay reveal at PAX East – whether it was intended or not – Larian Studios revealed most of the in-game races that players can expect to play as in Baldur’s Gate 3. Now, of course, these are subject to change – more races may have been added since, and Larian will no doubt bring more races to the game beyond its early access launch.
In the meantime, we thought it’d be best to run through each of Baldur’s Gate 3’s races so you can plan out your role playing ahead of launch. Baldur’s Gate 3 will land on Stadia and PC on September 30 in Early Access.
Every Race confirmed in Baldur’s Gate 3
According to Larian, the races revealed in the PAX East gameplay showcase will be coming to the game in early access, with more to arrive in the future.
Baldur’s Gate 3’s RPG skills and systems draw from the Dungeons and Dragons 5E tabletop system, so if you’re familiar with DnD, you can most likely infer what buffs and boons these features may provide in-game based off your own experience. Failing that, Google is your friend!
Tiefling
Sub race: Asmodeus Tiefling
Features
- Intelligence +1
- Charisma +2
- Hellish Resistance
Drow
Features
- Charisma +1
- Cantrips
- Darkvision
- Drow Weapon Training
Human
Features
- Strength +1
- Dexterity +1
- Constitution +1
- Intelligence +1
- Wisdom +1
- Charisma +1
Githyanki
Features
- Intelligence +1
- Strength +2
- Decadent Mastery
- Martial Prodigy
Dwarf
Sub race: Hill Dwarf
Features
- Wisdom +1
- Dwarves Weapon Training
- Dwarves Resilience
- Dwarves Toughness
Elf
Sub race: High Elf
Features
- Cantrips
- Dexterity +2
- Intelligence +1
- Keen Senses
- Fey Ancestry
- Elven Weapon Training
- Darkvision
Half-Elf
Features
- Charisma +2
- Ability Improvements (0/2) – you can improve two of your base stats (STR/DEX/CON/INT/WIS/CHA)
- Fey Ancestry
- Darkvision
Half Drow
Features
- Ability Improvements (0/2) – you can improve two of your base stats (STR/DEX/CON/INT/WIS/CHA)
- Cantrips
- Darkvision
Halfling
Sub race: Lightfoot Halfling
Features
- Charisma +1
- Lucky
- Brave
- Mercurial Step
- Naturally Stealthy
Baldur’s Gate 3 Classes and Custom Characters
If you’ve played one of Larian’s earlier games such as Divinity: Original Sin 2, you’ll be quite familiar with many of the systems in place in this game, if the gameplay showcase is anything to go off of. The combat will be turn-based, with each character having an initiative roll that determines their place in the combat cycle.
There will also be six classes to choose from, Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, Ranger, Cleric and Warlock. With subclasses tied to each role that allow players to specialise throughout their playthrough. You’ll also be able to create your own custom character much like the Divinity series, if you’re not tempted by Baldur’s Gate 3’s set cast of characters, who will boast pre-determined backstories and character arcs, which can be tinkered with and explored throughout the course of the game.
