Welcome to the Baldur’s Gate 3 Race and Subrace list. Here we will list all playable races and subraces in BG3, along with their special stats and abilities. Eleven races and 28 subraces are available in Baldur’s Gate 3.
In Early Access the races had a greater selection of innate features, including buffs to certain Ability Scores. However, some of these were removed for the full release, to grant greater player freedom and avoid pigeon-holing players into a “meta” race for their Class. However, there are still some important differences between the races that can add some utility and flavour to whatever class and build you want to create.
BG3 also has 12 classes and 48 subclasses available at launch. You can combine your classes and races however you want when you start the game.
Table of Contents:
- Humans
- Githyanki
- Half-Orc
- Dwarf Races
- Elf Races
- Drow Races
- Tiefling Races
- Halfling Races
- Half-Elf Races
- Gnome Races
- Dragonborn Races
- Overview Spreadsheet of all races
Please note that we will also add the Baldur’s Gate 3 Builds that fit specific races in the list below. But please keep in mind that in the end pick whatever you think makes most sense or what you like the most. Of course, some races and subraces will give you a slight advantage, but you can easily complete the game with a non-optimal race for your character build.
If you want to check out the map of Baldur’s Gate 3, please visit the Baldur’s Gate 3 Interactive Map.
Human Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
Humans are the most common race in Faerûn, the world of Baldur’s Gate 3. They are known for their creativity and tenacity. There are no subraces associated with Humans.
Humans have a base move speed of 9 metres per turn.
They have the following bonuses:
- Weapon Proficiency with Spears, Pikes, Halberds and Glaives.
- Armour Proficiency with Light Armour and Shields.
- A choice of one extra Skill to be Proficient with.
Builds that go along great with Humans: Bard Build, Ranger Build, Monk Build, Warlock Build, Fighter Build, Cleric Build, Sorcerer Build, Wizard Build, Paladin Build. As you can see, Humans work great with almost any build out there. Often they aren’t the first pick but are still high up on the list.
Githyanki Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Githyanki Race hails from the Astral Plane, and are known for their legendary silver weapons and dragon riders. There are no Githyanki subraces.
Githyanki’s base move speed is 9 metres per turn.
They have the following bonuses:
- Astral Knowledge – Gain Proficiency in all Skills of a chosen Ability, until Long Rest.
- Githyanki Psionics: Mage Hand – Create a spectral hand that can manipulate and interact with objects.
- Weapon Proficiency with Shortsword, Longsword and Greatsword.
- Armour Proficiency with Light and Medium Armour.
Builds that go along great with Humans: Fighter Build, Barbarian Build, Paladin Build
We also have a list of Githyanki-specific items that are available in BG3. These items often have secondary effects if worn by a Githyanki and are definitely worth trying to obtain.
Half-Orc Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
Half-Orcs are hardy creatures of intense emotion, possessing a mixture of Human and Orc characteristics. Half-Orcs are prone to acting on instinct rather than thinking things through, whether that means a brutish attack or an act of kindness. There are no subraces associated with Half-Orcs.
Their base Movement Speed is 9 metres per turn.
Half Orcs are gifted with these extra abilities:
- Darkvision – Can see in the dark up to 12 metres.
- Relentless Endurance – If you reach 0 HP, you regain 1 HP instead of becoming Downed.
- Savage Attacks – When you land a Critical Hit with a melee weapon attack, your damage dice are tripled instead of doubled.
Dwarf Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Dwarf race has three subraces, all of which are playable. These are Gold Dwarf, Shield Dwarf and Duergar.
Due to their small stature, Dwarves have a lower movement speed than most other races, only getting 7.5 metres per turn.
All Dwarves also get the following bonuses, regardless of subrace:
- Weapon Proficiency with Battleaxe, Handaxe, Light Hammer and Warhammer
- Darkvision – Can see in the dark up to 12 metres.
- Dwarven Resilience – You have Advantage on Saving Throws against Poison, and 50% Resistance to Poison damage.
Below are the subraces for Dwarves.
Gold Dwarves
Gold Dwarves are especially hardy, and generally wiser than other dwarves. They are also sometimes called Hill Dwarves.
In addition to the innate stats and abilities of all Dwarves, this subrace gains the following ability:
- Dwarven Toughness – Your Hit Point maximum increases by 1, and increases by 1 again every time you gain a level.
Builds that go along great with Gold Dwarves: Druid Build,
Shield Dwarves
Despite their martial prowess, the Shield Dwarves suffered many defeats to Goblins and Orcs, falling from grace and being left with a cynical mindset. They long for the restoration of their old homelands. They are sometimes also called Mountain Dwarves.
Shield Dwarves gain Armour Proficiency in Light and Medium Armour.
Builds that go along great with Shield Dwarves: Fighter Build
Duergar
Once enslaved by the Mind Flayers, and transformed by centuries confined to the Underdark, Duergar take on a somewhat different appearance to other Dwarves, and have gained some innate psionic abilities.
Duergar have the following extra abilities:
- Superior Darkvision – Can see in the dark up to 24 metres.
- Duergar Resilience – You have Advantage on Saving Throws against illusions and against being Charmed or Paralysed.
Elf Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
Boasting long life spans, Elves are at home and thrive when in nature. They have two playable subraces, High Elves and Wood Elves.
All Elves will have access to these abilities:
- Weapon Proficiency with the Longsword, Shortsword, Shortbow and Longbow
- Darkvision – See in the dark up to 12 metres
- Fey Ancestry – You have Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
High Elves
High Elves are highly proficient at magic, with even those who do not practise spellcasting enjoying some innate magical ability.
High Elves have a base move speed of 9 metres per turn.
High Elves can choose one additional Cantrip to start the game with, regardless of their Class. You can choose from Acid Splash, Bone Chill, Fire Bolt, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost, Shocking Grasp, Blade Ward, Friends, Dancing Lights, Light, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, or True Strike.
Builds that go along great with High Elves: Cleric Build, Rogue Build, Wizard Build
Wood Elves
At home in the forests of Faerûn, Wood Elves are swift, stealthy and wise.
Wood Elves boast a very high base move speed of 11 metres per turn.
Builds that go along great with Wood Elves: Ranger Build, Druid Build, Monk Build, Cleric Build, Rogue Build
Drow Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Drow race are dark elves who live in the Underdark. They are divided into two subraces, Lolth-Sworn Drow and Seldarine Drow, with a religous conflict ongoing between the two variants.
All Drow have a base speed of 9 metres per turn.
Drow gain the following extra abilities:
- Weapon Proficiency with the Rapier, Shortsword, and Hand Crossbow.
- Superior Darkvision – You can see in the dark up to 24 metres.
- Fey Ancestry – You have Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Builds that go along great with Drow: Ranger Build, Monk Build, Warlock Build, Cleric Build, Rogue Build, Sorcerer Build
Lolth-Sworn Drow
Lolth-Sworn Drow are marked with red eyes, sworn to their Goddess Lolth who aims to spread corruption to all Drow.
Lolth-Sworn Drow do not get any additional abilities, but do gain some special dialogue options.
Seldarine Drow
Seldarine Drow instead follow the goddess Eilistraee, who desires balance between the races, and struggles against the corruption of Lolth. These Drow are much more inclined to be “good aligned” than their Lolth-Sworn rivals.
Again, this subrace gains no additional abilities, but will gain some dialogue options based on their identity.
Tiefling Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Tieflings race has demonic ancestry, but this does not necessarily mean they are aligned with evil. In spite of this, they are typically looked on with suspicion and mistrust. Their actual alignment typically depends on their upbringing and their attitude to their demonic ancestry. Some Tieflings embrace their demonic side, while others shun it.
There are several subraces of Tieflings, but all of them share the following abilities:
- Hellish Resistance – Your blood protects you from flame, abyssal or otherwise. Gain 50% Resistance to Fire damage.
- Darkvision – You can see in the dark up to 12 metres.
All Tieflings have a base move speed of 9 metres per turn.
Builds that go along great with Tiefling: Bard Build, Warlock Build, Sorcerer Build, Paladin Build
Asmodeus Tieflings
Bound to the deepest level of the Hells, Asmodeus Tieflings inherit abilities to wield fire and darkness.
They gain the following abilities:
- Produce Flame Cantrip – A flame in your hand sheds a light in a 9 metre radius and deals 1-8 Fire damage when thrown. Once per Long Rest.
Mephistopheles Tieflings
Mephistopheles Tieflings possess a natural affinity for the arcane arts.
They also get the following abilities:
- Mage Hand Cantrip – Create a spectral hand that can manipulate and interact with objects.
Zariel Tieflings
These Tieflings generally possess greater martial strength than their counterparts, but maintain a strong affinity for fire magic.
In addition, they have the following innate abilities:
- Thaumaturgy Cantrip- Gain Advantage on Intimidation and Performance Checks for 10 turns.
Halfling Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Halflings race somewhat resembles humans, but are considerably smaller in stature, sometimes being quite plump. However, this does not mean that they cannot be formidable combatants.
Due to their small stature, all Halflings have a lowered base movement speed of 7.5 metres per turn.
All Halflings receive the following innate abilities:
- Lucky Trait – When you roll a 1 for an Attack Roll, Ability Check, or Saving Throw, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll.
- Brave Trait – The world can be intimidating, but you stand strong. You have Advantage on Saving Throws against being Frightened.
There are two subraces of Halflings – Lightfoot and Strongheart Halflings.
Lightfoot Halflings
As their name suggests, Lightfoot Halflings are especially skilled at stealth. They are also great at socialising, and can often be found traveling around the world in this pursuit.
Lightfoot Halflings have the following features in addition to those mentioned above for all Halflings:
- Naturally Stealthy Trait – Naturally Stealthy: Your nimble nature makes you skilled at concealment. You have Advantage on Stealth Checks.
Builds that go along great with Lightfoot Halflings: Warlock Build, Rogue Build, Sorcerer Build
Strongheart Halflings
Strongheart Halflings enjoy greater hardiness than their Lightfoot brethren. According to legends, they enjoy these perks due to Dwarven blood.
Strongheart Halflings have the following innate features:
- Strongheart Resilience Trait – Strongheart Resilience: You have Advantage on Saving Throws against Poison and Resistance to Poison damage.
Builds that go along great with Strongheart Halflings: Ranger Build, Monk Build
Half-Elf Race in BG3
The result of a union between a human and an elf, half-elves often have trouble fitting in and finding their place in the world. However, they have the benefit of inheriting a wide variety of natural gifts from their very different parents.
- Fey Ancestry Trait – The Feywild casts a veil over your mind. You have Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed, and magic can’t put you to Sleep.
- Darkvision – You can see in the dark up to 12 metres.
- Weapon Proficiency with Spears, Pikes, Halberds and Glaives.
- Armour Proficiency with Light Armour and Shields.
There is a Half-Elf subrace for all three of the aforementioned elf types.
Builds that go along great with Half-Elves: Warlock Build, Sorcerer Build, Wizard Build, Paladin Build
High Half-Elves
While they do not typically possess the magical aptitude of their elven parent, High Half-Elves still retain some extra affinity for magic. Their lifespans are longer than Humans, but only by a few decades, still falling considerably short of the lifespan expected by a High Elf.
High Half-Elves have a base movement speed of 9 metres per turn.
They can also choose one High Elf Cantrip to start the game with.
Builds that go along great with High-Elves: Bard Build, Barbarian Build
Wood Half-Elves
While they often do not feel at home in the forests like their Wood Elf ancestors, Wood Half-Elves do inherit the same swiftness and aptitude for stealth.
Wood Half-Elves have a high base movement speed of 10.5 metres per turn.
Builds that go along great with Wood Half-Elves: Ranger Build, Druid Build, Monk Build, Fighter Build, Barbarian Build, Cleric Build, Rogue Build
Drow Half-Elves
While unions between Humans and Lolth-Sworn Drow are not completely unheard of, most Half Drow are instead descended from Seldarine Drow. They typically inherit some magical gifts from their Drow ancestry, but they are not accustomed to the conditions of the Underdark, usually being raised on the surface.
Drow Half-Elves have a base movement speed of 9 metres per turn.
They also gain the following innate abilities:
- Dancing Lights Cantrip – Create a wisp of light that illuminates a 9 metre radius.
Builds that go along great with High-Elves: Barbarian Build
Gnome Race in BG3
Distant cousins of the Dwarves, the Baldur’s Gate 3 Gnome race possesses a greater affinity with the natural world. They are of fairly small stature, only slightly taller than Halflings. Gnomes tend to be intelligent and quite charistmatic.
Due to their small stature, all Gnomes have a low movement speed of 7.5 metres per turn.
They also have the following innate features:
- Gnome Cunning Trait – You have Advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving Throws.
There are three varieties of Gnome in Baldur’s Gate 3: Forest Gnomes, Deep Gnomes and Rock Gnomes.
Builds that work great with Gnomes: Wizard Build
Deep Gnomes
Deep Gnomes live in the Underdark, and this environment has given them an affinity for stealth and excelling in dark environments.
They gain the following innate abilities:
- Superior Darkvision Trait – You can see in the dark up to 24 metres.
- Stone Camouflage Trait – You have Advantage on Stealth checks.
Forest Gnomes
Forest Gnomes are of very small stature, and are rarely seen outside their forest groves. In these secluded homes, they have developed a strong affinity for magic and craftsmanship.
They have the following abilities:
- Darkvision – Can see in the dark up to 12 metres.
- Speak with Animals, Divination Spell – Gain the ability to comprehend and verbally communicate with beasts.
Rock Gnomes
The most commonly seen variant of Gnomes, Rock Gnomes are especially hardy and typically knowledgeable.
They have the following abilities:
- Darkvision – Can see in the dark up to 12 metres.
- Artificer’s Lore Trait – Add twice your Proficiency Bonus to History checks.
Dragonborn Race in BG3
The Dragonborn are a proud race in Baldur’s Gate 3 who escaped servitude to dragons. They have some draconic ancestry, which has given them some remarkable abilities in combat, utilizing breath attacks as a deadly weapon.
Dragonborn have a base Movement Speed of 9 metres per turn.
They have no innate racial abilities – all of their extra abilities are sourced from their subrace, of which there are ten variants.
Dragonborn Subraces
The table below shows the abilities of each Dragonborn subrace:
| Name | Action | Passive Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Black Dragonborn | Acid Breath – Spew forth a cone of acid for 2-12 Acid damage. | 50% Resistance to Acid Damage |
| Blue Dragonborn | Lightning Breath – Spew forth a cone of Lightning for 2-12 Lightning Damage | 50% Resistance to Lightning Damage |
| Brass Dragonborn | Fire Breath – Spew forth a coloumn of fire for 2-12 Fire Damage | 50% Resistance to Fire Damage |
| Bronze Dragonborn | Lightning Breath – Spew forth a cone of lightning for 2-12 Lightning Damage | 50% Resistance to Lightning Damage |
| Copper Dragonborn | Acid Breath – Spew forth a cone of acid, for 1-12 Acid Damage | 50% Resistance to Acid Damage |
| Gold Dragonborn | Fire Breath – Spew forth a cone of fire for 2-12 Fire Damage | 50% Resistance to Fire Damage |
| Green Dragonborn | Poison Breath – Spew forth a cone of poison for 2-12 Poison Damage | 50% Resistance to Poison Damage |
| Red Dragonborn | Fire Breath – Spew forth a cone of fire for 2-12 Fire Damage | 50% Resistance to Fire Damage |
| Silver Dragonborn | Frost Breath – Spew forth a cone of ice for 2-12 Cold Damage | 50% Resistance to Cold Damage |
| White Dragonborn | Frost Breath – Spew forth a cone of ice for 2-12 Cold Damage | 50% Resistance to Cold Damage |
All of the Breath Actions impose Dexterity Saving Throws, except for Poison and Frost Breath, which have Constitution Saving Throws. If the target succeeds a Saving Throw on any of these attacks, they still take half damage.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Races and Subraces Overview
Baldur’s Gate 3 at launch will have 11 races and 28 subraces. That means there will be a lot of options to combine a race with a specific class and replayability is insanely high too.
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- Barbarian Build – Berserker
- Warlock Build – Great Old One
- Cleric Build – Light Domain
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