Besides class, choosing a character’s race is one of the most important decisions a player must make. With 9 unique playable races, Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t make it easy– especially for newcomers to D&D.

Not sure where to start? Look no further. Load up that character creator and follow along– this is the list of the best races to choose from in BG3.

9. Gnome

The elusive Gnomes are a race of small humanoids known for their intelligence and sense of humor. They are naturally curious and make excellent engineers.  

All Gnomes receive +2 to their intelligence score. Deep and Forest Gnomes receive +1 to dexterity, while Rock Gnomes have +1 to constitution. Gnomes also have darkvision and the Gnome Cunning perk.

What Gnome Excels In:

• Intelligence-based skills and spells
• City and urban environments
• Illusion magic– and by extension, stealth

Pick Gnome if…

• You want to play as a wizard or rogue
• You value cunning and seek adventure
• You believe that big power can come in small packages

8. Dwarf

Also referred to as the ‘Stout Folk’, Dwarves are hardy and tough. They are excellent craftsmen and have long lifespans– although they are not as long-lived as elves.

All Dwarves receive +2 in constitution, Dwarven Resilience, and darkvision. Gold Dwarves receive a +1 to wisdom, and Shield Dwarves receive a +2 to strength.

What Dwarf Excels In:

• Defensive abilities thanks to their constitution perk
• Keeping their traditions and customs alive
• Survival even in the harshest conditions

Pick Dwarf if…

• You want to play as a Druid– Gold Dwarf works well thanks to their +2 in wisdom
• Choose Shield Dwarf if you want to play a strength-focused class like Fighter or Barbarian 
• You want a character who is hearty and rooted in tradition

7. Halfling

Tricky Halflings are known as the ‘quick folk’ amongst themselves and the ‘sly folk’ to other races. They get their name from their small stature, being about half the size of humans while still having similar proportions.   

Halflings receive +2 in dexterity and the lucky racial feature. Lightfoot Halflings get +1 in charisma, while Strongheart Halflings have +1 in constitution thanks to their Dwarven blood. 

What Halfling Excels In:

• Stealth, thanks to their small size and quickness
• Talking their way out of (or into) trouble
• Being dexterous and light-footed

Pick Halfling if…

• You want dexterity as your main ability
• You want to play as a Rogue or Ranger
• You want a character who has quick feet and an even quicker tongue

6. Elf

Elves are a race of slender, fair-faced humanoids who have an innate control over magic. They are known for being impulsive and almost whimsical in nature. 

Elves receive a +2 dexterity score and possess keen senses, fey ancestry, and darkvision. High Elves have +1 intelligence, and Wood Elves receive +1 wisdom.

What Elf Excels In:

• Magic– even non-magic classes have some control over the weave
• Proficiencies with swords and bows
• Being dexterous

Pick Elf if…

• You want to focuses on dexterity– pick Ranger or Rogue
• You like to play with magic– High Elves receive a cantrip slot
• You want a fairly versatile race

5. Githyanki

Once enslaved by Mind Flayers, the proud Githyanki are fearsome warriors who hail from the Astral Plane. They are described as being cruel, arrogant, and aggressive. An ancient pact grants them access to red dragon mounts and powerful silver swords. 

Githyanki receive +1 in intelligence and +2 in strength. They receive a choice of additional skill proficiency and Githyanki psionics.  

What Githyanki Excels In:

• Battles and strategy
• Strength-based classes
• Solo adventures– they are not known for making friends

Pick Githyanki if…

• You want to play as a Fighter
• You lean more towards gray or evil characters
• You hate Mind Flayers 

4. Drow

Bound to the evil spider goddess Lolth, the Drow are a dark-skinned sub-race of Elves that inhabit the Underdark. Their strictly hierarchical society is matriarchal and values cruelty.  

Drow receives +1 in charisma and +2 in dexterity. At odds with the violent Lolth-Sworn Drow, Seldarine Drow seek to free their kin from the evil goddess’ influence and broker peace.

What Drow Excels In:

• Dexterity and cunning
• Magic– similar to their Elven cousins
• Fey ancestry and superior darkvision

Pick Drow if…

• You want to play as a Wizard or Rogue
• You prefer evil-aligned characters
• You root for the underdogs– the struggle of Seldarine Drow may appeal to you

3. Tiefling

Tieflings are humanoids with demon-like features owing to their demonic ancestry. They tend to have horns and tails, and red, blue, or yellowish skin.

Their bonuses and powers depend on their sub-race. Asmodeus and Mephistopheles Tieflings receive +1 intelligence and +2 charisma. Zariel Tieflings receive +1 strength and +2 charisma. All Teiflings have hellish resistance and darkvision.  

What Tiefling Excels In:

• Charisma-based classes
• Being fireproof, among other resistances
• Customization, thanks to their unique and varied appearances

Pick Tiefling if…

• You want to play as a Sorcerer, Warlock, Bard, or other charisma-heavy class
• You have a soft spot for fiends and devils
• You want a race with interesting history and lore

2. Half-Elf

Half-Elves are just as their name suggests– the offspring of an Elf and a Human. They are typically a mixture of their parents in both appearance and personality. They are described as being hardy like a Human and free-spirited like an Elf.  

All Half-Elves receive a +2 in charisma and a +2 in another ability of the player’s choosing. High Half-Elves receive 1 High Elf cantrip, Wood Half-Elves receive Mask of the Wild, and Drow Half-Elves receive the Dancing Lights cantrip. They also have fey ancestry and darkvision.

What Half-Elf Excels In:

• Charisma-based classes
• Versatility, thanks to their extra +2 ability score
• The potential for a rich character background

Pick Half-Elf if…

• You want a highly versatile character with a knack for charisma
• You want an interesting character background for roleplay
• You’re drawn to the unique– Drow Half-Elves certainly are

1. Human

Humans are the most widespread race in Faerûn. They are also the most difficult to define due to their extreme diversity. Ambitious and lacking specialization, most other races view them with either admiration or contempt.

Humans receive a +1 in all abilities. Their lack of specialization makes them jacks of all trades.  

What Human Excels In:

• Versatility 
• Blending in– they are the most numerous race in Faerûn
• Ethnic diversity– they belong to dozens of distinct clans and groups

Pick Human if…

• You want to grow into your play style with a versatile race
• A jack of all trades is more appealing than a specialist
• You want your character to be more of a self-insert

You may also be interested in:

• Why Baldur's Gate 3 is Popular: 10 Reasons Players Love It
• Is Badur's Gate 3 Worth It?
• Baldur's Gate 3 Best Classes - What Should You Choose
• [Top 10] Baldur's Gate 3 Best Party Composition Ideas