Ranking Every Playable Race in Baldur’s Gate 3 by the Effectiveness of Their Racial Traits

Baldur’s Gate 3 features eleven diverse races, primarily derived from the Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition Player’s Handbook. The notable addition is the githyanki, integrated into the rich narrative that heavily involves mind flayers. Choosing a race is arguably the most critical aspect of character customization, as it is a permanent decision that cannot be altered later in the game.

The selected race significantly influences how non-player characters (NPCs) perceive the player and unlocks specific dialogue choices during interactions. Each race boasts unique advantages known as “racial traits,”which enhance abilities related to certain armor types and weapons, as well as offer minor spells and passive abilities. While the majority of a player’s powers stem from their class selection, the utility of racial traits can be pivotal. So, which traits provide the best advantages?

11 Dragonborn

Incredible Flavor, But Lacking Function

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The Dragonborn possess abilities that are impressive on paper, yet, in practice, they tend to be situational and often ineffective. Each subrace offers an elemental resistance and a breath attack, yet the elemental resistance is generally underwhelming. For every enemy vulnerable to a Dragonborn’s element, a player is likely to encounter multiple foes immune to it, diminishing the effectiveness of their abilities.

In scenarios where their breath attack could be useful, players usually have access to more potent attacks, which are far superior, especially for spellcasters. While the Dragonborn adds considerable flavor to the game, its abilities often fall short of expectation, leaving players wanting more in terms of practical application.

10 Human

Nothing Special With BG3’s Changes To Ability Points

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The decision to eliminate race-specific ability bonuses has notably weakened the human race’s mechanical allure. Despite this, their versatility is slightly better than that of the Dragonborn, as humans can choose an extra skill to master, greatly aiding in skill checks throughout their journey.

Additionally, humans benefit from an increased carrying capacity, enhancing overall gameplay experience without requiring mods. Their “Civil Militia”passive feature grants proficiency with multiple weapons, including spears and pikes, offering greater tactical flexibility during combat. While the human race is not the most powerful choice, it remains a viable option in *Baldur’s Gate 3*.

9 Half-Elf

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The Half-Elf has faced a downgrade due to the adjustment in ability scores, rendering it effectively a lesser version of the Elf. While it sacrifices the Elf’s perception skill proficiency or the Drow’s superior Darkvision in favor of the Civil Militia passive, it retains some usability through weapon proficiency and the “Fey Ancestry”trait, which aids against charm effects—important abilities in a game dominated by mind flayers.

However, the claim of insensitivity to sleep magic under Fey Ancestry is somewhat misleading, as Half-Elves can indeed be affected in practice, leaving players questioning if this is a lore inconsistency or an oversight.

Choosing a Half-Elf over an Elf or Drow lacks mechanical advantages unless the player values the specific proficiency gained. The core attraction of the Half-Elf is primarily its flavor and role-playing opportunities, making it less desirable for tactical builds compared to its full-blooded counterparts, especially post-update to ability scores.

8 Drow

Drow Have An Easier Time In Act Two And The Underdark

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Comparatively, the Drow stands out as a superior choice next to Half-Elves due to its unique benefits. Drow possess “Superior Darkvision,” which mitigates disadvantages on attack rolls in dark environments, enabling them to perform more effectively in shadowy locales. Their ability to cast the Dancing Lights cantrip is quite situational, but it serves to illuminate dark areas, aiding visibility during missions.

While some Drow NPCs suffer from “Sunlight Sensitivity,”players are immune to this drawback, likely due to their connection to the illithid parasite in the storyline.

Nevertheless, the usefulness of Drow benefits declines noticeably after the initial stages when their access to spells like Faerie Fire becomes vital, particularly against foes like Yurgir, if players prefer direct confrontation over diplomatic resolutions.

7 Elf

A Safe Choice For Newer Players

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Elves offer several advantages, including proficiency in Perception, Darkvision, and an adeptness against charm effects, making them valuable in many scenarios. Their “Elven Weapon Training”grants proficiency with an array of weapon types, ensuring Elves excel in ranged combat.

Their ability to wield longbows impeccably provides a significant tactical edge, as they are the only race with such proficiency. Wood Elves are an excellent pair with the rogue class due to increased stealth capabilities and accelerated movement speed, while High Elves enjoy a single-level wizard cantrip, adding a minor layer of versatility. Overall, the Elf race balances various traits effectively without being overly powerful, appealing to both veteran and novice players.

6 Tiefling

Pairs Well With Most Classes

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Similar to Dragonborn variants, Tieflings enjoy “Hellish Resistance”to fire damage. However, their abilities are generally more versatile. Asmodeus Tieflings, for instance, can access the Darkness spell, while Zariel Tieflings benefit from two unique smite spells—great tools for non-paladin classes.

Subrace Cantrip First Level Spell Second Level Spell
Asmodeus Tiefling Produce Flame Hellish Rebuke Darkness
Mephistopheles Tiefling Mage Hand Burning Hands Flame Blade
Zariel Tiefling Thaumaturgy Searing Smite Branding Smite

Among these spells, Thaumaturgy stands out as exceptionally useful, granting the caster advantages in intimidation and performance checks, making it a potent tool in social situations. Additionally, Mage Hand can serve as a critical early-game ally to help avoid traps or assess dangers.

5 Gnomes

Surprisingly Powerful Rogues And Spellcasters

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Gnomes excel particularly as spellcasters, owing to their “Gnome Cunning”trait, which affords them advantages on wisdom, intelligence, and charisma saving throws. Though their reduced movement speed can be a drawback, spells like Longstrider can mitigate this issue. All Gnomes enjoy Darkvision, while Rock Gnomes benefit from enhanced history checks, and Forest Gnomes acquire the Speak with Animals spell without needing to unlock it.

Deep Gnomes are particularly suited for dexterity-based builds, leveraging their advantage on stealth checks. They are also unique in benefiting from the Nimblefinger Gloves, providing an additional dexterity boost when equipped. However, they remain overshadowed by other small races, particularly Duergar and Halflings.

4 Half-Orc

Some Of The Best Melee Fighters

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For those seeking a reliable choice in honor mode, the Half-Orc excels as a melee fighter, chiefly due to its proficiency in intimidation. This allows players to navigate dialogue checks effectively, even with low charisma. Furthermore, their “Relentless Endurance”ability is a game-changer, enabling survival at 1 HP instead of dropping to 0 when reduced during combat, which provides crucial time for healing or escape. Coupled with their “Savage Attacks”trait, which enhances critical hits, Half-Orcs prove their worth in intense battle scenarios.

3 Halflings

Never Roll A Nat One Again – Unless You’re Exceptionally Unlucky

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Halflings are a prime pick for honor mode due to their “Halfling Luck”ability, enabling them to reroll any dice that show a 1 in combat or skill checks—an advantage that can significantly impact gameplay.

Additionally, they possess the “Brave”trait, which grants them advantage against fear effects, augmenting their survivability in combat. With subraces like Lightfoot, who gain extra stealth advantages, and Strongheart, which offers some poison resistance, players are presented with valuable options, making Halflings a go-to choice for both gameplay effectiveness and narrative engagement.

2 Githyanki

Extremely Versatile Characters Who Can Excel In Any Situation

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Githyanki are incredibly versatile, beginning their journey with the Astral Knowledge ability, which temporarily boosts proficiency in various skills tied to a chosen ability. This trait proves invaluable for overcoming numerous ability checks or performing tasks like lockpicking when a rogue is unavailable. Additionally, they gain access to the same Mage Hand cantrip as Mephistopheles Tieflings in their early levels.

From level three, Githyanki acquire the Enhance Leap ability, ideal for mobility, while gaining access to the Misty Step spell at level five, allowing enhanced maneuverability during fights or when navigating complex terrains. Furthermore, various Githyanki-themed items throughout the game enhance their appeal as a playable race.

1 Dwarf

Duergar Steal The Show

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Dwarves innately possess resistance to poison and boast Darkvision. Each subrace enjoys unique benefits, with Gold Dwarves receiving extra hit points and Shield Dwarves gaining proficiency in light and medium armor. However, the Duergar subrace stands out as one of the most powerful choices in *Baldur’s Gate 3*.

At level three, Duergar can cast Enlarge/Reduce once per long rest, a remarkable advantage for melee-oriented classes. Additionally, the ability to cast invisibility as a cantrip at level five opens up new tactical options for ambushes or advantageous attacks. Like their Elven counterparts, Duergar gain advantages against charm, paralysis, and illusion effects, further solidifying their standing in challenging gameplay scenarios.

Ultimately, while dwarves may not be the most popular choice, the Duergar subrace provides exceptional advantages that can significantly ease challenges in the hardcore modes of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Source: Larian Studios/X

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