Baldur’s Gate 3 features a diverse selection of 11 distinct races, each endowed with unique traits and subclasses. The choice of race is a critical decision early in the game, as it cannot be altered later on, unlike appearance or class. Among these races, some have clearly been given greater emphasis, while others seem to have been left underutilized.
The Githyanki have gained recognition as one of the more underrated races since the game’s release, largely due to their prominent role in the main storyline. This exposure has heightened player interest and affinity for the Githyanki. Conversely, another race—specifically the Dragonborn—appears to have remained largely neglected.
The Lack of Representation for Dragonborn in Baldur’s Gate 3
Having spent nearly 400 hours in the game, I have yet to encounter any Dragonborn characters with significant plot relevance, aside from dragons that assume a Dragonborn form. While Quil Grootslang does feature in the game, her role serves primarily as a backup option for players who select the unique Dark Urge character and manage to save Alfira.
There exists a mod that exchanges Alfira for Quil, allowing players to preserve Alfira’s life without having to resort to knockout tactics. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the possible reasons behind the Dragonborn’s sparse presence in the game until Act Three. Given that Baldur’s Gate 3 unfolds shortly after the Dragonborn’s introduction to Toril, their rarity is somewhat understandable. Nonetheless, Quil’s existence indicates that an early Dragonborn NPC could have been integrated into the narrative—but this avenue was never explored, which is unfortunate, as the lore surrounding Dragonborn is quite engaging.
Perceived Limitations of the Dragonborn Race
Uninspiring Content and Outdated Racial Bonuses
It’s evident that the Dragonborn race was among the last added during the development phase, which is reflected in various aspects of the game. Players cannot select a Dragonborn as their dream guardian due to unrigged animations. A YouTube video by PhillModder illustrates the issues that arise should a modded Dragonborn be implemented. Even without modifications, glitches occur when speaking to a companion in Dragonborn guise, an issue that persists even as we approach patch 8.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgAOMnjSB58https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgAOMnjSB58
The unpolished nature of the Dragonborn extends beyond animations. The racial characteristics and the overall in-game experience highlight the Dragonborn’s status as a later addition. Players on Reddit have noted that the Dragonborn’s limited elemental resistance and breath attacks are often seen as situational and less beneficial in prolonged gameplay. While the half-orc race also suffers from a lack of focus, they at least benefit from one of the most advantageous traits in the game: Relentless Endurance.
Comment by from discussion in BaldursGate3
It’s reasonable to assume that Larian’s decision to limit the development of Dragonborn stems from wanting to avoid overwhelming their animators with additional models. However, the disappointment voiced by fans is understandable. Given that Baldur’s Gate 3 is fundamentally a role-playing game, players naturally crave deeper roleplay experiences. Unfortunately, the interactions available to Dragonborn characters are minimal, lacking the engagement found with drow or tiefling characters.
Alternative Approaches to Dragonborn in the Game
The Impact of a Significant Character
Utilizing the Dragonborn as the default for the Dark Urge was a wise decision by Larian. Despite a slight decline in popularity—from being the fourth most played race to sixth as noted by Larian on X—the Dragonborn remains more appealing than the Githyanki or other shorter races. This is likely linked to players’ desires for lore-consistent gameplay. It’s worth speculating whether the halfling race may have experienced a similar surge in popularity had the scrapped character Helia been made available.
âš”ï¸\u008f Since our launch in August, over 1.3 million players have completed Baldur’s Gate 3. 🧀 A number almost equaled by those of you transformed into a wheel of cheese. 📈 All this, and more in our latest thread of amazing stats! pic.twitter.com/38hSZw1wPk — Larian Studios (@larianstudios) December 5, 2023
For many players, Baldur’s Gate 3 has provided their first glimpse into tabletop RPG worlds, where knowledge about Dragonborn lore may be scarce. The existing NPC that provides players with lore—Quil—unfortunately has limited availability. The game could have benefited from the inclusion of at least one prominent Dragonborn character, facilitating richer discussions about their origins. While much dialogue regards Tieflings from Elturel, it is curious that references to Toril’s sister planet are absent.
Incorporating mods to enhance the Dragonborn experience could significantly improve player engagement. This race already boasts a range of customization options, yet enhancing their breath attacks and elemental capabilities alongside adding unique items exclusive to Dragonborn could elevate their role. Currently, there is only one item exclusively usable by Dragonborn, which feels inadequate. Although not every playable race necessitates extensive lore, it would have greatly enriched the experience to see more content dedicated to the Dragonborn within Baldur’s Gate 3.
Sources: trekfan103/Reddit, PhillModder/YouTube, Larian Studios/X