Baldur’s Gate 3is a massive RPG that offers players near unlimited replayability, and each time a new playthrough is started, adventurers will be back in the character creation menu listening toDown by the Riveragain. While choosing a class is arguablythe most important aspect of creating a character, the chosen race will also have a big impact on the story and gameplay.
There are 11 races available inBG3and many of these also have subraces for players to choose from. Other than the obvious aesthetical differences, each race also has some unique features that offer advantages in combat or other aspects of the game. Certain races will also be treated differently throughout the game, resulting in rare options or dialogue. However, while all races have their own strengths and weaknesses, certain races are severely underrated inBaldur’s Gate 3for a number of reasons.
Race Features
9 m/turn, Darkvision, Relentless Endurance, Menacing, Savage Attacks
Many players want to create beautiful characters inBaldur’s Gate 3and many other games for that matter, and that is perhaps one reason why the Half-Orc race is criminally underrated, despite being one of the strongest. There are no subraces for Half-Orcs, and instead, they all have the same features, of which there are many. Relentless Endurance, for example, allows Half-Orcs to go down to 1 HP, when they should have been downed at 0 HP.
Potentially even better for players who want to wieldthe best melee weapons inBG3,is the Savage Attacks passive, which means an extra damage dice will be rolled when Half-Orcs land a Critical Hit. Furthermore, the proficiency in Intimidation from the Menacing feature of Half-Orcs, is great for fun dialogue options.
7.5 m/turn, Lucky, Brave
Naturally Stealthy
Strongheart Resilience
Even withhow lovable the Hobbits from J.R.R. Tolkien’s work are, the Halfling race is still one of the least popular inBaldur’s Gate 3. Perhaps due to their size, and the fact that they can’t move as far as most other races, few players are loading into the game as one. This means that many are missing out on the Lucky feature of all Halflings, which allows them to reroll when they roll a one for Attack Rolls, Ability Checks, and Saving Throws.
There are two subraces of Halfling with Strongheart Halflings apparently having some Dwarven blood in them which gives them resistance against poison. Lightfoot Halflings, on the other hand, are more social, and as the name suggests, stealthy, making themperfect for Rogue builds. Another great option for friends adventuring together is playing as Barbarian Halflings and throwing each other at the enemy.
7.5 m/turn, Gnome Cunning
Darkvision, Speak with Animals (Spell)
Darkvision, Artificer’s Lore
Perhaps due to their small stature or the fact that people might associate Gnomes with garden decoration, the Gnome race is one of the most underrated inBG3. However, if more players understood how strong the Gnome Cunning feature is, then perhaps they would be more popular given that it provides Gnomes with Advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving Throws.
This is a fantastic defensive feature, which means Gnomes are less likely to be harmed in combat, especially by spells. Usually,when Advantage is givenon Saving Throws, it is only to one type, not three. There are three subraces of Gnomes, and arguably the most interesting is the Deep Gnome subrace as it is perfect for stealth gameplay, playing around with vision and perhaps creating darkness to the detriment of the enemy.
Level Up Features
9 m/turn, Martial Prodigy, Githyanki Psionics: Mage Hand (Cantrip), Astral Knowledge
Psionics: Jump (Lvl 3), Misty Step (Lvl 5)
Despite being extremely strong in combat thanks to a mage-handful of features and additional actions,the Githyanki race is one of the least popular inBG3. One explanation for this is that for new players who aren’t familiar withDnDorBG3lore, this is the only unknown race, with other races such as Dwarves and Elves being very common in fantasy.
However, as players become engrossed in the incredible narrative woven by Larian Studios, players will come to see just how interesting these peerless warriors from the Astral Plane are. As sworn enemies of the Mind Flayers, Githyanki can be great to roleplay as, and players can always play as the Origin character Lae’zel instead of creating their own. Githyanki can also take advantage of some great weapons that only reach their full potential in the hands of one of them, such as one ofthe best Greatswords inBG3, theSilver Sword of the Astral Plane.
