Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Race for Each Class
Baldur's Gate 3: Best Race for Each Class
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Race for Your Class in Baldur’s Gate 3 (with a Sense of Adventure!)
Player freedom in builds is the bread and butter of gameplay in Baldur’s Gate 3. Whether you’re flinging spells from a safe distance, sneaking up for a surprise backstab, or charging head-on into a horde of enemies, the game encourages different styles and ideas. It’s a smorgasbord of creativity that can leave newcomers feeling a tad overwhelmed. But fear not, my fellow adventurers! I’m here to guide you through the maze of races and classes, and help you find your perfect match.
Barbarian – Unleash the Beast Within!
Are you ready to rage like a fire-breathing dragon? Then let’s talk Barbarians. When it comes to raw power and unbridled fury, a few races stand out among the rest. The Asmodeus Tiefling makes a fearsome Berserker Barbarian, with their ability to throw objects and their fiery cantrip. For a more balanced approach, the Half-Orc is an excellent choice for Wildheart Barbarians, excelling in various situations. Lastly, the Gold Dwarf complements the chaotic nature of the Wild Magic Barbarian, with their resilience and hardiness. Embrace your inner beast with these races for the best barbarian class build!
Bard – Charisma and a Song in Your Heart!
Calling all performers and lovers of lore! Bards are the masters of music and magic, blending their knowledge with charm. For the College of Lore, the Rock Gnome’s doubled History proficiency makes them a perfect fit. The Githyanki’s Astral Knowledge is invaluable for College of Valor Bards, balancing martial prowess with charisma. And for those skilled in the art of the sword, the Wood Elf’s weapon expertise fills the gap left by the College of Swords’ limited weapon selection. Take center stage with these recommended races for your bardic adventures!
Cleric – Divine Heal-bot or Blasting Champ?
Clerics are versatile support heroes, capable of healing wounds or smiting enemies. The High Elf is a popular choice for Clerics because of its access to longswords and longbows, guaranteeing a wide range of options. If you lean towards a tankier playstyle, the Gold Dwarf’s resilience matches perfectly with the Tempest Domain, rewarding you when you take a hit. And for those divine warriors dedicated to the War Domain, an agile Strongheart Halfling can roll with the punches and turn the tide of battle. Explore the realm of divine power with these races for the best Cleric builds!
Druid – Embrace Nature’s Power!
Druids are masters of the wild, transforming into beasts and wielding elemental forces. While any race can tap into nature’s magic, a few races truly shine. The Gold Dwarf is a classic choice for Circle of the Moon Druids, channeling their extra health to tank enemies in beast form. For Circle of the Land and Circle of Spores Druids, the High Elf’s expanded weapon selection and additional cantrip add versatility to your spellcasting. Let nature’s spirit guide you with these recommended races for your druidic journey!
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Fighter – Master of Arms and Insane Damage!
Fighters are your classic melee warriors, experts at wielding a variety of weapons and dealing devastating blows. With three weapon attacks per round, the best Fighter build takes full advantage of this unique skill. The Half-Orc and the Strongheart Halfling, with their affinity for rolling often, are ideal for unleashing a flurry of blows. Grab your weapon of choice and charge into the fray with these races for the ultimate fighter playthrough!
Monk – Martial Arts and Stealth!
Are you seeking inner harmony and physical perfection? Look no further than the Monk class. For the Way of the Open Hand and the Way of Shadow, embrace your inner rogue with the Lightfoot Halfling. Their ability to reroll 1s on damage dice will make your monk’s attacks hit harder than ever. Alternatively, the Dragonborn complements the elemental focus of the Way of the Four Elements, granting you a powerful breath weapon to unleash on your foes. Find your zen with these races for an unbeatable monk build!
Paladin – Holy Warriors in Shining Armor!
Paladins are righteous warriors, wielding divine magic to smite evil and protect the weak. With their proficiency in all weapons and armor, the best Paladin build doesn’t necessarily require a specific race. However, Forest Gnomes and Duergar Dwarves have their charms when it comes to specific Oath specializations. Forest Gnomes’ ability to speak with animals makes them the perfect face of the party for Oath of Devotion and Oath of Vengeance Paladins. And for those who walk the path of the Oath of Ancients, a Duergar Dwarf with enhanced darkvision can ensure no evil goes unseen. Stand as a beacon of light with these races for your paladin adventures!
Ranger – Masters of the Wild!
Rangers are nature’s guardians, skilled in both ranged and close-quarters combat. The best Ranger build depends on your chosen subclass, with different races shining in each specialization. The Drow’s superior darkvision fits perfectly with the Beast Master subclass, while the Deep Gnome’s advantage on Stealth checks makes them an ideal choice for the Hunter. And for those who wish to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, the Gloom Stalker combines superior darkvision with increased movement speed, making Wood Elves and Wood Half-Elves the perfect partners. Explore the untamed wilderness with these recommended races for your ranger journey!
Rogue – Shadowy Assassins and Skilled Tricksters!
Rogues are masters of stealth and cunning, striking from the shadows with deadly precision. The Shield Dwarf may seem unconventional, but it possesses both medium armor proficiency and darkvision, making it the ideal choice for melee rogues. For Arcane Tricksters, the Deep Gnome’s advantage on Stealth checks and superior darkvision give them the edge they need. And when it comes to the deadly art of assassination, Wood Elves excel with their increased critical strike chance. Embrace the shadows and choose the perfect rogue race for your sneaky adventures!
Sorcerer – Unleash Your Inner Magic!
Sorcerers are born with an innate connection to magic, unleashing spells with untamed power. The Gold Dwarf’s resistance and durability make them an ideal match for the Draconic Bloodline subclass, amplifying their health and AC. Githyanki excel in Wild Magic and Storm Sorcery, utilizing their medium armor proficiencies and Astral Knowledge ability to great effect. Channel your inner sorcery with these recommended races for your spellcasting odyssey!
Warlock – Pact with the Powers Beyond!
Warlocks strike bargains with otherworldly entities, gaining dark powers in exchange for their souls. For those Warlocks who relish combat, Githyanki are an excellent choice, with their medium armor proficiency and Astral Knowledge ability. The Lightfoot Halfling’s Lucky trait perfectly suits the Great Old One subclass, increasing your chance for critical hits. Delve into the shadows and harness forbidden power with these races for the ultimate Warlock build!
Wizard – Master of Arcane Arts!
Wizards are scholars of magic, studying ancient tomes and bending reality to their will. The Githyanki’s medium armor proficiency and Astral Knowledge make them a formidable choice for most Wizard subclasses. However, the Illusion School benefits greatly from the Deep Gnome’s advantage on Stealth checks and superior darkvision. Unleash the full potential of your mystical abilities with these recommended races for the perfect Wizard build!
Remember, my fellow adventurers, the key to a successful journey lies not only in choosing the perfect race for your class but also in embracing the spirit of adventure. So grab your weapons, memorize your spells, and embark on an epic quest through Baldur’s Gate 3! May your dice always roll in your favor.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now for PC. The PlayStation 5 version will be available on September 6th, 2023. A version for Xbox Series X/S is still in development.
