An as RPG, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you the freedom to make your own playable character. There is a selection of pre-made characters for you to play as, but there is also a character customization tool available if you want to make your own avatar.

Part of that customization process allows you to pick from one of nine races in Baldur’s Gate 3. Each race grants you specific buffs and abilities, and you may want a hand deciding which one to opt for. Our rundown of each Baldur’s Gate 3 race shows you what you will get if you select them, so read on before you make your selection.

Drow

Underdark elves who worship the goddess Lolth. There are no sub-races available for you to choose from for this race.

  • Ability – +1 Charisma ScoreRacial features – Cantrips, Darkvision, Drow Weapon Training

Dwarf

A race who hate goblins and orcs, and who live in the hills or beneath the mountains.

  • Ability – +2 Constitution ScoreRacial features – Darkvision, Dwarven Combat Training, Dwarven Resilience, Tool Proficiency, StonecuttingSub-races – Hill Dwarf and Mountain DwarfLanguages – Common and Dwarvish

Elf

Gifted in magic and beings of ethereal beauty. They live in this world but are not entirely a part of it.

  • Ability – +2 Dexterity ScoreRacial features – Darkvision, Keen Senses, Fey Ancestry, TranceSub-races – High Elf and Wood ElfLanguages – Common and Elvish

Half-Drow

Clever and tenacious, Half-Drows have been exiled from their Drow colonies and live and work alone. There are no sub-races.

  • Abilities – +1 to two Ability Scores of player’s choosingRacial features – Cantrips, Darkvision

Half-Elf

Beings who possess elven and human qualities. This race is welcomed by all, but they struggle to find a place to truly call home. Tend to live alone or with other social outcasts, and have no sub-races

  • Abilities – +2 Charisma Score, +1 to two other Ability Scores of player’s choosingRacial features – Darkvision, Fey Ancestry, Skill VersatilityLanguages – Common, Elvish, and another of player’s choice

Halfling

Halflings value home life more than any other race. A preference for quiet, communal lives over fighting, and can travel in nomadic tribes to discover new lands to settle on.

  • Ability – +2 Dexterity ScoreRacial features – Lucky, Brave, Halfling NimblenessSub-races – Lightfoot and StoutLanguages – Common and Halfling

Githyanki

Fearsome warriors who seek out and destroy all mind flayers. Trained in silver blade combat, and often seen riding red dragons. No sub-races.

  • Abilities – +2 Strength Score, +1 Intelligence ScoreRacial features – Decadent Mastery, Martial Prodigy

Human

The youngest of the common races, and shorter-lived than most races. Possess the most increases to their ability scores due to their perseverance, determination, and will to succeed. No sub-races.

  • Abilities – +1 Intelligence Score, +1 Strength Score, +1 Dexterity Score, +1 Widsom Score, +1 Constitution Score, +1 Charisma ScoreRacial features – +1 additional languageLanguages – Common

Tiefling

Demonic-looking beings due to a pact with the Overlord of the Nine Hells Asmodeus. Tieflings are often ridiculed and attacked in the streets for their appearance and ancient sin.

  • Ability – +2 Charisma Score, +1 Intelligence ScoreRacial features – Darkvision, Hellish Resistance, Infernal LegacySub-races – Asmodeus TieflingLanguages – Common and Infernal