Best Race Tier List: Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

Abu Bakar Karim
By Abu Bakar Karim
9 Min Read
Best Race Tier List: Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

You might want to learn about all the best Races in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is undoubtedly one of a kind in the world of C-RPGs. Developed by Larian Studios and published by Wizards of the Coast, this is the first to mark the Unity engine’s debut. After about a century, we are now in the Sword Coast region of Faerûn. Develop your characters to progress, slay numerous foes, and complete several hundred objectives. To initiate that, you need some sort of guidance in character creation.

Now that we are making our characters, we need to focus on multiple parameters, from choosing the best class to choosing the best attributes for them. And when we talk about choosing a class, we also have to focus on the origin of the Race. This might be a bit confusing, as there are several options and a high chance of running into the maze all day long. This guide will give you a complete overview of choosing the best Race in Baldur’s Gate 3. Remember, the better, the merrier.

Best Race Tier List in BG3

As already mentioned, this tier list from Baldur’s Gate 3 took various parameters into account. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it.

TierCharacter
S-Tier (Best)Zariel Tiefling, Orc (Half), Drow, Elf (Half)
A-Tier (Good)Githyanki, Dragonborn
B-Tier (Average)Halfling, Gnome, Dwarf
C-Tier (Okay)Human

S-Tier

Zariel Tiefling

Zariel Tiefling possesses a unique skill set that sets this Race apart from other races. With a natural affinity for charisma and strength, they excel in roles such as Paladins and Warlocks. While they may lack proficiency in certain skills, their innate qualities can make up for that. Their dark vision allows them to see clearly in dim light, and their Hellish Resistance grants them resistance to infernal elements.

Additionally, Zariel Tiefling has access to distinctive racial spells, including the cantrip Thaumaturgy and the spell Searing Smite, which infuses their attacks with fiery power. Overall, Zariel Tiefling offers a compelling alternative for you if you are seeking to explore a new domain.

Half-orc

Half-orcs are one of the most passionate and action-oriented races in BG3. They excel in classes like Fighters, Barbarians, and Paladins. With their swift speed and dark vision, they have an advantage in combat. Moreover, their ability to regenerate a hit point when at zero health and their Savage Attacks make them formidable in close combat.

While they may not be ideal for any type of spellcaster roles, their strengths make them a strong choice. However, their focus on offense and lack of versatility may make them less advantageous compared to other races.

Drow

The Drow Race in BG3 offers unique strengths, making them one of the most formidable choices. They receive a +2 dexterity bonus and a +1 charisma bonus, making them well-suited for dexterity-based classes and charisma-based spellcasters. Their Fey Ancestry trait grants them an advantage against charm effects and immunity to sleep. This is best suited for maintaining concentration.

Their Superior Darkvision allows them to see twice as far in darkness, giving them an advantage in ranged combat, just like the Half-Orcs. Their spellbook includes spells like Dancing Lights, Faerie Fire, and Darkness, making them versatile in different situations.

Half-Elf

Half-Elves in Baldur’s Gate 3 are a versatile Race. With a charisma bonus and the ability to choose bonuses in two abilities, they also offer flexibility. Their movement and proficiencies are average, but their characteristics, like Fey Ancestry and Darkvision, maximize their utility. Fey Ancestry grants immunity to charm effects and sleep, while Darkvision allows them to see in low-light environments.

Half-Elf variants also inherit spells from the Drow, which in term, adds more value. Their ability to select two enhancements makes them adaptable, especially for ranged Warlocks. Overall, Half-Elves are an adaptable race in the game.

A-Tier

Githyanki

The Githyanki are a Race of elite warriors known for their agility and martial prowess. They have a mission to eradicate mind flayers, their ancient oppressors. With their Astral Knowledge, they gain proficiency in talents that increase their adaptability, and the Mage Hand spell enhances their magical capabilities. They have these skills, like the Psionic Jump ability for increased mobility and Misty Step for teleportation.

Githyanki is best suited for melee-focused classes like Barbarian, Fighter, and Paladin, thanks to their exceptional mobility. However, their lack of optional subclasses, specialized damage resistance, and Darkvision limit their potential compared to other races.

Dragonborn

The Dragonborn Race is proudly known for its lineage that emphasizes talent. They have a base movement speed of 9 meters per turn, showcasing their high agility. The Draconic Ancestry trait grants them resistance to damage associated with their chosen Dragon-type. Their Breath Weapon ability deals damage based on their dragon lineages, such as fire, lightning, or acid.

There are ten subraces of Dragonborn, each corresponding to a different type of dragon. Paladins, Warlocks, and Sorcerers are recommended classes for the Dragonborn race. While they lack Darkvision, their mobility and powerful racial abilities make them formidable in combat.

B-Tier

Halfling

The Halflings have undergone changes since BG2. With a blend of dexterity and charisma, they are well-suited for charisma-based spellcasting classes. Moreover, their proficiency in Stealth allows them to navigate undetected, and their Fearless skill gives them advantages against the feared conditions. The Lucky trait provides a consistent bonus to various factors, making them dependable and resourceful.

These alterations have made Halflings a slightly less appealing option if we compare it with the other races as it faces tough competition from Drow and Half-Elves.

Gnome

Gnomes are known for their small size, intelligence, and energetic nature. They have a base movement pace of 7.5 meters per turn, showcasing their agility. Gnome has an advantage on saving throws involving intelligence, wisdom, and charisma, highlighting their adaptability. Different subtypes of gnomes, like Rock Gnomes, Deep Gnomes, and Forest Gnomes, bring unique qualities to their identities.

However, their slower movement pace can be a disadvantage in fast-paced situations. While gnomes have captivating characteristics, they rank lower compared to the other races.

Dwarf

Dwarves in BG3 are known for their robustness and combat prowess. They have a moderate movement speed and are proficient in various weapons. Their dark vision ability allows them to see in the dark, and they have resilience to poison. Different subraces of Dwarves have unique traits. Fighter, Paladin, and Barbarian are recommended classes for Dwarves.

However, Dwarves have lower rankings due to their slow movement speed and tendency towards melee-focused builds. The popularity of Shield Dwarves has decreased as their attributes have become standardized.

C-Tier

Human

In Baldur’s Gate 3, Humans have undergone changes that have resulted in them having fewer distinctive qualities and racial traits. Human Versatility mainly increases carrying capacity and proficiency in non-combat skills. As a result, humans are considered to be the worst-performing race in the game.

However, this change allows other races to shine with their unique aesthetics, gameplay, and experiences, encouraging players to embrace diversity and explore different race options. Humans may no longer be the optimal choice, but this adds to the game’s overall diversity.

By Abu Bakar Karim Deputy Guide Editor
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AB Karim is the Deputy Editor of the Guide section at GameRiv. With an insatiable love for RPGs and a knack for puns, AB combines his passion for gaming with a professional touch. He has to polish every word with precision; otherwise, he will keep losing health bar. Keep that aside for now, and let's embark on epic quests and unravel mysteries with AB as your trusted guide. Prosst!