Highlights
- Players can create their own characters in Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing for customization and catering to personal preferences.
- Making the right choices when it comes to Baldur’s Gate 3 character creation can lead to optimal gameplay and maximize opportunities in the game.
- Consider selecting the Dark Urge for a more riveting and morally challenging playthrough, choosing a pre-made origin for a cohesive party dynamic, and selecting a non-origin class for more straightforward gameplay.
Players who want to dive deep into the world of Faerun in Baldur’s Gate 3 can do so in the guise of their very own character. Thanks to the expanded nature of Dungeons & Dragons mechanics, players can create various characters that cater to their preferences. However, fans who want to make the best choices when it comes to Baldur’s Gate 3 character creation may want to consider maximizing their opportunities early.
With the right approach, Baldur’s Gate 3 players can create characters that could put even the edgiest and cheesiest D&D 5e build to shame – at least, in the context of the Larian Studios title. However, just how can players achieve an optimal character as soon as they start the game?
Updated September 16, 2023 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Baldur’s Gate 3 making its way to the PS5, fans of Dungeons & Dragons can finally play with their D&D characters in a full-fledged campaign set in the Forgotten Realms. While tasked to defend Faerun against a Mindflayer invasion, characters also have to remove an Illithid parasite before they transform into the very beings they’re fighting.
With these kinds of stakes, the ideal player character must be tenacious and capable of handling any threats. In turn, the Baldur’s Gate 3 character creation process should consider selecting a pre-made Origin, a grittier story with the Dark Urge, min-maxing Class options and Abilities, as well as going aggro at the onset.
15 Consider The Dark Urge
Unlike character creation mechanics in RPGs such as Divinity: Original Sin 2 where custom characters are usually depicted as generic “chosen ones,” the Baldur’s Gate 3 story offers a seamless way of going into an evil playthrough via the Dark Urge. Hinted only as a person who is haunted by a horrific past they can’t seem to remember, the playthrough of the Dark Urge in the D&D game is often met with strange choices that often lead to bloodshed.
Unlike the Custom Origin where players create a person positioned as a hero, the Dark Urge retains the option of a custom character but is rife with a moral crisis. Players who want a more riveting take on their Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay should consider getting the Dark Urge, especially if they want a more “complete” first playthrough that shows them the extent of dialogue options in the game.
14 Choosing A Pre-Made Origin Isn’t Bad
When a game like Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to create D&D characters almost straight out of their imagination, choosing a Pre-Made Origin that limits one’s appearance and story doesn’t seem as practical. This element becomes more apparent with the realization that the six Pre-Made Origins in the game are the first Companions players can acquire in their playthrough, as with Divinity: Original Sin 2 gameplay. Considering how players will likely explore each character’s side story even if they’re Companions, there doesn’t seem as much incentive to choose a Pre-Made Origin as a protagonist.
However, its benefits will be more closely seen when players realize their Custom Origin suffers from a case of “silent hero” syndrome common to customizable protagonists. Moreover, with the game only allowing players to use four characters at a time from a 10-character roster, players may have a more cohesive playthrough experiencing how the Pre-Made Origins are meant to interact with each other without the influence of a player-made character.
13 Consider A Non-Origin Class
With Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay being an accurate translation of Dungeons & Dragons 5e mechanics, it’s unsurprising for the acclaimed RPG to feature all 12 major D&D Classes as possible selections for players. Moreover, each Class having at least three Subclasses to choose from on top of Multiclassing and respec options all make BG3 builds extremely diverse at any point in the game’s story.
However, players who want a more straightforward take on the game’s story can opt for Companions using their default Classes while their Custom Origin uses a non-Origin Class. Among the game’s selection, this means choosing either a Bard, a Monk, or a Sorcerer. At first glance, this suggestion may seem to “limit” a player’s overall creativity towards builds. However, this allows players to ensure Companions function within their default theme without risking having the same character duplicate a skillset, maximizing a party’s customizability.
12 Min-Max Base Abilities
When players create their character in Baldur’s Gate 3, Ability Scores are likely one of the things they can easily miss considering the myriad of options available to them. While all builds offer different features and options, their efficiency depends on how well players roll their corresponding Checks. Building on that, however, Checks are only as effective as the Modifiers that get added to the results.
These Modifiers are based on Ability Scores or numbers assigned to a character’s stats. In character creation, players can have as low as 8 (-1) or as high as 17 (+3), and this is something players should maximize. With 27 points to allocate alongside free +2 and +1 Bonuses, a min-maxed array could be derivatives of 17, 16, 15, 8, 8, 8, wherein scores should prioritize spellcasting (INT/CHA/WIS), attack (STR/DEX), and health (CON).
11 Select An Aggro Build For Early Game
While players who want to enjoy their Baldur’s Gate experience are free to create a character according to their preferences, their custom adventurers can maximize their early-game experience with an aggressive build. Although all Classes feature some way of gaining an advantage in combat, selecting Baldur’s Gate 3 builds that accommodate more offensive plays can make the first hours of the game much easier for players.
Ideally, players should select Classes and abilities that give them immediate access to combat skills. That way, they always have some form of attack against opponents under any circumstance, especially when they get overwhelmed in the first stages of the game. Examples of such setups include spellcasters with constant access to Cantrips and 1st-Level Spells, Rogues with their Sneak Attacks, as well as Monks with their Flurry of Blows.
10 Combat Preference Is Tied To Classes
Classes often dictate a player’s overall character creation flow in the RPG, especially if they want a character who can engage in combat efficiently with the rest of their Baldur’s Gate 3 party. Here are Classes to consider:
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Fighter, Barbarian:
Perhaps the best tanks in the game, the Class of choice dictates combat versatility. Barbarians rely on Rage for straightforward damage. Fighters possess more fluidity in dictating the flow of combat, courtesy of multiple Proficiencies. -
Monk, Ranger, Rogue:
Often considered as the Classes with potential for the most DPS, a player’s combat approach depends on the Class chosen. Monks rely on Ki and boast better mobility, preferring to fight up close with simpler weapons. Rangers resemble the Fighter in terms of combat versatility but are less tanky. Rogues rake in high damage numbers from the shadows. -
Sorcerer, Wizard:
Glass cannons in terms of frail health in exchange for sheer damage output, Sorcerers and Wizards possess some of the most devastating spells in the game. Choosing them means accessing the best utility options in the RPG, but players may need to ensure they’re protected.
9 Support Preference Needs Versatility
Players who want to create more flexible Baldur’s Gate 3 characters who don’t excel in combat but more than make up for it with support potential wouldn’t go wrong with certain Classes. However, certain support-oriented Classes do lean towards either conversational or healing playstyles, requiring some additional protection from Companions:
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Bard, Warlock:
Practically the ones suited for
Face Classes or conversationalists
, Bards and Warlocks are well-balanced Classes. On top of advantages when talking, they offer some spellcasting flavor as well as opportunities to dish out damage in straightforward combat. -
Cleric, Druid, Paladin:
Often relegated as healers and sub-tanks, their Class dictates the best type of support they offer the rest of the party. Clerics offer more buffing versatility, whereas Paladins are more combat-oriented with a bit of charismatic flair. Druids have access to Wildshape on top of their spells, making them more nature-thematic.
8 Secure Proficiencies For Flexibility
Class Features work the same way as their D&D counterpart, wherein the character’s perceived experience with the Class gives them access to certain skill sets. For instance, choosing a Rogue in Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay gives players access to Melee and Ranged Sneak Attacks on top of Weapon Proficiencies (Simple Weapon, Hand Crossbow, Longsword, Rapier, Shortsword), Armor Proficiencies (Light Armour), Saving Throws (Dexterity, Intelligence), and four more Skill Proficiencies of the player’s choice.
Players looking to optimize their character early on should consider what Proficiencies their Class already possesses. That way, they can choose other elements that provide new Proficiencies, such as Race and Background. The more Proficiencies players have, the more flexible their builds can get.
7 Avoid Redundancies In Stats
Building upon securing Proficiencies in a character, players who want to enjoy their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough should consider opting out of options that “repeat” the same Proficiencies. Considering how players won’t always encounter weapons and armor that correspond to their Proficiencies, expanding their allowable gear can secure smoother gameplay.
For instance, building upon the Rogue, players may want to consider making a Half-Elf as the Civil Militia Feature further adds Spears, Pikes, Halberds, Glaives, and Shield to Proficiencies. Choosing to be a Wood Half-Elf also adds a Stealth Proficiency, expanding a Rogue’s selection of potential Skill Proficiencies.
On top of giving players access to a wide range of Races common to Faerun and the Forgotten Realms, players can also enjoy their Baldur’s Gate 3 experience by choosing a Sub-Race associated with their Race of choice, complete with Features and special bonuses.
For instance, all Dragonborn can be of 10 colors, all of which possess one of five unique Breath Weapons that act as a special attack. Meanwhile, Half-Elves can enjoy an extra Cantrip (High Half-Elf), more movement and Stealth Proficiencies (Wood Half-Elf), and generate a light source via Dancing Lights (Drow Half-Elf).
5 Skill Proficiencies Help Exploration
Whereas Weapon and Armor Proficiencies often dictate how characters can secure gear in Baldur’s Gate 3, their Skill Proficiencies dictate their performance in most explorations and conversations. Most Races, Classes, and Backgrounds offer various Skill Proficiencies, and it’s best to secure the ones players want to use the most. Splitting them into functions would have this variety:
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Knowledge:
Go for INT-based Skills, particularly Investigation. -
Exploration:
Go for WIS-based Skills, especially Perception. Insight, as well as Survival, could be decent secondaries. STR-based characters could also opt for Athletics, whereas DEX-based characters could go for Acrobatics. -
Conversation:
Opt for CHA-based Skills, choosing a specialization between Persuasion and Intimidation. -
Crime:
Use Deception (CHA) as well as DEX-based Skills such as Sleight of Hand and Stealth for builds that want to explore criminal endeavors such as stealing from and deceiving others.
4 Amplify Performance With Abilities
On top of choosing one’s Race, Class, and Background, D&D mechanics adapted by Baldur’s Gate 3 also give players options to manipulate their base Attributes through point assignment. As with other RPGs, Abilities lead to improvements in other stats, making it crucial for players to tinker with their character’s Abilities to suit their character’s needs. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to raise the Abilities most associated with the character’s Class and Skill Proficiencies, settling with -1 or +0 Modifiers for the throwaway or dump stat and around +2 to +3 to their main stats (usually associated with Saves).
For instance, a Bard should prioritize Charisma as this is their Spellcasting Modifier as well as the main Attribute of their Skill Proficiencies. Their second priority is Dexterity, as this is their Saving Throw, which could then also become their main attack modifier with Versatile Weapons or Ranged Weapons.
3 Secure A Balanced Set Of Actions
One of the most important steps players should take when creating a Baldur’s Gate 3 character involves securing the best starting Actions or Spells, as these dictate how they will approach their first few sets of combat encounters. Players would ideally want a character to have a decent slate of damaging Actions on top of support and utility abilities.
For instance, a Bard has access to 2 Cantrips and 2 1st-Level Spells on the get-go. In terms of making a support-damage balance, players can use Vicious Mockery (Cantrip) to both deal some damage and impose Disadvantage on Attack Rolls of powerful enemies, as well as True Strike to secure Advantage on their next Attack Roll. For 1st-Level Spells, Bards can opt for Healing Word for an accessible Bonus Action Heal and diversify their kit with any of the other 1st-Level options.
2 Always Select A Defensive Option
Players should consider adding a defensive option to their Baldur’s Gate 3 character as early as Character Creation. These can come in the form of healing spells or even defensive features as long as they provide some form of defense for characters in the early game.
For instance, most Classes have some way of additional healing and protection, such as Lay On Hands (Paladin), Second Wind (Fighter), and Unarmored Defense (Barbarian, Monk). Early-game healing spells such as Healing Word and defensive options such as Shield of Faith, Protection From Evil And Good, and Sanctuary also become must-haves.
1 Stress On Cheesing Later
While not necessarily contributing towards “creating” a character, players who want to enjoy their Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay should consider stressing on cheesing their character build later in the game instead of this early. This is mainly because the overall gameplay of Baldur’s Gate 3 title can be very different even for D&D veterans, especially since the game provides different approaches to finish its many challenges.
Moreover, players will get to meet Withers later on, who is an NPC that provides them with an option to respec their characters in exchange for Gold. Thanks to Withers, players can focus more on exploring BG3’s overall gameplay offerings before hard-optimizing or min-maxing their characters for the endgame.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently available on PC and PS5. An Xbox release is currently planned.