Race and ancestry define a character in Baldur’s Gate 3. Alongside class, these factors shape playstyle and open or close dialogue options. There are moments when a rushed choice becomes obvious. This guide explains whether a player can adjust a character’s race, origin, and class after creation.
Baldur’s Gate 3 guides
What influences the choice of race and origin
In early access, some races offered skill check bonuses. In the released version that mechanic was dropped. Now race affects certain skills, equipment options, and specific dialogue lines. For example, drow see well in darkness and tend to favor light swords, while dwarves prefer axes, resist poison, and move with heavier steps.
Beyond race, a subrace is chosen and it can substantially alter spells and abilities, changing gameplay in meaningful ways.
Races can align naturally with certain classes. Drow often fit villain roles, while halflings often become bards. While it is possible to build a dragonborn into a bard, players may find it useful to consider how a hero’s innate talents align with a class’s traits during character creation.
Origins add another layer of complexity. Players have freedom in selecting an origin, yet the choice influences available skills and dialogue options. Building on the character’s lineage can sharpen existing strengths and open new paths for mastery.
Origin options and related skills:
- Advanced — Insight and religion;
- Charlatan — Deception and sleight of hand;
- Criminal — Deceit and stealth;
- Artist — Acrobatics and performance;
- folk hero — Training and survival;
- Artisanal — Insight and persuasiveness;
- Aristocrat — History and Belief;
- bum — Athletics and Survival;
- Wise — Magic and history;
- Soldier — Athletics and harassment;
- Drifter — Sleight of Hand and Stealth.
How to change race and origin
Officially, changing race or origin after creation is not possible. Class changes are possible, but the core identity of the hero remains fixed. Baldur’s Gate 3 offers several methods to adapt impressions and capabilities when needed. One approach is to learn an Illusion spell that alters appearance temporarily, useful in situations where certain places restrict entry to a specific race.
The second option involves a special artifact known as a werewolf mask. This item is limited to Deluxe Edition owners. Wearing it changes the appearance and grants abilities tied to another race, mirroring a feature seen in another popular RPG. The mask provides a distinct gameplay shift beyond cosmetic changes.
Information about hairdressers or cosmetic options is not disclosed yet, but it is reasonable to expect additions in future updates.
How to switch classes
There is a detailed guide on class changes elsewhere. In short, a class swap is possible by meeting a specific NPC and paying a fee of 100 gold coins. Future updates may streamline this process directly from the camp. In addition, class changes can alter specialties and companion choices, enabling players to rethink builds and assemble an optimal team.
Other guides
The content above reflects practical configurations and potential paths for players exploring Baldur’s Gate 3. These insights help players plan effective party composition, narrative alignment, and strategic development through combat and dialogue reactions. [VG Times]