In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Elf race embodies agility, longevity, and a deep connection to the Fey.
Source: Larian Studios
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Elf race embodies agility, longevity, and a deep connection to the Fey. Elves are versatile characters that can excel in various roles and playstyles. This guide will provide an overview of how the Elf race works and suggest some effective builds for your character.
Elves in Baldur’s Gate 3
With ethereal countenances and long lifespans, Elves are at home with nature’s power, flourishing in light and dark alike.
Related:
Abilities
Ability Score Increase:
Upon release of the full game, racial choices will no longer be tied to specific ability score bonuses. Each character will get a +2 and +1 bonus to spend on whatever ability stat they would like, regardless of race.
Consequently, this means that the non-ability score traits and racial features are vitally important selecting the appropriate build. Moreover, you won’t be as restricted to certain races when min-maxing by only being able to select a specific race for optimal ability score.
Racial Features:
- Darkvision
- Can see in the dark up to 12 meters.
- Keen Senses
- Proficiency in the Perception skill, helpful discovering traps and other hidden things.
- Fey Ancestry
- Advantage on saving throws when an enemy attempts to charm you, and prevents from being put to sleep by potions, scrolls and spells.
- Proficiency in Longsword, Shortsword, Longbow, and Shortbow
Sub-Races
High Elf
Heirs of the mystical Feywild, high elves value magic in all its forms, and even those who do not study spellcraft can manipulate the Weave.
Additional Racial Features:
- Base Racial Speed
- The distance a race can travel in a single turn. For most races, including the High Elves, this is 9 meters.
- Choose one High Elf Cantrip
- High Elves can choose one cantrip from the Wizard spell list
Wood Elf
Wood elves spend their reclusive lives in Faerun’s forests. Decades of training in archery and camouflage are enhanced by an otherworldly swiftness.
Additional Racial Features:
- Fleet of Foot
- Grants Wood Elves a movement speed of 10.5 meters
- Mask of the Wild
- Grants proficiency in Stealth.
Best Builds for Elves
Rogue
Whether a High Elf or Wood Elf, their natural Dexterity, Perception, and proficiency with certain weapons make them excellent Rogues. You can specialize in stealth, lockpicking, and using magic for misdirection. Focus on Dexterity and Intelligence for ability score improvements. Any of the sub-classes would be a good match, especially for High Elves which would benefit from their extra Intelligence bonus.
Wizard
High Elves in particular complement a Wizard build very well, with their Intelligence bonus, the extra cantrip and weapon proficiency. They can use their magic to blast enemies, buff their allies, or control the battlefield. Focus on Intelligence and Dexterity for ability score improvements.
Ranger
A Wood Elves’ keen senses and connection to nature align well with the Ranger class. You can excel in ranged combat, tracking, and animal companionship. Prioritize Dexterity and Wisdom for ability score improvements, and the best choice for sub-class would be Beast Master or Hunter.
Druid
Choosing a Wood Elf for the Druid class in Baldur’s Gate infuses the gameplay with a captivating blend of nature and agility. Your racial features give you a movement advantage and your affinity for the forests blends well with your Druidic powers, which give you the ability to transform into powerful beasts.
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