Summary
- Improve character customization in Baldur's Gate 3 with diverse race mods enhancing abilities-based gameplay.
- Explore unique races like Dragonborn, Githyanki, Shadar-Kai, or create new ones like Owlin or Wispling.
- Whether enhancing existing races or adding new options, mods enrich the story and gameplay experience.
Baldur's Gate 3 offers a wide selection of options to customize characters when starting a new journey, allowing players to choose from various races and classes to create the hero or villain of the story. Although some of these decisions can be altered after the game begins, they are important from the start.
Baldur's Gate 3: Best Toolkit Mods
With the official mod support provided by the Toolkit, these are some of the best mods for Baldur's Gate 3 players to try out.
However, for players who have already ventured multiple times through the narrative of Larian's game, there are ways to enhance this experience, such as through race mods for Baldur's Gate 3, which add even more content to the game. These options usually range from new possibilities for existing races in the game to using entirely new races with unique particularities.
Updated February 23, 2025, by Eduardo Ariedo: It’s been a while since Larian officially started supporting mods for Baldur’s Gate 3, and since the release of Patch 7, the community has been getting more creative than ever, bringing all sorts of new content to the game. One of the most exciting aspects is race mods, which have evolved from simple character tweaks into ambitious projects that introduce a variety of new customization options.
16 Dragonborn Reimagined
More Freedom For One Of Baldur's Gate 3's Main Races
Although the Dragonborn offers an interesting look for players of Baldur's Gate 3, also being the default appearance used for those who want to play as Dark Urge, the race is not one of the most powerful in the game. It offers some limitations for those who choose it, making it not as good an option as others that come in the base game.
However, this mod for Baldur's Gate 3 makes small alterations to the race so that players who create Dragonborn characters feel more powerful. The dragon breath, for example, changes from a standard action to a bonus action, which can be used alongside an attack or another action, making the ability itself even more useful.
15 Gith Overhaul
Enhance The Githyanki Race With New Abilities
The Githyanki race is already a powerful option in Baldur's Gate 3, with characters like Lae'Zel representing the strength and determination of the people. However, for those looking to expand on the Githyanki options in Baldur's Gate 3, the Gith Overhaul mod offers improvements that deepen the experience of playing as a Githyanki.
This mod adds new abilities to the race, aligning them even more with the warrior theme. With features like savage attacks and relentless endurance, the Githyanki become even more formidable in combat. These additions enrich the gameplay and allow for greater immersion in the story of this unique race in Baldur's Gate 3.
14 Shadar-Kai
A New Elf Option Native To The Shadowfell
During Act 2 of the game, players visit the Shadowfell, an important location for the story with several revelations about a party member's past. However, the Shadowfell is also home to the Shadar-Kai, a mysterious people represented in the game by the character He Who Was. Thanks to this race mod for Baldur's Gate 3, players can finally play as one.
The Shadar-Kai are a subrace of elves who serve the Raven Queen, existing in a state between life and death. They possess unique abilities such as Necrotic Damage Resistance and the "Blessing of the Raven Queen," which allows them to teleport as a bonus action and gain resistance to all damage after using this ability at level 3.
13 ElementalPowerGenasi
Master The Elemental Powers With This Race Mod
Genasi are beings connected to the Elemental Planes, direct descendants of genies or born in locations imbued with elemental magic. Each Genasi has an affinity with one of the four fundamental elements: air, earth, fire, and water. This connection grants them unique appearances and abilities that reflect the elemental power of their origin.
With the ElementalPowerGenasi mod for Baldur's Gate 3, players can explore these unique abilities. Each subrace offers specific advantages linked to their element; for example, Fire Genasi resist fire and can conjure flames; Air Genasi control the wind and can levitate; Earth Genasi ignore difficult terrain; and Water Genasi manipulate water, enriching the gameplay.
12 AstralElves
Bringing More Cosmic Flavor To The Game
Astral Elves are an elven subrace that, ages ago, migrated from the Feywild to the Astral Plane in search of proximity to the gods themselves. Life in the Silver Void infused their souls with divine light, visible as a starry gleam in their eyes. Being immortal in the Astral Plane, they have a unique perspective on time and existence.
With the Astral Elves race mod for Baldur's Gate 3, especially in Patch 7, players can experience the exclusive abilities of this subrace. In addition to traditional elven traits, they gain access to Radiant Fire, learning a cantrip spell. They can also use Starlight Step to teleport and obtain Astral Knowledge, acquiring temporary proficiency in skills, bringing a new dynamic to the game.
11 Imp Race
Assume The Role Of A Small Demon In Baldur's Gate 3
Another highly creative race mod for Baldur's Gate 3 is one that adds Imps as a playable option for players — especially for those tired of the traditional humanoid options the game offers. Playing as these small demons that inhabit the Nine Hells offers an exotic choice; great for those who have already experienced most of what Baldur's Gate 3 has to offer and want to get a little weird.
Although they don't offer as much customization as other races in Baldur's Gate 3, and some elements may appear buggy, it is still a creative choice with considerable quality, having taken the enemies available in the game and modified them to be playable. Thus, players also have access to some exclusive abilities, such as invisibility and unique attacks.
10 Wispling
Half-Halflings With Arcane Aptitude
Wisplings are hybrid beings that combine the characteristics of halflings with a demonic heritage, resulting in small creatures with an innate connection to magic. Originating from the Fiend Folio of Dungeons & Dragons 3.5, they can now be experienced in Baldur's Gate 3 thanks to a mod that introduces them as a new playable race.
With the Toolkit Data available in Patch 7, it's possible to explore the unique abilities of Wisplings. They have an advantage in stealth, affinity with Wild Magic, and access to the "Shocking Grasp" spell. As they progress, they acquire abilities like "Disguise Self" and "Invisibility," providing an enriching experience for those seeking new race mods in Baldur's Gate 3.
9 Owlin Race Mod
Owl-Inspired Race Mod For Baldur's Gate 3
Introduced in Strixhaven from Dungeons & Dragons, the Owlin are enigmatic creatures with the appearance of humanoid owls. Originating from magical realms, they possess unique abilities that reflect both the concept of the lore and the animals on which they are based. Now, this fascinating race can be played in Baldur's Gate 3 thanks to a dedicated mod.
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With the arrival of Toolkit Data for Patch 7, players can assume the role of an Owlin, exploring new mechanics in the game. The race offers superior 
Darkvision, the ability to fly, and proficiency in stealth, providing a unique experience for players. Additionally, it's possible to slightly customize the appearance, helping players to make this already unique option even more distinct.
8 Kuo-Toa Playable Race
Play As The Humanoid Fish From The Underdark
Perhaps one of the weirdest encounters in Baldur's Gate 3 is with the Kuo-Toa while exploring the Underdark. These humanoid fish people have a strong penchant for resolving everything through violence and also worship BOOAL, participating in a dark ritual as players try to reach Act 2 of the game, offering a formidable challenge.
However, for those who have always been curious to play as them, there is now a race mod available for Baldur's Gate 3 that puts players in the role of a Kuo-Toa, thanks to the arrival of Toolkit Data for Patch 7 of the game. The author was quite creative in developing the content, also creating some abilities and spells geared towards the concept, ensuring that the gameplay is unique.
7 Eclip5e's Monster Races
Mod Adds Various Uncommon Races To Baldur’s Gate 3
Although Baldur’s Gate 3 has a wide selection of races for character customization, some individuals might want more peculiar options. This mod delivers by introducing several new creatures to the character creator of this RPG. Besides the standard choices, it is now possible to play as Dryad, Harpy, or even a Plasmoid.
The models in this mod for Baldur’s Gate 3 are detailed, each with specific abilities or spells that set them apart. However, as stated by the creator of the mod, certain races may have somewhat rigid animations because they were not built for non-humanoid bodies, though the end result is still impressive.