Baldur’s Gate 3: D&D Races That Should Be Added

Summary

More race options could be added to Baldur's Gate 3, like Dhampir from Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft.
Aasimar from Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse fit well in BG3's story about gods.
Satyrs, Tabaxi, Harengon, Loxodon, and Eladrin Elves offer unique traits and gameplay options for players in BG3.

Games that are based on Dungeons & Dragons rules usually start with choosing a race and class for the protagonist. There are a total of eleven different races to choose from during the character-building process of Baldur's Gate 3, and that doesn't include the various subraces that are also available.

But the lore of D&D has considerably more choices when it comes to races, and even more when counting Unearthed Arcana and homebrewed options. Just in case Larian ever decides to add a few more races along with those extra Patch 8 subclasses, here are some ideas would make things even more interesting.

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Posts

7 Dhampir

An Undead Option

Sourcebook: Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft
Traits: Vampiric Bite, Deathless Nature

Astarion is a High Elf, and he's a vampire spawn, not a fully-fledged vampire lord like his master, Cazador. The popularity of Astarion's character has prompted more interest in an obscure yet compelling choice that only exists in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft.

This is an adventure about vampires, so naturally it has the option of playing as a "Dhampir," which isn't exactly a vampire but is connected to one through lineage. The Dhampir is a powerful character, starting with a versatile ability score increase of +2 and +1 to any two choices, or +1 to three of them. Vampiric Bite counts as a weapon, and Deathless Nature means the character doesn't need air to breathe, which can be handy in any adventure.

6 Aasimar

Godlike In Power And Appearance

Dungeons And Dragons Alarielle Aasimar Cleric of Amaunator by Lily Abdullina-1

Sourcebook: Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
Traits: Healing Hands, Light Bearer, Celestial Revelation

Considering that part of the story in BG3 is about being in direct contact with gods and godlike beings, an Aasimar would make a lot of sense, plus they have some powerful and useful abilities. They have distinctive features, such as metallic eyes, hair that's white or gold, and perhaps even a halo.

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Aasimar often lean more towards good moral choices, and they're often healing or defending classes such as Clerics, Paladins, or Bards. The version of the race from Volo's Guide to Monsters is slightly different, and players can choose between three subraces that represent Protectors, Scourge, and Fallen souls.

5 Satyr

The Power Of Mythology

D&D, Satyr wandering in the forest official art via Wizards of the Coast

Sourcebook: Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Traits: Mirthful Leaps, Reveler

Satyrs come from the Feywild, but it's not unusual to see them exploring or even living in the material plane. Thanks to one of their special traits, Reveler, Satyrs have proficiency in Persuasion and Performance, two skills that are useful for cheesing tough fights and avoiding physical conflict when navigating tricky NPC dialogue.

Mirthful Leaps gives this race an extra d8 when they use their Jump ability, and anyone who has played BG3 for any length of time knows how often the party uses this skill for finding hidden places and other secrets. Satyrs also get a +2 to Charisma and a +1 to Dexterity, which seems like a natural build for a Bard or Warlock, or a decent basis for a Paladin multiclass.

4 Tabaxi

Quick, Chaotic, Deadly, But Still Adorable

Sourcebook: Volo's Guide to Monsters
Traits: Cat's Claws, Cat's Talent

In keeping with the spirit of cats as the player knows them, members of this race tend to lean towards the Chaotic side of the alignments, but have equal capacity to be good or evil. They also have Darkvision, and Feline Agility gives them extra speed, which they can also use during combat.

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Cat's Claws make them better climbers, giving Tabaxis an extra speed of 20 feet, and as natural weapons, they do 1d4 damage plua the character's Strength modifier. Cat's Talent gives them proficiency in Perception and Stealth, which is great for Rogues, Rangers, and Monks.

3 Harengon

The Quick And The Dexterous

Harengon Wild Beyond the Witchlight official WotC art

Sourcebook: The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
Traits: Hare-Trigger, Leporine Senses, Lucky Footwork.

The Harengon size ranges from medium to small, depending on the player's choice. Survival for this race is mostly about speed and Perception, which is heightened thanks to Leporine Senses. Perception is an excellent skill to have in BG3 because it helps find traps and other important details in one's surroundings.

The Hare-Trigger ability allows the player to add their proficiency bonus to their Perception skill, and Lucky Footwork gives them a chance to add a d4 roll to a failed Dexterity save, possibly changing it to a success. There are currently only Halflings and Gnomes in BG3 as options for smaller races, and the Harengon would add one more.

2 Loxodon

Warriors, Clerics, and Barbarians

Sourcebook: Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica
Traits: Powerful Build, Loxodon Serenity, Keen Smell

Just the thought of playing a character that's part elephant prompts ideas about melee classes and large, blunt weapons. Monks, Barbarians, and Paladins are obvious choices for the noble Loxodin, which leans towards the Lawful side of the good moral alignment.

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By Kristy Ambrose

Officially, their size is medium, but they get a +2 to Constitution and the ability Powerful Build, which allows them to carry the equivalent of a creature one size larger. A +1 to Wisdom and Loxodon Serenity gives them extra skills against being Charmed or Frightened. Keen Smell, thanks to their oversized noses, increases chances of success on any Perception, Survival, or Investigation check that involves an odor.

1 Eladrin Elf

Life In The Seasonal Fey

Sourcebook: Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
Traits: Fey Step, Keen Senses, Trance

There are already elves in BG3, and this is an addition that's a subrace instead of its own distinct species. Right now, BG3 has a selection that includes Wood, High, and Drow elves, and another unique addition would be interesting. They're connected to a season, which the player can choose or use a d4 to determine, and each has their own unique traits and talents.

The Eldarin Elves have some fascinating and useful abilities in addition to the usual talents of Darkvision and ability score increases. Fey Step is a bonus action that the Eldarin Elf can use to teleport to a certain location, similar to the spell Misty Step. Depending on the season, they're associated with, they can Surprise, Frighten, or deal damage to a target within reach. Keen Senses gives them Perception proficiency, and Trance means the Elf doesn't need sleep, nor can they be put to Sleep with magic.