D&D 5e race changes

This page and related pages summarize rule changes from the implementation of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) rules to Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3).

The rule changes described on this page and related pages are written with the assumption the reader understands the relevant D&D 5e rule. These pages will not explain what the D&D 5e rule is, only what the changed or altered BG3 rule is. These pages also include many BG3 features and abilities that are unchanged from D&D 5e to help a D&D 5e player quickly see which options have changed and which have not, and make decisions without having to do additional research. If the BG3 rule aligns with a OneD&D rule or other playtest material from D&D 5e, that is considered a rule change from D&D 5e.

There will be rapid changes to these pages at BG3's launch, so leaving relevant comments with any edits are strongly encouraged.

Dragonborn

• Dragonborn are not implemented in Early Access. This is a placeholder.

Drow

While Drow are technically a subrace of elves in D&D 5e, they are listed separately in BG3 because they have very different dialogue tags with their own subraces. These subraces include the typically evil aligned Lolth-Sworn and the typically good aligned Seldarine Drow. These subraces are mechanically the same, but have their own belief systems and dialogue tags.

• As with all races with Superior Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 80 ft.
• Drow do not have sunlight sensitivity.
• The Trance feature is only implemented by changing your posture while resting in camp.

Dwarves

• Dwarves do not get a unique feature allowing them to ignore the movement speed penalty for wearing heavy armor without sufficient strength, because that movement speed penalty is not in BG3 whatsoever as of EA patch 9.
• Stonecunning feature is not directly implemented in BG3, but a similar benefit can be gained by Dwarf dialogue tags on relevant subjects.
• Dwarves do not gain any tool proficiencies as tool proficiencies are not used in BG3.
• As with all races with Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 40 ft.

Gold Dwarves (Hill Dwarves)

• No Changes

Shield Dwarves (Mountain Dwarves)

• All races now must use the +2/+1 flexible ability score distribution from Tasha's. This may impact Mountain Dwarves +2 bonus to Strength (needs confirmation).

Duergar

• Duergar are not implemented in Early Access. This is a placeholder.

Elves

• As with all races with Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 40 ft.
• The Trance feature is only implemented by changing your posture while resting in camp.

High Elves

• No changes

Wood Elves

• The Wood Elves' Mask of the Wild feature has been replaced by Proficiency in Stealth.

Half-Elves

• All races now must use the flexible ability score distribution from Tasha's. This will negatively impact Half-elves' starting ability scores. They are gaining additional feature(s) to compensate for the loss in total ability scores which may include proficiency in light armor (needs verification), shields (needs verification), and spears, pikes, halberd, and glaive weapons.
• As with all races with Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 40 ft.
• The D&D 5e Player's Handbook (PHB) default version of Half-Elves with the Skill Versatility feature are not in BG3. Only the three Half-Elf variants from the Swords Coast Adventurer's Guide (SCAG) listed below are included with relevant changes.

Drow Half-Elves

• No changes.

High Half-Elves

• A High Half-Elf does not get to pick between Elf Weapon Training or Cantrip. You must use Cantrip.

Wood Half-Elves

• A Wood Half-Elf does not get to pick between Elf Weapon Training, Fleet of Foot, or Stealth proficiency (which replaces Mask of the Wild). You automatically get Fleet of Foot and Stealth proficiency.

Half-Orcs

• Not implemented in Early Access. This is a placeholder.

Halflings

• Halfling Nimbleness (ability to move through space of creatures larger than you) is not implemented.

Lightfoot Halflings

• No changes to Lightfoot Halflings.

Strongheart Halflings (Stout Halflings)

• No changes to Stout Halflings.

Humans

• Variant Humans are not implemented. Only the default Human is available.
• All races now must use the +2/+1 flexible ability score distribution from Tasha's. This will negatively impact Humans' starting ability scores. They are gaining additional feature(s) to compensate for the loss in total ability scores which may include proficiency in light armor, shields, and spears, pikes, halberd, and glaive weapons.

Githyanki

• Githyanki are based off the Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes (legacy) version, not the Monsters of the Multiverse updated version. They are otherwise implemented accurately according to Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes.

Gnomes

• No changes to the base Gnome race.

Forest Gnomes

• Natural Illusionist feature is not implemented, so they are not granted Minor Illusion.
• Speak with Small Beasts has been changed to grant one free cast of Speak with Animals per long rest, which does not require concentration and now lasts til long rest.
• As with all races with Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 40 ft.

Rock Gnomes

• Tinker feature is not implemented.
• Artificer's Lore is changed to grant Expertise in History checks.
• As with all races with Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 40 ft.

Deep Gnomes (Svirfneblin)

• The Deep Gnomes' Stone Camouflage provides advantage to stealth checks at all times, not just against rocky terrain.
• As with all races with Superior Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 80 ft.

Tieflings

• No changes to the base race.

Asmodeus Tieflings

• This is another name for the Player Handbook Tiefling, and is implemented with no changes.

Mephistopheles Tieflings

• No changes.

Zariel Teiflings

• No changes.

Related D&D 5e Rule Change Pages

• D&D 5e Rule Changes
• D&D 5e Class Changes
• D&D 5e Spell Changes
• D&D 5e Feat Changes