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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
No Changes
Drow
- 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
- As there is no movements speed penalty for wearing heavy armor in the game, the racial trait for nullifying it is not in the game either.
- Dwarfs get unique dialogue options instead of Stonecunning's double proficiency bonus for stonework-related History.
- Tool Proficiency is not in the game as tool proficiencies in general are not.
- As with all races with Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 40 ft.
Gold Dwarves (Hill Dwarves)
No Changes
Shield Dwarves (Mountain Dwarves)
No Changes
Duergar
- Duerger Resilience does not give saving throw
Advantage or Resistance against poison. - Duerger do not have Sunlight Densitivity.
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 gives Proficiency in Stealth, as characters can attempt to hide at any time in the game.
Half-Elves
- Proficiencies in Light Armour, Shields, Spears, Pikes, Halberds, and Glaive Weapons are new.
- As with all races with Darkvision, its range has been reduced to 40 ft.
- Skill Versatility is not in the game.
Drow Half-Elves
- There is no variant feature, and the variant feature available is Drow Magic.
High Half-Elves
- There is no variant feature, and the variant feature available is Cantrip.
Wood Half-Elves
- There is no variant feature, and the variant feature available is Fleet of Foot.
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.