Baldur’s Gate 3gives players a stunning array of options when it comes to creating the main character. With limitless possible combinations from which to choose, it can be overwhelming for first-time players. If you find yourself staring at the character creation screen without any idea what you’d like to do, we can help.

Related:Baldur’s Gate 3: Do You Need To Have Played Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2?

Shadowheart on the Baldur’s Gate 3 Origin Character screen

This guide breaks down every section of character creation, including what every choice means for your character and gameplay. Use it to plan out your build and make the perfect character for your style of play!

Origin

Your first choice at character creation is your Origin. This lets youchoose from a handful of pre-generated characters, or choose the “Customize” option at the top to build a hero of your own from the ground up. All the pre-generated characters, except for The Dark Urge, can join your party as companions if you aren’t playing as them, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on their abilities in combat.

Check out ourOrigin Characters Guidefor a rundown of each pre-built character, or get started on a custom hero of your own!

a human wizard on the race selection screen in baldur’s gate 3

Race

Your character’s race is their species - there are dozens of sentient peoples throughout Faerun, and you’re able to choose from eleven of these. Each race has a set of unique perks that can be taken on their own or, with some crafty building, combo with other character traits.

Most races also haveSubraces, different lineages or cultures within their species that allow you to customize your character further.

a drow fighter on the class selection screen of baldur’s gate 3

See ourBaldur’s Gate 3 Race Breakdownfor a summary of each species and their advantages.

9m per turn

the backgrounds section of character creation with a human sorcerer in baldur’s gate 3

0m

Affects scale color and horn shape, as well as damage type associated with Breath Weapon and Elemental Resistance:

setting a character’s ability scores at the beginning of baldur’s gate 3

24m

7.5m per turn

a blue-and-white high elf on the guardian creation screen in baldur’s gate 3

12m

Affects skin color and horn shape. Learn an additional cantrip, regardless of Class:

Class

A character’s Class is the most important part of their build, as it affects everything from their stats and powers to which types of equipment they can use. As with Races, certain Classes have Subclasses that let you further specialize your build.

Check out ourBaldur’s Gate 3 Class Breakdownto easily pick the Class that’s right for you!

Sound effects during songs changes based on instrument being played (no in-game effect).

Paladins gain an action based on their Oath, but must observe specific rules of behavior:

Warlocks gain their power by forging a pact with an otherworldly entity:

Classes that don’t start with any Subclasses can unlock advanced Subclasses during the game. Every class gains new features as they level up.

Related:Baldur’s Gate 3: What Is Proficiency?

Background

Your character’s Background details the life they lived before the game began. It provides additional Skills beyond those you’ve learned from your Class. Additionally, you’ll be able togain Inspiration, a useful bonus, during gameplay after taking actions that align with your Background.

Abilities And Skills

Every character has six Ability Scores that represent their base attributes. Whenever you attempt to do something in the game, you’ll have abetter chance of success with a higher Ability Score. Ability Scores lower than ten are bad, while sixteen or higher is very good.

Each Class uses different Ability Scores more frequently, so it’s best to verify that your Class’s primary Ability is the highest. On the Ability screen during character creation, you can choose one Ability Score to get a +2 bonus, and another to get a +1.

Your character’s Skill proficiencies will grant you a bonus to Ability Checks that are related to that Skill.

Strength (STR)

Dexterity (DEX)

Constitution (CON)

Intelligence (INT)

Wisdom (WIS)

Charisma (CHA)

Once you’ve chosen all of these details, all that’s left is to choose which spells you know (if your character can cast spells), then customize your appearance to your liking. At last, you’ll be ready to set forth on your quest!

The Guardian

After finishing your character, you’ll be asked to create your Guardian. This is an NPC who will appear later in the game; you can fully customize their appearance, but this is a cosmetic decision only and has no effect on gameplay.