Explore the enchanting world of Baldur’s Gate 3 with our comprehensive guide to the Half-Elf race. Straddling the line between human ambition and elven grace, Half-Elves are not only versatile adventurers but also possess unique abilities that make them invaluable in any party. Whether you choose the spellcasting prowess of the High Half-Elf, the stealthy agility of the Wood Half-Elf, or the dark magic of the Drow Half-Elf, this guide will equip you with everything you need to harness their potential and navigate the challenges of Faerûn. Dive in to discover race features, subrace options, and tips for crafting your perfect character!
Basic stats and race abilities
Half-elves in Baldur’s Gate 3 combine the best traits of their human and elven heritage, making them versatile characters. They receive a +2 bonus to Charisma and a +1 to two other ability scores of their choice, allowing for customization based on player preference. In addition to their stat bonuses, half-elves possess unique racial abilities such as Darkvision, which enhances their vision in dim light, and Fey Ancestry, granting them advantage on saving throws against being charmed. These attributes make half-elves well-suited for roles that require both social interaction and combat effectiveness, appealing to players who enjoy a balanced approach to gameplay.
After leaving early access, BG3 abandoned the mechanic of adding bonuses to stats depending on race. From now on, every player can choose a 1 and 2 bonus to any stat, regardless of race. This means that choosing a race will mainly influence the appearance of your character and the presence of appropriate race abilities.
Base race speed: The distance you can travel each turn is 9 meters.
Darkvision: up to 12 meters.
Civil Militia
Characteristic feature of the human side of half-elven lineage. Weapon training makes Half-Elves proficient at using spears, pikes, halberds, and glaives. In addition, representatives of this race can wear light armor and proficiently use a shield.
Broad access to a wide range of weapons means that a Half-elf character will be able to defend themselves on the battlefield even in a situation when their class is not associated with direct combat.
Fey Ancestry
Racial ability inherited along with elfish blood. It helps Half-Elves on saving throws against the charmed effect.
Additionally, representatives of this hybrid race are resistant to all forms of magical sleep.
Subraces
Half-Elves in Baldur’s Gate 3 are a unique race that embodies the traits of both their human and elven ancestry, allowing players to choose from three distinct subraces: High Half-Elf, Wood Half-Elf, and Drow Half-Elf. Each subrace offers unique abilities that reflect their elven heritage. The High Half-Elf gains access to a wizard cantrip, utilizing Intelligence for spellcasting, making them adept at magic. The Wood Half-Elf boasts enhanced speed and proficiency in Stealth, perfect for agile combat roles. Meanwhile, the Drow Half-Elf inherits magical abilities like Dancing Lights, Faerie Fire, and Darkness, using Charisma as their spellcasting ability. This versatility allows Half-Elves to excel in various character builds, making them a compelling choice for players seeking flexibility in gameplay.
High Half-Elf
The subrace of Half-Elves is determined by which of the elven peoples was represented by the ancestor or ancestors of the character. Their specific racial abilities are also similar to those manifested by their forefathers.
Half-high elves are therefore able to learn one cantrip from the wide repertoire of Mage cantrips.
The stat used by the high Half-Elf to cast said cantrip is Intelligence.
Wood Half-Elf
These agile characters inherit from their forest-dwelling ancestors the ability to move at high speeds. Their natural movement speed is increased by 1.5 m amounting to a total of 10.5 meters.
Drow Half-Elf
Beings inheriting the blood of the dark Elves have access to the characteristic magic of the Drow.
At level 1, they know the Dancing Lights cantrip, which illuminates a space within a 9-meter radius .
At level 3, they receive the Faerie Fire spell. This spell reveals designated targets and makes attacks against them easier.
Level 5 brings another spell, Darkness, enshrouding a chosen area in a dark cloud and blinding creatures within its radius.
The stat that Drow Half-Elves use to cast racial spells is Charisma.
Best class for a Half-Elf
Choosing the best class for a Half-Elf in Baldur’s Gate 3 hinges on their versatile racial traits and subrace options. Half-Elves are known for their adaptability, making them suitable for a variety of roles. High Half-Elves excel as Arcane Trickster Rogues, leveraging their access to wizard spells to enhance their combat and utility capabilities. Wood Half-Elves, with their increased movement speed and proficiency in stealth, shine as Rangers or Rogues, allowing them to navigate the battlefield with agility. Meanwhile, Drow Half-Elves can effectively serve as Sorcerers or Warlocks, utilizing their unique spells like Faerie Fire to support allies while dealing damage from a distance. Overall, the choice of class should align with the player’s desired playstyle, whether it be magic-focused, stealthy, or combat-oriented, capitalizing on the Half-Elf’s inherent flexibility and strengths.
The mixed heritage of Half-Elves makes representatives of this race very versatile characters. The high mobility of Wood Half-elves can be very useful on the battlefield, making them perfect for example as hunters or rogues.
What are the unique abilities of the High Half-Elf subrace
The High Half-Elf subrace in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a blend of human versatility and elven magic, making them a unique choice for players. Here are their standout abilities:
- Fey Ancestry: High Half-Elves gain advantage on saving throws against being charmed and cannot be magically put to sleep, reflecting their elven heritage and connection to the Feywild.
- Darkvision: They can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light, allowing them to navigate poorly lit environments effectively.
- Cantrip Selection: High Half-Elves can choose one cantrip from the Wizard spell list, using Intelligence as their spellcasting ability. This feature enhances their magical capabilities, providing options like Fire Bolt or Mage Hand for versatility in combat and utility.
These abilities make the High Half-Elf an excellent choice for classes that benefit from both spellcasting and adaptability, such as Wizards, Warlocks, or Bards.
What are the best classes for a High Half-Elf
The High Half-Elf is a versatile subrace in Baldur’s Gate 3, excelling in various classes due to their unique abilities and attributes. Here are the best class options for a High Half-Elf:
| Class | Description | Primary Ability | Spellcasting Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wizard | Masters of arcane magic, specializing in various schools and spells. | Intelligence | Intelligence |
| Warlock | Spellcasters bound to powerful patrons, gaining unique magical abilities. | Charisma | Charisma |
| Sorcerer | Innate spellcasters with a natural affinity for magic, utilizing charisma. | Charisma | Charisma |
| Bard | Charismatic performers who weave magic into their music and tales. | Charisma | Charisma |
| Paladin | Holy warriors who combine martial prowess with divine magic. | Strength/Charisma | Charisma |
| Monk | Martial artists who harness inner energy for combat effectiveness. | Dexterity | Wisdom |
Recommended Class Highlights
- Wizard: The High Half-Elf’s ability to choose a cantrip from the Wizard spell list enhances their spellcasting potential, making them formidable arcane users. Their high Intelligence boosts their spell effectiveness significantly.
- Warlock: With their strong Charisma, High Half-Elves make excellent Warlocks, benefiting from the class’s unique spells and abilities while also leveraging their racial traits for versatility in combat.
- Sorcerer: This class allows High Half-Elves to capitalize on their innate magical abilities, with a focus on charisma-based spells and powerful cantrips, making them effective damage dealers.
- Bard: The Bard class is a natural fit due to the High Half-Elf’s charisma and additional skills, allowing for a well-rounded character capable of supporting allies and dealing damage through spells and music.
- Paladin: Combining martial skills with divine magic, the Paladin class benefits from the High Half-Elf’s ability scores, making them effective frontline fighters who can also heal and support their party.
These classes allow players to fully utilize the High Half-Elf’s strengths while providing diverse gameplay options tailored to various playstyles.
