Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access: Race (& Subrace) Breakdowns

From what Larian Studios has revealed so far about their release of their relationships with other characters.

Lorian Studios' development process in regards to character creation is also nothing to scoff at and it is no wonder the game received a slight delay. According to development updates posted by the studio, All characters and races are based on 3D scans of actual actors and models. The team at Lorian Studios claims they have meticulously selected and molded these scans to resemble their desired vision for the non-human races as well as to create diversity among the humans. The team also gladly talks about how they searched for models that had imperfections or unique features as they figured it would add to the uniqueness of each character and race. By utilizing the scans of 40 different people of varying ages and ethnicities, BG3 will launch into early access with a total of 150 base heads to choose from across the races and subraces available in the game. Below is a list of the available races and their subraces that the game will launch with as well as details about the unique backgrounds of each one.

Every Race & Subrace Available at Launch In Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 16 Races and Subraces Available

Humans: Humans will be the most common race in Faerûn. Similar to humans, in reality, the humans of Faerûn are known for their tenacity, creativity, and limitless potential for growth. They are also known to live in the present while planning for the future, giving them the drive for adventure and the desire to leave behind a legacy.
Githyanki: The Githyanki Are excellent warriors that come from the Astral Plane. They are well known for their distinct silver blades and red dragon mounts. The Githyanki also ultimately seek revenge and destruction on the mind flayers, whose ancient empire had enslaved the Githyanki race for millennia.
High Elf: High Elves are a subrace of Elf which have an affinity for magic in all forms. As heirs of the mystical Feywild, even High Elves who do not study spellcraft are blessed with the ability to manipulate the Weave.
Wood Elf: Wood Elves are another subrace of Elf which are adept in the art of archery and camouflage. Most of them have spent their lives in Faerûn's forests, they've also developed an otherworldly swiftness.
Seldarine Drow: The Seldarine Drow is a subrace of the Drow. The Drow themselves are a result of two conflicting elven deities, Corellon Larethian and Lolth. The actions of Lolth caused the Drow to migrate to the Underdark, where they split into warring factions. The Seldarine Drow can be seen collecting allies all around Faerûn as they seek to end their conflict with the Lolth-Sworn Drow by any means necessary.
Lolth-Sworn Drow: The Lolth-Sworn is another subrace of the Drow which were raised by Lolth's cult in the city of Menzoberranzan. These particular Drow abide by the corrupt and merciless teachings of their sworn goddess. They are also marked with glowing red eyes to strike fear into inhabitants of the Underdark.
High Half-Elf: The High Half-Elves are a subrace of Half-Elves. Fortunately, these halflings have not totally lost their affinity for magic and wild power inherent in their bloodline.
Wood Half-Elf: This is another subrace of the Half-Elves. Like other Wood Elves, these halflings still possess a quickened stride and affinity for stealth. However, many break recluse from the Faerûn forests to explore the realm.
Drow Half-Elf: Yet another subrace of Elves and Drow, they are the products of affairs between Seldarine Drow and other surface dwellers. They still retain some magical prowess from their bloodline but aren't usually raised in the Underdark.
Gold Dwarf: Gold Dwarves are a subrace of Dwarves that are well known for confidence and intuition. They also hold dear the culture of their Deep Kingdom which values family, ritual, and fine craftsmanship.
Shield Dwarf: Shield Dwarves are another subrace of Dwarves that has long since surrendered their ancient kingdoms to Goblins and Orcs. Although usually cynical in worldview, they are willing to do anything to restore their ancestral homelands.
Lightfoot Halfling: Not much can be said about Lightfoot Halflings except that they manage to be both stealthy and social. They can be seen all over Faerûn making themselves known across the land.
Strongheart Halfling: Strongheart Halflings say they owe their Dwarven blood for their hardiness. They boast natural resistance to poison and can summon spurts of endurance.
Asmodeus Tiefling: Asmodeus Tieflings are a subrace of Tieflings which are bound to Nessus, the deepest layer of the Hells. As a result, they possess the ability to wield fire and darkness due to their relation to the archdevil, Asmodeus.
Mephistopheles Tiefling: The Mephistopheles Tiefling descends from archdevil Mephistopheles and are granted adeptness in arcane magic.
Zariel Tiefling: Yet another race of Tiefling which is empowered with warrior-like strength and the ability to channel searing flame due to their relation to Zariel.