When it comes to choosing the best race for a Bard in Baldur’s Gate 3, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to think about what kind of role you want your Bard to play in the party. Are you looking for a spellcasting powerhouse, a charismatic party face, or a versatile skill monkey? Once you have a good understanding of your Bard’s intended role, you can start to narrow down your choices.
If you’re looking for a Bard who can hold their own in combat, you’ll want to consider races with bonuses to Dexterity and Constitution, such as the Elf or Halfling. These races will give your Bard the AC and hit points they need to survive on the front lines. However, if you’re more interested in playing a support role, you may want to consider races with bonuses to Charisma and Intelligence, such as the Tiefling or Githyanki. These races will give your Bard the skills they need to cast spells, inspire their allies, and talk their way out of trouble.
Ultimately, the best race for a Bard in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the one that best suits your playstyle and party composition. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect race for your Bard. So experiment, have fun, and don’t be afraid to try out different races until you find the one that feels right for you.
Celestial Warlock
Becoming a Celestial Warlock grants a budding bard with the power to cast Eldritch Blast, a powerful offensive cantrip that deals force damage at range.
Additionally, Celestial Warlocks are imbued with the Sacred Flame ability, which conjures a divine flame to damage and ignite targets. This versatility allows the bard to engage in both ranged and close-range combat.
The level 1 Celestial Warlock subclass feature, Healing Light, grants the ability to cast the Cure Wounds spell. This healing ability enables the bard to support allies and restore their vitality.
Racial Bonuses
When creating a Celestial Warlock, players can select from a variety of races to enhance their character’s abilities:
| Race | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Aasimar | +2 Charisma, +1 Wisdom |
| Elf | +2 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence |
| Half-Elf | +2 Charisma, +1 to any two other ability scores |
| Tiefling | +2 Charisma, +1 Intelligence or Dexterity |
Divine Soul Sorcerer
The Divine Soul Sorcerer is a strong choice for any bard who wants to focus on healing and support spells. They gain access to the Cleric spell list, which gives them a variety of powerful healing and buff spells, such as Cure Wounds, Bless, and Shield of Faith.
In addition, Divine Soul Sorcerers can also learn the spell Spiritual Weapon, which is a great way to deal damage from a distance. This makes them a versatile caster who can adapt to any situation.
Recommended Races
| Race | Bonuses |
|---|---|
| Aasimar | +2 Charisma, +1 Wisdom, Resistance to radiant damage, Healing Hands |
| Half-Elf | +2 Charisma, +1 to any other ability score, Fey Ancestry, Skill Versatility |
| Human (Variant) | +1 to all ability scores, Feat at 1st level |
Aasimar
Aasimar are a good choice for Divine Soul Sorcerers because they get a +2 bonus to Charisma, which is their primary casting stat. They also get resistance to radiant damage, which can be helpful in certain situations. Finally, their Healing Hands ability allows them to heal themselves or others for 1d4 hit points once per day.
Half-Elf
Half-Elves are another good choice for Divine Soul Sorcerers because they get a +2 bonus to Charisma and +1 to any other ability score. This allows them to customize their character to their liking. They also get Fey Ancestry, which gives them advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and Skill Versatility, which allows them to learn two extra skills.
Human (Variant)
Humans are a good choice for any class, and Divine Soul Sorcerers are no exception. They get +1 to all ability scores, which gives them a well-rounded stat spread. They also get a free feat at 1st level, which can be used to further customize their character.
College of Lore Bard
The College of Lore Bard is a versatile subclass that excels in knowledge, storytelling, and inspiration. Bards of this college gain Cutting Words, which can either inspire allies or hinder enemies, and Additional Magical Secrets, allowing them to learn spells from other spellcasting classes.
The Lore Bard’s peerless skill with lore makes them a great choice for any party. They can use their vast knowledge to identify creatures, unravel mysteries, and decipher ancient texts. They also gain proficiency in three additional skills, making them highly adaptable to various situations.
Races Best Suited for College of Lore Bards:
When selecting a race for a College of Lore Bard, consider the following options that complement the subclass’s strengths:
High Elves
High Elves possess a natural affinity for Intelligence, enhancing the Bard’s spellcasting capabilities and knowledge-based skills. Their innate spellcasting abilities, such as Cantrips and innate spellcasting, can also prove beneficial.
Variant Humans
Variant Humans offer a versatile choice with their Feat at level 1. Consider the Skill Master feat to gain proficiency in two additional skills, further enhancing the Bard’s versatility.
Half-Elves
Half-Elves combine the strengths of Elves and Humans, providing a well-rounded choice. Their +2 Charisma bonus benefits spellcasting and social interactions, while their dual proficiency in two skills allows for customization based on the campaign’s needs.
| Race | Ability Bonuses | Traits |
|---|---|---|
| High Elf | +2 Intelligence, +1 Dexterity | Elf Weapon Training, Cantrips, Fey Ancestry |
| Variant Human | +1 to all ability scores | Feat at level 1 |
| Half-Elf | +2 Charisma, +1 to two other ability scores | Fey Ancestry, Skill Versatility |
College of Valor Bard
The College of Valor is a bardic college that specializes in combat support and inspiration. Their music is imbued with martial prowess, and they can use their instruments as weapons. Valor bards are often found on the front lines of battle, inspiring their allies with their music and fighting alongside them.
Race Options
When choosing a race for a College of Valor bard, you’ll want to consider their racial traits. Here are a few races that are particularly well-suited for this class:
- Human: Humans are a versatile race that can adapt to any class. They receive +1 to all ability scores, which makes them a good choice for any bard.
- Half-Elf: Half-elves are a charismatic race that is often drawn to the bardic arts. They receive +2 to Charisma, as well as proficiency in two skills.
- Halfling: Halflings are a small and nimble race that can make great bards. They receive +2 to Dexterity, as well as a +1 bonus to AC when they are not wearing heavy armor.
- Gnome: Gnomes are a curious and intelligent race that is often drawn to the bardic arts. They receive +2 to Intelligence, as well as proficiency in two skills.
| Race | Ability Score Bonus | Skill Proficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Human | +1 to all ability scores | None |
| Half-Elf | +2 to Charisma | Two skills of your choice |
| Halfling | +2 to Dexterity | Acrobatics, Stealth |
| Gnome | +2 to Intelligence | Two skills of your choice |
College of Glamour Bard
The College of Glamour is a bardic college that specializes in using their performances to charm and inspire others. They are masters of illusion and deception, and they can use their powers to create stunning visual effects that can distract and bewilder their enemies.
Mantles of Inspiration
At 3rd level, you learn to use your performance to inspire your allies. When you cast a spell that targets one or more creatures other than yourself, you can choose one of the following mantles to apply to the targets:
Mantle of Majesty: The targets gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws.
Mantle of Inspiration: The targets gain a +1 bonus to AC and initiative.
Mantle of Command: The targets gain a +1 bonus to ability checks.
Enthralling Performance
At 6th level, your performances become even more captivating. When you use your Mantle of Inspiration feature, you can choose to have the targets gain a +2 bonus to their next ability check instead of the normal +1 bonus.
Peerless Skill
At 14th level, you become a master of performance and deception. You gain proficiency in the Deception skill, and you can add your Charisma modifier to any ability check you make to deceive someone.
College of Swords Bard
The College of Swords is a Bard subclass that focuses on melee combat. They are skilled swordsmen who can use their music to enhance their fighting abilities. Swords Bards are a great choice for players who want to play a Bard that can fight on the front lines.
Race
The best race for a Swords Bard depends on the player’s playstyle. However, some of the best races for this subclass include:
- Human: Humans are a versatile race that can be adapted to any playstyle. They get a +1 to all ability scores, which is great for the Swords Bard who needs to be proficient in multiple abilities.
- Half-Elf: Half-Elves are a good choice for Swords Bards who want to focus on Intelligence or Charisma. They get a +2 to one ability score and a +1 to two other ability scores, which gives them a lot of flexibility in character creation.
- High Elf: High Elves are a good choice for Swords Bards who want to focus on Dexterity. They get a +2 to Dexterity and a +1 to Intelligence, which makes them ideal for the finesse-based fighting style of the Swords Bard.
- Variant Human: Variant Humans can get a feat at level 1, which can be a great way to boost the Swords Bard’s combat abilities. Some good feats for Swords Bards include Great Weapon Master and Sharpshooter.
- Custom Lineage: Custom Lineage gives players the most flexibility in character creation. They can choose any ability score increases and choose any feat they want. This makes Custom Lineage a good choice for players who want to create a Swords Bard that is unique and tailored to their playstyle.
Ability Scores
The most important ability scores for the Swords Bard are Dexterity, Charisma, and Intelligence. Dexterity determines the Bard’s initiative, AC, and attack rolls. Charisma determines the Bard’s spellcasting DCs and the power of their Bardic Inspiration. Intelligence determines the Bard’s skill checks and the number of spells they can prepare.
| Ability Score | Importance |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Initiative, AC, attack rolls |
| Charisma | Spellcasting DCs, Bardic Inspiration |
| Intelligence | Skill checks, number of spells prepared |
College of Whispers Bard
The College of Whispers is a clandestine group of bards who use their charm and wit to extract information and manipulate events. They are often employed as spies, assassins, or blackmailers, and their abilities are well-suited to gathering intelligence and influencing others.
Racial Options
Any race can become a College of Whispers bard, but some races are more suited to the role than others. Here are a few of the best options:
Halfling
Halflings are small and stealthy, making them ideal for spying and infiltration. They also have a natural charisma bonus, which is helpful for bards.
Gnome
Gnomes are intelligent and curious, making them well-suited for gathering information. They also have a natural bonus to dexterity, which is helpful for avoiding detection.
Tiefling
Tieflings are often distrusted and feared, which can make them effective spies or blackmailers. They also have a natural resistance to fire, which can be helpful in dangerous situations.
| Race | Charisma Bonus | Dexterity Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Halfling | +2 | +2 |
| Gnome | +2 | +2 |
| Tiefling | +2 | +0 |
Ultimately, the best race for a College of Whispers bard is the one that best fits your character concept. Consider the bard’s background, personality, and goals when making your decision.
College of Creation Bard
The College of Creation specializes in creating art and music that brings the world to life. Their performances can inspire hope, joy, and wonder in the hearts of those who hear them.
Race
The best race for a College of Creation Bard depends on your playstyle and preferences. However, there are a few options that offer some interesting benefits for this class:
Custom Lineage
Custom Lineage allows you to create a character with specific bonuses that are tailored to your Bard’s playstyle. For example, you could take the Actor feat to improve your Charisma (Performance) checks, or the Inspiring Leader feat to grant your party temporary hit points when you perform.
Half-Elf
Half-Elves are versatile and adaptable, making them a good choice for any Bard subclass. They get a +2 to Charisma, which is the Bard’s most important ability score.
Variant Human
Variant Humans get a +1 to all ability scores and a feat at level 1. This gives you a lot of flexibility in building your Bard, and you can choose a feat that complements the College of Creation’s abilities, such as the Actor or Inspiring Leader feat.
Dragonborn
Dragonborn get a +2 to Strength and a +1 to Charisma, which can be useful for Bards who want to use a melee weapon in combat. They also have a breath weapon that can deal damage to enemies.
Gnome
Gnomes get a +2 to Intelligence and a +1 to Charisma. They also have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects, which can be useful for Bards who want to protect themselves from enemy spellcasters.
Halfling
Halflings get a +2 to Dexterity and a +1 to Charisma. They also have advantage on saving throws against being frightened, which can be useful for Bards who want to avoid being intimidated by enemy creatures.
Tiefling
Tieflings get a +2 to Intelligence and a +1 to Charisma. They also have resistance to fire damage and can cast the Thaumaturgy cantrip, which can be useful for Bards who want to add some extra flair to their performances.
Lore Master Wizard
Lore Master Wizards are a powerful and versatile subclass that excels in both combat and support roles. They possess a deep understanding of arcane knowledge, which grants them access to a wide range of spells and abilities.
Lore Mastery
Lore Master Wizards gain access to the Lore Mastery ability, which allows them to learn and cast additional spells from any school of magic. This gives them a tremendous amount of flexibility and adaptability, as they can tailor their spell list to suit any situation.
Arcane Recovery
Lore Master Wizards also have the Arcane Recovery ability, which allows them to regain a limited number of spell slots after a short rest. This gives them the ability to sustain themselves in long adventuring days and cast more spells than other wizards.
Spell Mastery
At higher levels, Lore Master Wizards gain access to the Spell Mastery ability, which allows them to choose a limited number of spells that they can cast at their highest level indefinitely. This makes them extremely powerful in combat and utility situations.
Other Benefits
In addition to their subclass abilities, Lore Master Wizards also benefit from the following:
- Proficiency with medium armor and shields
- Access to the Wizard spell list
- d6 hit dice
- A choice of two skills from Arcana, History, Insight, Investigation, Nature, and Religion
- Proficiency with the dagger, quarterstaff, and light crossbow
Additional Spell Options
Lore Master Wizards can choose to learn and cast additional spells from the following schools of magic:
| School of Magic | Additional Spells |
|---|---|
| Abjuration | Protection from Evil and Good, Shield of Faith |
| Conjuration | Mage Hand, Unseen Servant |
| Divination | Detect Magic, Identify |
| Enchantment | Charm Person, Sleep |
| Evocation | Burning Hands, Magic Missile |
| Illusion | Color Spray, Disguise Self |
| Necromancy | Animate Dead, Cause Fear |
| Transmutation | Magic Weapon, Polymorph |
Knowledge Cleric
This subclass of Cleric gains proficiency in two additional languages and History, meaning they’ll be able to decipher ancient texts and learn about the lore of the world. Their Channel Divinity options let them either grant an ally a bonus to their next Intelligence check or give themselves proficiency in a skill they don’t already have for 10 minutes.
Blessings of Knowledge
Starting at 6th level, your Knowledge Cleric gains two Channel Divinity options. You can use your Channel Divinity to cast the Guidance cantrip, targeting one willing creature you can see within 30 feet of you. The spell’s duration is 1 minute.
You can also use your Channel Divinity to grant yourself proficiency in a skill of your choice for 10 minutes.
Consult the Archive
At 17th level, your Knowledge Cleric can cast the Commune spell once per day without expending a spell slot.
The Knowledge Cleric is a great choice for players who want to play a智慧, studious character who excels at unraveling ancient mysteries and providing knowledge and guidance to their party.
| Ability | Proficiency |
|---|---|
| Intelligence | History |
| Wisdom | Religion |
| Charisma | Persuasion |
The Best Bard Race in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Bard is a versatile spellcasting class in Baldur’s Gate 3, capable of supporting allies and debuffing enemies. When choosing a race for your Bard, there are several factors to consider, including ability score bonuses, racial abilities, and role-playing opportunities.
The following races are particularly well-suited for Bards:
- Half-Elf: Half-Elves gain a +2 Charisma bonus, which is essential for Bards. They also have the Fey Ancestry trait, which grants advantage on saving throws against being charmed.
- Human: Humans gain a +1 bonus to all ability scores, allowing them to customize their Bard to suit any playstyle. They also have the Versatile Heritage trait, which grants proficiency in one skill of your choice.
- Tiefling: Tieflings gain a +2 Charisma bonus and the Hellish Resistance trait, which grants resistance to fire damage. They also have the Darkness spell-like ability, which can be useful for controlling the battlefield.
Ultimately, the best race for your Bard will depend on your individual preferences and playstyle. However, the races listed above are all excellent choices that will give your Bard a strong foundation for success.
People Also Ask
What is the best ability score for a Bard?
Charisma is the most important ability score for a Bard, as it determines the power of their spells and the effectiveness of their Inspiration ability.
What are some good feats for a Bard?
Some good feats for a Bard include Inspiring Leader, which grants temporary hit points to allies, and Actor, which grants advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks.
What is the best subclass for a Bard?
The best subclass for a Bard will depend on your playstyle. However, the College of Valor is a good choice for Bards who want to focus on combat, while the College of Lore is a good choice for Bards who want to focus on spellcasting and support.
