Baldur’s Gate 3: Dwarf Race Overview

In Baldur’s Gate 3 Dwarf race is a sturdy and resilient choice for players who want a character who has great durability and endurance.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Guild Artisan - Background and Inspiration Goals
Source: Larian Studios

As a Dwarf, you embody the stout and resilient nature of your race. In this guide, we’ll explore how the Dwarf race works in Baldur’s Gate 3 and discuss some effective builds to make the most of your character.

Dwarf in Baldur’s Gate 3

As durable and unyielding as their houses of stone, dwarves are some of the finest warriors, miners, and smiths of Faerun.

Abilities

Upon release of the full game, racial choices will no longer be tied to specific ability score bonuses. Each character will get a +2 and +1 bonus to spend on whatever ability stat they would like, regardless of race.

Consequently, this means that the non-ability score traits and racial features are vitally important selecting the appropriate build. Moreover, you won’t be as restricted to certain races when min-maxing by only being able to select a specific race for optimal ability score.

Racial Features:

  • Darkvision
    • Can see in the dark up to 12 meters.
  • Dwarven Resilience
    • Dwarves have an advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage.
  • Proficiency in Battleaxe, Handaxe, Light Hammer, and Warhammer
    • Adds a proficiency bonus to attack rolls with these specific weapon types
Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian Level 4
Source: Larian Studios

Sub-Races

Gold Dwarf

Gold dwarves are known for their confidence and keen intuition. The culture of their Deep Kingdom values family, ritual, and fine craftsmanship.

Additional Racial Features:

  • Base Racial Speed
    • Dwarves can travel 7.5 meters per turn
  • Dwarven Toughness
    • A Gold Dwarf’s hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 again every time you gain a level.

Shield Dwarf

Shield dwarves survived a long fall from grace, surrendering many of their ancient kingdoms in wars with goblins and Orcs. These losses have lead to a cynical mindset, yet shield dwarves will endure anything to restore their ancestral homelands.

Additional Racial Features:

  • Base Racial Speed
    • Dwarves can travel 7.5 meters per turn
  • Proficiency in Light and Medium Armor
    • Wearing Light Armour will not impose disadvantage on your attacks or prevent the casting of spells

Duergar

Duergar are dwarves whose ancestors were transformed by centuries living in the deepest places of the Underdark. That chthonic realm is saturated with strange magical energy, and over generations, early duergar absorbed traces of it. They were further altered when mind flayers and other Aberrations invaded and performed horrific experiments on them. Fueled by Underdark magic, those experiments left early duergar with psionic powers, which have been passed down to their descendants. In time, they liberated themselves from their aberrant tyrants and forged a new life for themselves in the Underdark and beyond.

Additional Racial Features:

  • Psionic Fortitude
    • Duergar have an advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the charmed or stunned condition on themselves.

Best Builds for Dwarves

Barbarian

Baldur's Gate 3 Frenzy Berserker Barbarian
Baldur’s Gate 3 Frenzy Berserker Barbarian

Tap into your inner fury and become a Barbarian. The Dwarf’s Constitution bonus bolsters your hit points, making you a resilient tank, and the Dwarven Resilience trait further enhances your survivability. Shield Dwarves compliment this build the best with their armor proficiency. Use your Darkvision to your advantage, enabling you to see enemies in dimly lit areas even while raging.

Cleric

Dwarves’ Wisdom bonus and natural resilience make them great choices for Clerics, especially those who serve gods associated with protection and healing. Your Stonecunning ability can add interesting role-playing opportunities when encountering ancient temples and ruins.

Fighter

With their natural Constitution bonus and Dwarven Resilience, Dwarves make excellent frontline Fighters. Focus on Strength or Dexterity for your attacks, and choose a fighting style that complements your preferred weapon style. Your Darkvision will be invaluable for exploring dark dungeons and fighting during the night.

Conclusion

Dwarves in Baldur’s Gate 3 are hardy and resilient characters, well-suited for various roles. Whether you choose to be a Dwarven fighter, a stalwart cleric, a raging barbarian, and your Dwarf character will be a valuable addition to any adventuring party. Embrace your heritage, forge strong bonds with your companions, and embark on an epic journey through the world of Baldur’s Gate.


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