Baldur’s Gate 3: Gnome Race Overview

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Gnome race is a curious and inventive choice for players who want a character who is both intelligent and resourceful.

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

As a Gnome, you bring a sense of wonder, intellect, and mischief to the adventuring party. In this guide, we’ll explore how the Gnome race works in Baldur’s Gate 3 and discuss some effective builds to make the most of your character.

Gnomes in Baldur’s Gate 3

Small, clever and energetic, gnomes use their long lives to explore Faerun’s brightest corners and darkest depths.

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:

  • Base Racial Speed
    • The distance per turn which Gnomes can move is 7.5 meters.
  • Gnome Cunning
    • Gnomes have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving Throws.
Baldur's Gate 3 Gnome in character creation example
Source Larian Studios

Sub-Races

Forest Gnome

Additional Racial Features:

  • Darkvision
    • Forest Gnomes can see in the dark up to 12 meters.
  • Talk With Animals Spell
    • Gain the ability to comprehend and verbally communicate with beasts.

Deep Gnome

Additional Racial Features:

  • Superior Darkvision
    • Deep Gnomes can see in the dark within 24 meters
  • Stone Camouflage
    • Grants an advantage on Stealth checks.

Rock Gnome

Additional Racial Features:

  • Darkvision
    • Rock Gnomes can see in the dark up to 12 meters.
  • Artificer’s Lore
    • Adds twice your proficiency bonus to History checks.

Best Builds for Gnomes

Rogue

Embrace your Naturally Stealthy trait and become a Rogue. Their small size makes them hard to hit, and their intelligence bonus can help them learn and use stealth techniques. With a Dexterity focus, Gnomes make agile and sneaky thieves. Use your Intelligence to outwit enemies and exploit their weaknesses during stealthy approaches.

Wizard

Baldur's Gate 3 Wizard Build
Baldur’s Gate 3: Wizard Spells

With their natural Intelligence bonus and magic resistance, Gnomes make excellent Wizards. Their intelligence bonus gives them a head start on spellcasting, and their Gnome Cunning can help them protect themselves from enemy spells. Focus on a variety of spells, emphasizing utility and control to manipulate the battlefield. Your Darkvision will help you uncover hidden dangers in dimly lit dungeons.

Bard

The Gnome’s charisma and intellect make them well-suited for the Bard class, and their Gnome Cunning can help protect them from incoming spells. Entertain and inspire your companions with your musical talents while using your spells to support them in battle.

Conclusion

Gnomes in Baldur’s Gate 3 are clever, curious, and mischievous characters, capable of excelling in various roles. Whether you choose to be a Gnomish wizard, a sneaky rogue, a creative artificer, a tricky illusionist, or a supportive bard, your Gnome character will undoubtedly add a unique flavor to any adventuring party. Embrace your intellect, wield your magic with finesse, and embark on a thrilling journey through the world of Baldur’s Gate.


Looking for more Baldur’s Gate 3?

Thank you for reading our Baldur’s Gate 3: Gnome guide. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3. Additionally, check out our website, watch Deltia play games on Twitch, or visit his YouTube channel!