Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Races Mods, Ranked

Summary

• Improve character customization in Baldur’s Gate 3 with diverse race mods enhancing abilities-based gameplay.
• Explore unique races like Dragonborn, Githyanki, Shadar-Kai, or create new ones like Owlin or Wispling.
• Whether enhancing existing races or adding new options, mods enrich the story and gameplay experience.

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a wide selection of options to customize characters when starting a new journey, allowing players to choose from various races and classes to create the hero or villain of the story. Although some of these decisions can be altered after the game begins, they are important from the start.

However, for players who have already ventured multiple times through the narrative of Larian’s game, there are ways to enhance this experience, such as through race mods for Baldur’s Gate 3, which add even more content to the game. These options usually range from new possibilities for existing races in the game to using entirely new races with unique particularities.

Updated February 23, 2025, by Eduardo Ariedo: It’s been a while since Larian officially started supporting mods for Baldur’s Gate 3, and since the release of Patch 7, the community has been getting more creative than ever, bringing all sorts of new content to the game. One of the most exciting aspects is race mods, which have evolved from simple character tweaks into ambitious projects that introduce a variety of new customization options.

16

Dragonborn Reimagined

More Freedom For One Of Baldur’s Gate 3’s Main Races

Although the Dragonborn offers an interesting look for players of Baldur’s Gate 3, also being the default appearance used for those who want to play as Dark Urge, the race is not one of the most powerful in the game. It offers some limitations for those who choose it, making it not as good an option as others that come in the base game.

However, this mod for Baldur’s Gate 3 makes small alterations to the race so that players who create Dragonborn characters feel more powerful. The dragon breath, for example, changes from a standard action to a bonus action, which can be used alongside an attack or another action, making the ability itself even more useful.

15

Gith Overhaul

Enhance The Githyanki Race With New Abilities

The Githyanki race is already a powerful option in Baldur’s Gate 3, with characters like Lae’Zel representing the strength and determination of the people. However, for those looking to expand on the Githyanki options in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Gith Overhaul mod offers improvements that deepen the experience of playing as a Githyanki.

This mod adds new abilities to the race, aligning them even more with the warrior theme. With features like savage attacks and relentless endurance, the Githyanki become even more formidable in combat. These additions enrich the gameplay and allow for greater immersion in the story of this unique race in Baldur’s Gate 3.

14

Shadar-Kai

A New Elf Option Native To The Shadowfell

During Act 2 of the game, players visit the Shadowfell, an important location for the story with several revelations about a party member’s past. However, the Shadowfell is also home to the Shadar-Kai, a mysterious people represented in the game by the character He Who Was. Thanks to this race mod for Baldur’s Gate 3, players can finally play as one.

The Shadar-Kai are a subrace of elves who serve the Raven Queen, existing in a state between life and death. They possess unique abilities such as Necrotic Damage Resistance and the “Blessing of the Raven Queen,” which allows them to teleport as a bonus action and gain resistance to all damage after using this ability at level 3.

13

ElementalPowerGenasi

Master The Elemental Powers With This Race Mod

Genasi are beings connected to the Elemental Planes, direct descendants of genies or born in locations imbued with elemental magic. Each Genasi has an affinity with one of the four fundamental elements: air, earth, fire, and water. This connection grants them unique appearances and abilities that reflect the elemental power of their origin.

With the ElementalPowerGenasi mod for Baldur’s Gate 3, players can explore these unique abilities. Each subrace offers specific advantages linked to their element; for example, Fire Genasi resist fire and can conjure flames; Air Genasi control the wind and can levitate; Earth Genasi ignore difficult terrain; and Water Genasi manipulate water, enriching the gameplay.

12

AstralElves

Bringing More Cosmic Flavor To The Game

Astral Elves are an elven subrace that, ages ago, migrated from the Feywild to the Astral Plane in search of proximity to the gods themselves. Life in the Silver Void infused their souls with divine light, visible as a starry gleam in their eyes. Being immortal in the Astral Plane, they have a unique perspective on time and existence.

With the Astral Elves race mod for Baldur’s Gate 3, especially in Patch 7, players can experience the exclusive abilities of this subrace. In addition to traditional elven traits, they gain access to Radiant Fire, learning a cantrip spell. They can also use Starlight Step to teleport and obtain Astral Knowledge, acquiring temporary proficiency in skills, bringing a new dynamic to the game.

11

Imp Race

Assume The Role Of A Small Demon In Baldur’s Gate 3

Another highly creative race mod for Baldur’s Gate 3 is one that adds Imps as a playable option for players — especially for those tired of the traditional humanoid options the game offers. Playing as these small demons that inhabit the Nine Hells offers an exotic choice; great for those who have already experienced most of what Baldur’s Gate 3 has to offer and want to get a little weird.

Although they don’t offer as much customization as other races in Baldur’s Gate 3, and some elements may appear buggy, it is still a creative choice with considerable quality, having taken the enemies available in the game and modified them to be playable. Thus, players also have access to some exclusive abilities, such as invisibility and unique attacks.

10

Wispling

Half-Halflings With Arcane Aptitude

Wisplings are hybrid beings that combine the characteristics of halflings with a demonic heritage, resulting in small creatures with an innate connection to magic. Originating from the Fiend Folio of Dungeons & Dragons 3.5, they can now be experienced in Baldur’s Gate 3 thanks to a mod that introduces them as a new playable race.

With the Toolkit Data available in Patch 7, it’s possible to explore the unique abilities of Wisplings. They have an advantage in stealth, affinity with Wild Magic, and access to the “Shocking Grasp” spell. As they progress, they acquire abilities like “Disguise Self” and “Invisibility,” providing an enriching experience for those seeking new race mods in Baldur’s Gate 3.

9

Owlin Race Mod

Owl-Inspired Race Mod For Baldur’s Gate 3

Introduced in Strixhaven from Dungeons & Dragons, the Owlin are enigmatic creatures with the appearance of humanoid owls. Originating from magical realms, they possess unique abilities that reflect both the concept of the lore and the animals on which they are based. Now, this fascinating race can be played in Baldur’s Gate 3 thanks to a dedicated mod.

With the arrival of Toolkit Data for Patch 7, players can assume the role of an Owlin, exploring new mechanics in the game. The race offers superior Darkvision

, the ability to fly, and proficiency in stealth, providing a unique experience for players. Additionally, it’s possible to slightly customize the appearance, helping players to make this already unique option even more distinct.

8

Kuo-Toa Playable Race

Play As The Humanoid Fish From The Underdark

Perhaps one of the weirdest encounters in Baldur’s Gate 3 is with the Kuo-Toa while exploring the Underdark. These humanoid fish people have a strong penchant for resolving everything through violence and also worship BOOAL, participating in a dark ritual as players try to reach Act 2 of the game, offering a formidable challenge.

However, for those who have always been curious to play as them, there is now a race mod available for Baldur’s Gate 3 that puts players in the role of a Kuo-Toa, thanks to the arrival of Toolkit Data for Patch 7 of the game. The author was quite creative in developing the content, also creating some abilities and spells geared towards the concept, ensuring that the gameplay is unique.

7

Eclip5e’s Monster Races

Mod Adds Various Uncommon Races To Baldur’s Gate 3

Although Baldur’s Gate 3 has a wide selection of races for character customization, some individuals might want more peculiar options. This mod delivers by introducing several new creatures to the character creator of this RPG. Besides the standard choices, it is now possible to play as Dryad, Harpy, or even a Plasmoid.

The models in this mod for Baldur’s Gate 3 are detailed, each with specific abilities or spells that set them apart. However, as stated by the creator of the mod, certain races may have somewhat rigid animations because they were not built for non-humanoid bodies, though the end result is still impressive.

6

Kenku

One Of The Most Interesting Races In Dungeons & Dragons 5e Joins Baldur’s Gate 3 With This Mod

Kenku is among the most distinctive races in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, depicting humanoid birds with a raven-like appearance. Now, a mod for Baldur’s Gate 3 makes it possible to inhabit these enigmatic creatures. Renowned for cunning and mimicry, Kenku offer a unique choice for anyone seeking an unusual character.

Beyond a distinct look, this race gains special benefits, such as increased agility and rapid strikes when combat begins. This early advantage, aided by a high initiative, can make it easier to deal more damage or disable a foe quickly and simplify the encounter.

5

Mordenkainen’s Tome Of Tieflings

Mod Adds New Tiefling Options For Players

Tieflings stand among the most significant races in Baldur’s Gate 3. If the Emerald Grove is aided during the first act, the following two chapters revolve around their journey toward Baldur’s Gate. This mod expands the array of possibilities for those who enjoy Tieflings in this RPG.

Several subraces have been added for Tieflings in Baldur’s Gate 3, based on those in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes that were not adapted for the game. Like in the sourcebook, these Tiefling subraces access specific spells that mirror each lineage’s essence, ensuring each option remains distinct and consistent with its demonic ancestry.

4

Eladrin

Mod Adds One Of The Most Cool Elves To Baldur’s Gate 3

Elves are one of the most varied races in Dungeons & Dragons, with numerous subraces across different editions. Some were omitted from the RPG by Larian Studios, so a mod for Baldur’s Gate 3 introduces the Eladrin, one of the most intriguing elven variants that did not make it into the game.

What makes this subrace stand out is its unique concept. Originating in the Feywild, Eladrin can change color and personality with the seasons. The creator of the mod has adapted this mechanic for Baldur’s Gate 3, adding a special teleport for each Eladrin variation that produces different effects when used.

3

Skeleton Race

A Undead Option For Baldur’s Gate 3 Characters

Though an appealing concept, Skeletons were never officially offered as a playable race in Dungeons & Dragons. Something similar did appear in Divinity: Original Sin 2, another RPG by Larian Studios, but the odds of seeing them in Baldur’s Gate 3 were slim. However, for those who have always wished to roam the Forgotten Realms as a purely skeletal being, this mod introduces the perfect race.

In addition to the polished look, which can be slightly customized, the skeletons from this Baldur’s Gate 3 mod include mechanics that make a character truly feel undead. They possess strong resistances against nonmagical slashing or poison, yet their healing options are limited, because undead creatures have fewer recovery methods compared to other living races.

2

Marked Subraces Of Eberron

Mod Adds Races From Another Dungeons & Dragons Universe To Baldur’s Gate 3

Mod Creator: Queen_George

The world of Eberron, one of the most inventive settings in Dungeons & Dragons, inspired a new mod for Baldur’s Gate 3 that introduces 13 additional subraces from seven different species. Each group features unique abilities, often tied to innate magic or specialized skills that help them adapt in battle and exploration.

These subraces present fresh customization routes, widening tactical options. Because of Eberron’s distinct characteristics when compared to the Forgotten Realms, some of these races might be stronger than those in the base game. Still, this Baldur’s Gate 3 mod allows fans to discover even more character creation possibilities.

1

DnD Expanded

Among The Best Races Mods In Baldur’s Gate 3

One of the most ambitious race mods for Baldur’s Gate 3, DnD Expanded adds various options from the tabletop RPG books that haven’t been adapted into Larian’s game. This includes simpler choices like Goblins, who only appear as enemies in the isometric RPG, all the way to Goliaths, a popular race among many players and a favorite of Critical Role fans.

For those looking for a more complete experience with plenty of character creation options in a single mod, DnD Expanded is one of the best choices available in Baldur’s Gate 3‘s Mod Manager. Plus, by downloading content from other creators, it’s possible to further customize their appearance, making characters even more unique within the Forgotten Realms.