You can change your race during character creation, but not after you start playing

Baldur's Gate 3 does not let you alter your character's race once you load into the game world. The race you pick at the start of character creation is permanent for that playthrough. If you want a different race, you need to go back to the character creation screen and build a new character from the beginning.

This is different from some other settings in the game—you can respec your ability scores, skills, and class features later using a special NPC, but race is locked in. The game treats race as a foundational choice that affects your character's story interactions, dialogue options, and mechanical bonuses from the very start.

Key Takeaways

  • Race changes are only possible during character creation, before you enter the game world.
  • Once you start a playthrough, your race cannot be modified through any in-game menu or NPC.
  • You can change other character traits like class, ability scores, and skills later using Withers in your camp.
  • Starting a new character is the only way to experience the game with a different race on the same save file.
  • Different races unlock different dialogue options and story moments, so race choice affects your experience throughout the game.

Where to change your race during character creation

When you first start a new game, the character creation screen walks you through building your character step by step. The race selection appears early in this process, usually after you name your character. You will see a list of available races with descriptions of their traits and bonuses.

You can click on any race to preview what your character looks like with that race's appearance options. The game lets you cycle through different skin tones, hair styles, and facial features for each race before you confirm your choice. Once you move past the race screen and continue through the rest of character creation, you cannot go back to change it without restarting the entire character creation process.

What races are available in Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 includes the standard fantasy races from Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules. Your options are Human, Elf (with High Elf, Wood Elf, and Drow subraces), Dwarf (Mountain Dwarf and Gold Dwarf), Halfling (Lightfoot and Strongheart), Dragonborn, Gnome (Forest Gnome and Rock Gnome), Half-Elf, Half-Orc, and Tiefling. Each race and subrace comes with different ability score bonuses and special traits that affect how your character performs in combat and dialogue.

Some races also unlock unique dialogue options during conversations. For example, playing as a Drow gives you different responses when other characters react to your dark elf heritage, and playing as a Tiefling opens up dialogue about your infernal appearance. These story moments are baked into the game's writing, so you will miss them if you do not play that race.

How to start a new character if you want a different race

To play with a different race, you need to create a new character file. From the main menu, select "Create New Character" or "New Game" and you will return to the character creation screen. You can then build a character with the race you want this time.

Your old character and save file remain untouched—you are straightforward starting a separate playthrough. Baldur's Gate 3 supports multiple save files, so you can keep your original character and come back to them later if you want. Many players create several characters to experience different races, classes, and story choices across different playthroughs.

What you can change later with Withers

While race is permanent, other character traits are not. Once you reach your camp, you can find an NPC named Withers who offers a service called "Respec." This lets you rebuild your character's ability scores, class levels, and skill selections without starting over. You can completely change how your character plays mechanically while keeping the same race and appearance.

This is useful if you realize mid-game that your class choice is not working for you, or if you want to try a different build. However, Withers cannot change your race, appearance, or name. Those choices remain locked to your original character creation decisions.

Why race matters in your playthrough

Race affects more than just your character's look and stat bonuses. Different races trigger different conversations throughout the game. NPCs comment on your appearance, your heritage opens up certain dialogue branches, and some story moments are written specifically for certain races. Playing as a Tiefling, for instance, means you will encounter prejudice and unique reactions from other characters that a Human would not experience.

These differences are woven throughout the entire game, from Act One through the endgame. If you want to see how a particular race's story unfolds, you need to commit to that race for the full playthrough. This is why many players return to character creation multiple times—each race offers a genuinely different experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my race if I haven't left character creation yet?

Yes. As long as you are still in the character creation menu before you click "Start Game," you can go back and select a different race. Once you enter the game world, the option disappears.

Does respeccing with Withers let me change my race?

No. Withers only changes your class, ability scores, and skills. Your race, name, and physical appearance stay the same. If you want a different race, you must start a new character.

Will I lose my save file if I create a new character?

No. Creating a new character starts a separate save file. Your original character and all their progress remain saved and playable whenever you want to return to them.

Do different races have different story endings?

Races do not change the main ending, but they unlock different dialogue options and story moments throughout the game. Some NPCs react differently to you based on your race, which can change how certain scenes play out.

What if I want to try multiple races?

The best approach is to play through the game once, then start a new character with a different race on a new save file. This way you can experience how each race's unique dialogue and story moments differ without losing your original playthrough.