Expanding Horizons: The Case for New Playable Races in Baldur’s Gate 3

Diving into the potential of adding diverse playable races to enrich the gaming experience in Baldur's Gate 3.
Expanding Horizons: The Case for New Playable Races in Baldur’s Gate 3

Highlights

  • Introducing new playable races can elevate gameplay and storytelling in Baldur's Gate 3.
  • Exploring races like Aasimar, Bugbears, and Goblins can unlock fresh character dynamics and role-playing avenues.
  • Future DLC should introduce expanded character customization and playable races to meet the evolving player community demands.

When venturing through the realms of Baldur's Gate 3, one decision stands out above all – the choice of race and class that shape the journey across the Sword Coast. While Baldur's Gate 3's Patch 6 brought significant updates, there's untapped potential to enhance this pivotal initial selection.

An exciting prospect for future playthroughs lies in the addition of new playable races to Baldur's Gate 3. These additions need not delve into the deepest lore of Dungeons and Dragons, such as Aarakocra or Tortles, but could stem from the diverse intelligent races already present in the game.

Broadening Horizons with Additional Races

Discover Aasimar, Bugbears, and Goblins

Beyond the current roster of playable characters, a range of intelligent beings exists in the D&D universe, though confined to NPC roles in Baldur's Gate 3. This array includes inherently malevolent creatures like Bugbears, Goblins, and Hobgoblins, alongside the celestial Aasimar. Despite featuring in the game as NPCs with varied physiques and facial structures, these races remain unavailable to players at the game's outset.

The absence of these races in the base game hasn't escaped the notice of players, evident in the plethora of race mods already circulating within the Baldur's Gate 3 modding community. Some of these creatures are among the most favored additions. The groundwork is laid, resonating with the community's call for more playable races. While their inclusion may not be immediate or straightforward, it merits consideration to engage players in repeated playthroughs.

Enhancing Player Alignments through New Races

While Baldur's Gate doesn't adhere strictly to the conventional good/evil or lawful/chaotic alignment system of D&D, it allows players to embody virtuous heroes or sinister entities. Presently, the chosen race minimally influences the available alignments, as most races boast backgrounds adaptable across the alignment spectrum. However, introducing races like Hobgoblins, often associated with malevolence, could enrich the role-playing aspect of Baldur's Gate 3.

Commencing the game as a Hobgoblin could set the stage for a malevolent playthrough or position players to defy their race's stereotypical alignment, fostering a more engaging narrative. Embracing an unexpectedly noble Hobgoblin or a corrupted Aasimar driven by Baldur's Gate 3's Dark Urge could introduce narrative layers detached from the existing storyline.

Envisioning Additional Races via DLC in Baldur's Gate 3

While Larian Studios hasn't disclosed specifics regarding future Baldur's Gate 3 DLC at present, the prospect of additional content looms. A forthcoming DLC roadmap may surface in the upcoming development year, potentially featuring enhanced character customization and an array of new playable races. Given the burgeoning demand for more choices within the player community, incorporating additional races would prove a lucrative move for Larian Studios, aligning with the preferences of the gaming community.