In Baldur’s Gate 3, every decision leads you one step closer to becoming the legendary hero or, well, the tricky villain. And if Bard is the class that you look upon in the game, here are some revelations. These lyrical spellcasters are all about the irresistible charm and are known traditionally as the poets and artists of the battlefield. With the best race for Bard in BG3, your class can be a powerhouse of support, dishing out harmonies of offensive and defensive magic. With the correct race, you will unlock the abilities that work perfectly with the Bard, and you will become a powerful opponent to face in the fights.
Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Race for Bard
Below are some top Bard races that will have your class hitting all the right notes:
Zariel Tiefling
For us, the Zariel Tiefling is the best race for a Bard class; mysterious, with a touch of demonic charm, this race sums up the Bard-like nature. In BG3, this race bears the legacy of Avernus, and brings nice traits that will make any Bard’s heart glow. At level 1, they come with the Thaumaturgy cantrip up their sleeve—that is, a spell to create unique effects to amaze audiences or intimidate enemies, building anticipation for the magical symphony you are about to conduct.
Zariel Tieflings are dramatic performers on the battlefield. They can channel this fiery fury to mete out on their enemies the taste of infernal justice and unlock even more fiery traits as they groove to the rhythm. At 3rd level, they get Searing Smite, which turns their weapon into a spectacle of white-hot intensity. At 5th, they can unlock the spell Branding Smite, which marks the target with light; it will be hard for them to hide or play around with the shadows.
However, there is more in the ensemble for a Tiefling. Hellish bloodlines flow with a natural resistance to fire, so he can be cool whilst the battlefield heats up. Their Bardic potential remains the main act. The fiery nature of the Zariel Tieflings makes them ideal for most martial classes such as the Paladin or the Fighter, but they also seem to be perfect for a Bard who loves a touch of flamboyance in the performance.
High Elf
High Elves are like the maestros of the arcane. Their finesse with magic is something akin to how a virtuoso caresses the strings of a lute. When you pick a High Elf, you will unlock the melody of magical possibilities. They come with a bonus cantrip right from level 1. Cantrips in BG3 are your basic magic spells, easy to cast, and ready to create a splash at any moment. They are like your go-to chords in a jam session, always prepared to jazz up the moment without draining your magical mojo.
High Elves may not have the natural charm of some other races, but what they lack in charisma, they more than make up for with their magical spells. The extra cantrip they get is like having an extra quiver in their magical repertoire, allowing for a broader range of melodies to play with. High Elves bring grace to the Bard class that’s like poetry in motion. They are harder to charm, making them a tough nut to crack in the face of enchantments or mind-control spells.
Forest Gnome
Forest Gnomes have some good racial features that tune well with a Bard’s lifestyle. Their Base Racial Speed is 7.5m, which means they can move around with a peppy step, whether it’s to find the perfect spot on stage or to dodge a spell. They also have Darkvision, allowing them to see in the dark up to a range of 12m, which comes in handy when the curtains fall and the stage is dimly lit.
But that’s not all, the Gnome Cunning trait gives them an advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws, which are crucial for a Bard who loves to go with Charisma magic in the playthrough. And did we mention their ability to speak with animals? This ability opens up a realm of charming possibilities, making your journey through Baldur’s Gate 3 a tale filled with weird events.
As a Bard, you’re all about that charismatic flair, and being a Forest Gnome strikes the right chord. They have the highest attributes in Charisma and Dexterity. Their small stature and reclusive nature might make them a rare sight in Faerûn, but when they step onto the stage, it’s a performance bound to echo through the realms.
Drow Half-Elf
Drow Half-Elf is striding in with a blend of elegance and mystique. It’s a subrace of Half-Elf with a dash of Drow magic that sings through their veins. When you’re striding down the Bard’s path, Charisma is your choice, and guess what? Drow Half-Elves come with a bit of a magical encore – the Dancing Lights cantrip.
With a base move speed of 9m, Drow Half-Elves can glide across the battlefield or the stage with grace. Think of it as a natural rhythm in your steps, which is always in the right place at the right time, whether to strum a healing tune or dodge a fiery arrow. Most half-drow are born from unions between Seldarine drow and surfacers. They inherit a smattering of magical gifts, but they usually grow up away from the Underdark’s gloom. So, their magic sings a different tune, one more in harmony with the surface world’s vibrant melody, yet tinged with the haunting echo of the Underdark’s mystique.
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Shield Dwarf
Shield Dwarves are known for their strong constitution and a long tradition of warriors and craftsmen. When you opt for a Shield Dwarf Bard race in BG3, you get a legacy of stout-hearted folks who’ve weathered storms through the ages. Shield Dwarves have both Medium and Light Armor Proficiencies, which is like having an extra layer of rugged charm.
They are well-suited for a Bard who likes to be in the thick of things, serenading foes with a tune of steel and stone. Their base move speed is 7.5m, and they come with Dwarven Armor Training. This combo makes them a solid choice if you want to hold the line with a dose of dwarven fortitude while crooning battle hymns that resonate through the halls of the game.
Githyanki
On the other side of the cosmic coin, we have the Githyanki Bards, astral voyagers with a martial flair. Githyanki has a balance of physical and mental power. Initially, they had fixed bonuses to Strength and Intelligence, but now you have the flexibility to choose which ability gets a +2 and which gets a +1, tuning your Bard to your style. Your Githyanki Bard will be proficient with Greatsword, Longsword, and Shortsword.
They also don light and medium armor without a hitch, and you get to pick any one skill to gain proficiency in a true martial maestro with a touch of personal flair. Githyanki Bards come with a suite of psionic abilities that mimic certain spells. From summoning an invisible Mage Hand to leaping across the battlefield with a Jump spell or teleporting with Misty Step, your Bard is not only a musician but a psionic poet, crafting a dance of mind and magic on the ground.
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