Baldur’s Gate 3 character creation: choose a class without overthinking

For a first custom character, pick the style you want to play most often. Fighter is a straightforward weapon-focused start; Cleric offers armour, support and spells; Wizard suits players who enjoy preparing spells. All can work with companions filling other roles.

Class, race and background

Class shapes your abilities, equipment options and level-up choices. Read the class description, then look at its primary ability score; avoid spreading scores evenly if you want your main actions to be reliable. Race and subrace provide traits and sometimes dialogue options. Background grants skill proficiencies and inspiration opportunities tied to roleplay; pick one that fits what you expect to do.

Example: a Fighter who wants direct melee combat can prioritize Strength, carry a suitable weapon and let a companion provide healing or control. You do not need a perfect party for the opening.

In the Abilities screen, compare the modifier beside each score: both 16 and 17 give +3. For a first character, putting a strong score in your class’s main ability and keeping Constitution useful is a reasonable start; check your class and desired playstyle.

What can you change later?

Once Withers is available at camp, his paid respec lets you rebuild class progression, abilities and class-based choices. It does not change race or background. Larian’s Magic Mirror lets eligible custom characters adjust aspects of appearance, voice and pronouns, but not race, subrace or body type. Origin-character options differ. Make those fixed choices for a character you like, rather than chasing a tiny bonus.

Larian: Magic Mirror restrictions · BG3 Wiki: respec details · BG3 Wiki: Abilities