In Baldur's Gate 3, you're requested to choose from a number of different backgrounds when you begin creating your character. This is an important aspect of the game and can influence how you progress. So we'll make it easier for you to make your pick with the help of our guide on Baldur's Gate 3 backgrounds.
Moreover, when choosing your background in Baldur's Gate 3, you should know that your choice is not limited by race or class so you have the freedom to play around with whatever background you want. So be sure to take your time to understand every background the game has to offer in our list below.
For more on the game, check out our Baldur's Gate 3 class tier list, alongside a look at whether you can play solo. On top of that, check out how to leave camp in Baldur's Gate 3.
All backgrounds in Baldur's Gate 3
Backgrounds influence how NPCs perceive players and can change how certain events occur when playing. Therefore, in terms of perks that you can benefit from, backgrounds can even provide you with skill bonuses, and in addition, they grant you special quests that you can accomplish within Baldur's Gate 3.
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Moreover, another thing that comes with choosing a background is the Inspiration Points you can obtain. These are points that are rewarded for performing an action true to your background. Inspiration can then be spent on rerolling an ability check. However, you can only hold four Inspiration Points at once and these will turn into experience points if you collect Inspiration over the four-point cap.
So with that in mind, you can now check out all the backgrounds you can choose from in Baldur's Gate 3. But take your time deciding, as this can help you to create the best playing experience for yourself in the game.
Acolyte
Living a life of service, acolytes have resided in temples all their life. They learn about sacred rites and provide sacrifices to the gods. Subsequently, by doing these things as part of your background, you will most likely reap Inspiration Points. For proficiencies, the Acolyte has Insight and Religion.
Charlatan
In line with its name, the Charlatan is a trickster who enjoys manipulating others. You could even be considered an expert at that. Additionally, you're prone to exaggeration and more than happy to profit from it. You'll gain Inspiration Points from continuously bending the truth and turning allies against each other. In terms of proficiencies, you have a knack for Deception and Sleight of Hand.
Criminal
With a history of breaking the law, you're an expert at evading the authorities. Criminals survive by leveraging less-than-legal connections. Furthermore, you profit from criminal enterprises, which leads to high-risk, high-reward opportunities in your future. So this makes you great in the proficiencies of Deception and Stealth.
Entertainer
You simply love the showbiz lifestyle. Regardless of whether your audience is rich or poor, you enjoy making others smile through your spectacles and shows. You'll even take every opportunity to tell a joke or entertain a crowd. So, for example, this makes you quite skilled in the proficiencies of Acrobatics and Performance.
Folk Hero
As a champion of the common people, you make sure to bring justice to the tyrants and monsters who have terrorised those without power. You're willing to protect children and help anyone in need, even if it may cost your own life. Saving innocents from imminent danger in Baldur's Gate 3 will make your legend grow and increase your Inspiration Points. Therefore, the proficiencies of Animal Handling and Survival will help you in your journey.
Guild Artisan
Being skilled in a particular craft has earned you membership in a mercantile guild. This led to you gaining several privileges and protection while engaging in your art.
- Read more: Baldur's Gate 3 race tier list
So upon repairing and discovering rare crafts, you'll gain Inspiration points in exchange. As a Guild Artisan, you'll therefore have the proficiencies of Insight and Persuasion.
Noble
Growing up in a wealthy family, privilege and power are all you've ever known. Nobles belong to the social elite and can be a little stuck up. So make sure to tread carefully among the socialites by accumulating renown, power, and loyalty, as these three can raise your status among the rich in Baldur's Gate 3. The proficiencies of History and Persuasion will surely help you in this task.
Hermit
Do you enjoy life in solitude? As a hermit, you're sworn to seclusion and prefer being on your own rather than competing with the chaos of society. So upon choosing to avoid company, this is where you'll reap the rewards in Inspiration Points. Therefore, the proficiencies of Medicine and Religion will guide you in this secluded path.
Outlander
Growing up in the outdoors, nature is your home. You've learned how to survive far from the comforts of civilisation. Similarly, the dangers of the wild don't phase you. Learning more about the wild and surviving within it will enhance your prowess and understanding. As a result, the proficiencies of Athletics and Survival will be your lifesavers out there.
Sage
Always hungry for new knowledge, the sage is curious and well-read. You'll learn about the rare lore of the world and things you've never known about it before. It helps to read more books and examine more of the world around you to gain Inspiration Points. Therefore, with the proficiencies of Arcana and History, you're sure to become more inspired to put your knowledge to a greater purpose.
Sailor
Prepared for life at sea, the rocky waters are nothing to be afraid of. You're more than knowledgeable on the inner workings of ships and aquatic life, spending years weathering storms and battling creatures of the deep. Upon solving the sea's mysteries, you will surely be rewarded with Inspiration Points. Your proficiencies in Athletics and Perception will therefore make it easier to navigate the oceans.
Soldier
Skilled on the battlefield, you're familiar with the art of war. Soldiers have been trained in battlefield tactics and combat, having served in a militia, mercenary company, or officer corps. You'll gain Inspiration Points from using battle tactics or surviving fights during your adventures. With Athletics and Intimidation as your proficiencies, you're sure to get through each adversary with ease.
Urchin
Growing up on the streets has toughened you up. You learned how to survive on scraps and make the most out of very little. As a result, you'll gain Inspiration from using your street smarts and outwitting the challenging journey ahead of you. Your proficiencies in Stealth and Sleight of Hand make your travels much more manageable.
Which background is best in Baldur's Gate 3?
Now that you know what each background has to offer in Baldur's Gate 3, you can probably decide which may be the best for your class. Therefore we've made a list of background suggestions for particular classes right below:
- Bard - Charlatan, Entertainer, Guild Artisan
- Barbarian - Folk Hero, Outlander, Soldier
- Cleric - Acolyte, Outlander
- Druid - Acolyte, Folk Hero, Outlander
- Fighter - Folk Hero, Outlander, Soldier
- Monk - Acolyte, Hermit, Outlander
- Ranger - Acolyte, Criminal, Folk Hero, Outlander, Soldier
- Rogue - Criminal, Folk Hero, Outlander, Soldier, Urchin
- Paladin - Criminal, Folk Hero, Guild Artisan, Outlander, Soldier
- Sorcerer - Charlatan, Guild Artisan, Noble, Sage, Soldier
- Warlock - Charlatan, Guild Artisan, Noble, Sage, Soldier
- Wizard - Charlatan, Guild Artisan, Noble, Sage, Soldier
These suggestions still boil down to what you think you'll best benefit from when you choose your background and class in Baldur's Gate 3. Feel free to experiment with totally unaligned classes and backgrounds when building your character, as it's more important for you to still have fun with the game. Most importantly, these kind of rules are sometimes meant to be broken!
If you liked this guide, be sure to check out our other pieces on the game such as how to move objects in Baldur's Gate 3 and how to dual wield in Baldur's Gate 3.