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All the Baldur’s Gate 3 backgrounds are as immersive as the rest of the character creation. Depending on what you choose, NPCs will interact with you differently based on your background. You’ll experience different quests and even have specific goals and inspiration points in Baldur’s Gate 3. Also, the right one can elevate specific builds. So, it benefits you to choose your background carefully based on the build you’re setting up. We’ll cover each one so you can better understand which one to go with when you start playing.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Character Backgrounds Explained
Baldur’s Gate 3 aims to give you total control over the character you develop. You get over a dozen races and classes to explore. So, seeing the same attention given to the characters’ backgrounds is incredible. Thankfully, you can select any background regardless of your race and class.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, backgrounds address the proficiencies of the different skills. As mentioned, they also influence the plot by granting you unique quests and NPC conversations. Before you decide on one, let’s break them all down below. Select any in the list below to take you right to the background you have in mind:
Acolyte
Acolytes serve the temple, devoting their lives to it. Along with your devotion and learning sacred rites, you offer sacrifices to the gods and goddesses you worship.
Proficiencies:
- Insight
- Religion
Charlatan
Among Baldur’s Gate 3‘s backgrounds, the Charlatan deals in lies and manipulation. You not only twist the truth to suit your needs but also revel in turning people against one another, even your own allies.
Proficiencies:
- Deception
- Sleight of Hand
Criminal
Want a character who can master stealth? The Criminal background is for you. They’re used to evading the law and have no issue profiting from illegal and illicit activities.
Proficiencies:
- Deception
- Stealth
Entertainer
Within the Baldur’s Gate 3 backgrounds comes the boisterous Entertainer. Performing is your go-to quality, no matter who your audience consists of. You’ll bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Proficiencies:
- Acrobatics
- Performance
Folk Hero
A true champion known by many to save the day and slay the monsters who pick on the little guy. Your willingness to protect any innocent in need brings you more fame.
Proficiencies:
- Animal Handling
- Survival
Guild Artisan
As a member of the mercantile guild, you’ve earned respect, privilege, and protection. It’s allowed you to become more resourceful and have a way with words.
Proficiencies:
- Insight
- Persuasion
Noble
The Noble is one of the Baldur’s Gate 3 backgrounds with a clear-cut story. You were raised among the elite. Such a life granted you higher privilege and power than most.
Proficiencies:
- History
- Persuasion
Outlander
It’s all about survival for those with an Outlander background. You grew up in the wilds, so you have better survival skills and smarts than most.
Proficiencies:
- Athletics
- Survival
Sage
The Sage wants to consume as much information as possible. Of the Baldur’s Gate 3 backgrounds, knowledge is most important to Sages. The more you learn, the more efficient you become.
Proficiencies:
- Arcana
- History
Soldier
A trained tactician and warrior, you are ready for battle. Your character may have served in mercenary groups, militia, or even an officer corps.
Proficiencies:
- Athletics
- Intimidation
Urchin
Street smarts are vital for the Urchin background. You were raised on the streets, so you know what it takes to survive such a harsh upbringing.
Proficiencies:
- Sleight of Hand
- Stealth
Best Background and Build Combination
There are numerous ways you can enjoy Baldur’s Gate 3 with any type of character build. However, there are some that seem to work more in favor of specific backgrounds. Try out whatever combination you wish, but feel free to keep some of these suggestions in mind:
- Barbarian Class: Soldier, Outlander
- Bard Class: Charlatan, Entertainer
- Cleric: Acolyte
- Druid: Folk Hero, Outlander
- Fighter: Folk Hero, Outlander, Soldier
- Monk: Acolyte, Outlander
- Paladin: Criminal, Folk Hero, Soldier
- Ranger: Criminal, Folk Hero, Outlander, Soldier
- Rogue: Criminal, Folk Hero, Soldier, Urchin
- Sorcerer: Guild Artisan, Noble, Sage, Soldier
- Warlock: Charlatan, Guild Artisan, Noble, Sage
- Wizard: Guild Artisan, Noble, Sage, Soldier
Of course, you can always choose one of the Baldur’s Gate 3 backgrounds that is the exact opposite of your character build. It’s your character, so have as much fun as possible, even if that means creating an eccentric one.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Background Goals and Points Explained
On top of the Baldur’s Gate 3 backgrounds offering skill bonuses and quests, you also have goals and inspiration points. When it comes to goals, these are objectives you can meet. When you achieve a background goal in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll become Inspired. As a result, there’s a chance your companions will feel the same. With the right amount of points, you can reroll an Ability Check. It’s a great way to meet the requirements for certain quests.
You can only ever have four inspiration points, though. If you exceed that, you are rewarded with EXP instead.
Related:
How to Get the Necromancy of Thay Book in Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on PC and will release on September 6, 2023, for PS5.
