BG3 Gnome Race

Information on the Gnome race in Baldurs Gate 3. Best Classes, Basic Info, Comparison to 5e, etc.

Looking for information on the Gnome Race in BG3? Get in here! Here you'll find Basic info on the Gnome race, "best" classes for Gnome, differencec of Gnome in 5e vs BG3, and other info!

Note that all races in BG3 gain a +2 and +1 bonus to ANY two Ability Points ("stats") during character creation or while respeccing. And most, if not all racially tied stat bonuses are not present.

Gnome Race Basic Information

Here's a summary of the basic racial "traits" of Gnome in BG3.

Race Features:

Base Racial Speed: 7.5m per turn. Other races usually get 9.

Gnome Cunning: You have Advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma Saving Throws.

Gnome has NO Race Actions or Race Cantrips (without Subraces).

Gnome has NO Subraces in BG3.

Gnome Subrace Modifications

Rock Gnome

Darkvision: Can see in the dark up to 12m. Can't complain here!

Artificer's Lore: Add twice your Proficiency Bonus to History Checks.

Forest Gnome

Speak with Animals: Gain the ability to, well, speak with animals. Great for BG3 to see more content.

Darkvision: Can see in the dark up to 12m. Can't complain here!

Deep Gnome

Superior Darkvision: Can see in the dark up to 24m. Double can't complain here!

Stone Camouflage: You have Advantage on Stealth Checks.

Which Gnome Subrace is best?

Inevitably this question will always come up! The "best" Subrace for Gnome is is Deep Gnome. Why? Superior Darkvision plus being more stealthy is amazing for characters interested in it. Otherwise, Forest Gnome isn't bad for characters to maximize animal content.

This depends on your goals, of course, but If I had to recommend one, this would be it.

Best Classes for Gnome in BG3?

If I was to give a straight answer, the best classes for Gnome (Specifically Deep subrace) are Rogues or any stealthy character. Otherwise, Forest is an OK choice to gain Animal Talking. If the latter is your goal, there might be better options though.

I might prefer Deep Gnome versus Lightfoot Halfling for these stealthy characters If I HAD to choose between the two.

Note that there's no right or wrong answer here, haha. There's always a crazy build out there, flavor or RP, or a plethora of other reasons to choose Gnome over another with any combination!

Gnome in BG3 vs. 5e: Differences

Wondering about the main differences of the Gnome race in Baldurs Gate 3 vs. DnD 5e?

Gnomes lose roughly 3 stats depending on subrace. Which is a "nerf" to Gnome in BG3 since ALL RACES get bonus stats.

Deep Gnomes got "buffed" since the 5E Deep Gnome Stealth mechanic relies on Rocky Terrain.

Wood Gnomes are a little different. They lose a minor Illusion Cantrip, which stings a little. Instead of only being able to talk to Small Beasts, they can speak to ANY animal in BG3.

See also: External link to Gnome in 5e.

Obviously one of the main blanket changes (I mentioned it above), all races in BG3 get a free +2 and +1 to any two stats of choice, as well as racial stat bonuses being removed.

Summary and Closing

That about wraps it up for BG3's Gnome race!