Who are the Gnomes in Baldur’s Gate 3? Gnomes have never been the most popular race in Dungeons and Dragons, but there was a significant outcry when they were left out of 4th Edition, so they have their fans. Gnomes are inventive, elusive magic users who tend to keep to themselves.
As one of 11 playable races, Gnomes have their own distinct appearance, innate abilities, and physical traits. Choosing the right Baldur’s Gate 3 race can affect your playthrough, as can the right class. So if you want to choose to become a Gnome in Baldur’s Gate 3, here’s everything you need to know about their subraces and other key features this species offers.
Gnome racial features
Here are the Gnome’s racial features:
- Base speed – 7.5 meters per turn
Gnome subraces
Gnomes have more subraces than many of the other races at three, and while not as divergent as other races, they do have some key differences.
Deep Gnome
Most gnomes live on the surface, but Deep Gnomes live in the Underdark, surviving on cunning, Darkvision, and guile.
- Superior Darkvision – You can now see in the dark out to a range of 24 meters
- Stone Camouflage – You have an advantage roll on stealth checks
Forest Gnome
Forest Gnomes are the smallest subrace of Gnomes. Highly reclusive, they keep to their forests and groves and focus on mastering magic and honing their skills as craftsmen.
- Darkvision – You can now see in the dark out to a range of 24 meters
- Speak with Animals – Gain the ability to comprehend and verbally communicate with beasts
Rock Gnome
Rock Gnomes are the most common gnomes you’ll see in Faerûn. They are a tough and hardy species with an affinity for metal – hence the name.
- Darkvision – You can now see in the dark out to a range of 24 meters
- Artificer’s Lore – Add twice your proficiency bonus to history checks
Gnome traits
Here are the Gnome traits:
- Gnome Cunning – You have an advantage roll on intelligence, wisdom, and constitution saving throws
Gnome spells and cantrips
Gnomes do not have any spells and cantrips that are not unique to a subrace.
Best class for Gnome
The best class to play as a Gnome is:
- Ranger
- Rogue
- Wizard
Deep Gnomes’ Dexterity, Darkvision, and Stone Camouflage ability mean they’re begging to be a Rogue, but their high Dexterity can also make them effective Rangers, and they can always serve as Wizards because of their high Intelligence.
Forest Gnomes also make excellent Rogues and Rangers, but their high Dexterity and Intelligence bonus also means they’re very survivable and powerful Wizards.
Finally, Rock Gnomes are the best choice for Wizards, as their high Constitution makes them more survivable – important for a class with the lowest health in the game – and allows them to maintain Concentration longer.
Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Gnome backgrounds
Depending on the class, there are different optimal backgrounds for each class. Wizards should go with Sage, while Rogues can opt for various backgrounds, such as Charlatan, Criminal, and Urchin. As for Rangers, Urchin gives a good set of bonuses for those who like to sneak around, but Entertainer is also a good option if you’re more of a showoff Ranger.
If you’re looking for more information on the other races, we have guides for the Baldur’s Gate 3 Elf, High-Elf, Dwarf, and more. If you’re looking for something a bit raunchier, our Baldur’s Gate 3 romance guide is where you need to be.