Step 4: Picking Your Background

"Hey!", you might be wondering. "Didn't I forgo an Origin? Why am I now picking a 'background'?" Good question, and the answer is simply "they're not the same thing." Backgrounds in Baldur's Gate III exist more like a basic upbringing; you can have Rogue as your class, for example, but did you learn to be a Rogue while living as a Criminal, perhaps, or through life on the streets as an Urchin? This will influence your Proficiencies in certain skills, although it can come up in roleplay options as well.

Performing actions and making choices that align with your Background can net you XP and/or an Inspiration point, which can be spent to reroll checks. Unless you plan to spend half your playtime save-scumming every time you fail, the ability to reroll a blown check can be invaluable; thus, you are encouraged to not pick a Background haphazardly and instead choose according to how you actually plan to play the character.

Table of Contents

    The following Backgrounds exist in the game at time of writing, with a description by Larian:

    Acolyte - "You have spent your life in service to a temple, learning sacred rites and providing sacrifices to the god or gods you worship. Serving the gods and discovering their sacred works will guide you to greatness."

    • Proficiencies in Insight and Religion skills.

    Charlatan - "You're an expert in manipulation, prone to exaggeration and more than happy to profit from it. Bending the truth and turning allies against each other will lead to greater success down the road."

    • Proficiencies in Deception and Sleight of Hand skills.

    Criminal - "You have a history of breaking the law and survive by leveraging less-than-legal connections. Profiting from criminal enterprise will lead to greater opportunities in the future."

    • Proficiencies in Deception and Stealth skills.

    Entertainer - "You live to sway and subvert your audience, engaging common crowds and high society alike. Preserving art and bringing joy to the hapless and downtrodden heightens your charismatic aura."

    • Proficiencies in Acrobatics and Performance skills.

    Folk Hero - "You're a champion of the common people, challenging tyrants and monsters to protect the helpless. Saving innocents in imminent danger will make your legend grow."

    • Proficiencies in Animal Handling and Survival skills.

    Guild Artisan - "Your skill in a particular craft has earned you membership in a mercantile guild, offering privileges and protection while engaging in your art. Repairing and discovering rare crafts will bring new inspiration."

    • Proficiencies in Insight and Persuasion skills.

    Noble - "You were raised in a family among the social elite, accustomed to power and privilege. Accumulating renown, power, and loyalty will raise your status."

    • Proficiencies in History and Persuasion skills.

    Outlander - "You grew up in the wilds, learning to survive far from the comforts of civilization. Surviving unusual hazards of the wild will enhance your prowess and understanding."

    • Proficiencies in Athletics and Survival skills.

    Sage - "You are curious and well-read, with an unending thirst for knowledge. Learning about rare lore of the world will inspire you to put this knowledge to greater purpose."

    • Proficiencies in Arcana and History skills.

    Soldier - "You are trained in the battlefield tactics and combat, having served in a militia, mercenary company, or officer corps. Show smart tactics and bravery on the battlefield to enhance your prowess."

    • Proficiencies in Athletics and Intimidation skills.

    Urchin - "After surviving a poor and bleak childhood, you know how to make the most out of very little. Using your street smarts bolsters your spirit for the journey ahead."

    • Proficiencies in Sleight of Hand and Stealth skills.

    Continue Building Your Baldur's Gate III Character

    When you're ready to continue, head to one of the other sections of this guide; Ability Scores being next in the game!