The Best Gnome Classes & Subclasses

Gnomes in Baldur’s Gate 3 are not the most common playable race, but still shouldn’t be ignored. Gnomes have innate traits that make the race a viable support character, as they can resist many attacks and wield some free spells.

Gnomes are also very versatile, as they can fit many roles and have more subraces than others. Gnomes’ subclasses include Rock Gnomes, Forest Gnomes, and Deep Gnomes, each having advantages that can fit many builds or party compositions in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Gnome Abilities In Baldur’s Gate 3

Unlike the standard Dungeons and Dragons Fifth edition rules, Larian has completely removed racial Ability Score bonuses. Instead, you can pick a +2 and +1 to any stat, but still must be at or below the 17 maximum. Additionally, there are no stat requirements for multiclassing. This allows much more flexibility when combining classes – there is even an achievement in Baldur’s Gate 3 for 12 classes on one character.

Gnomes are naturally defensive due to their bonuses to mental Saving Throws. This allows them to also build around becoming strong tanks and support characters that are hard to take down. Unfortunately, they are slow movers like other Baldur’s Gate 3‘s races Dwarf and Halfling. This can make it tough to position into a melee fight. Additionally, you will select one of three subraces – Rock, Forest, or Deep – to further round out their specializations. This will grant the following features and improvements:

After selecting a subrace for a Gnome class in Baldur’s Gate 3, you should consider a Background that provides skill proficiencies. These include Charlatan (Deception, Sleight of Hand), Criminal (Deception, Stealth), Sage (Arcana, History), and Urchin (Sleight of Hand, Stealth). Other Backgrounds can be selected if the previously mentioned proficiencies are already part of your intended class – like Sleight of Hand for Rogues.

Best Gnome Subclasses

A Gnome’s special features shows that they are hearty, knowledgeable, and tend to favor magic. It is up to you if you want to use this to make destructive blasters, party support, or add a bit of magic to a more martial-focused fighter class in Baldur’s Gate 3. Another great option is making full use of their Saving Throws to become an unwavering presence in battle.

Wizard – Abjuration School

The Abjuration School will turn Wizards into excellent party buffers who receives a magical shield as they cast. A Gnome will want to utilize spells that increase survivability, like Mage Armor and Protection from Evil and Good. Because Abjuration Spells are mostly cast on the party, Gnomes can keep their Intelligence at a minimum, raising it just for more prepared spells after each rest in Baldur’s Gate 3. They can also dedicate level-ups to earning useful feats like Tough and Skilled.

Fighter – Eldritch Knight

Eldritch Knight allows Gnomes to combine their arcane prowess with physical combat. Most notably, they will be proficient with Strength, and Constitution Saving Throws while still having an advantage on all mental ones. With the option of using heavy armor and shields, the best magic choices are defensive spells like Blade Ward and False Life.

Paladin – Oath of the Ancients

Choosing Paladin for a Gnome can result in one of the most well protected main characters. Paladins have means of healing quickly with Lay on Hands, is fully immune to status effects like disease, and at higher levels even adds their Charisma bonus to every Saving Throw. Combine that with a Gnome’s Advantage, and they are nearly invincible to most mental affects. Oath of the Ancients specifically helps Gnomes ignore their slower movement with spells like Misty Step to teleport or Moonbeam that blasts radiant damage from 18m.

Rogue – Arcane Trickster

Much like Eldritch Knight, the Rogue subclass Arcane Trickster will allow a Gnome to utilize Intelligence-based magic and a few martial skills in Baldur’s Gate 3. But Arcane Tricksters are more about deception and role-play than brute warriors. You should consider versatile spells like Disguise Self and Charm Person.

Rogue – Thief

The other Rogue subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 will make Gnomes into a shadowy assassin. This doesn’t grant any form of magic, but the bonuses of a Deep Gnome will still shine as a Thief. You will want to capitalize on Fast Hands feature – unlike the tabletop version, this class feature grants a second bonus action from any source. A multiclassed character can use it for Bardic Inspiration or a Monk’s Flurry of Blows. Alternatively, you can play as a hidden sniper and use the bonus actions to hide, jump, or disengage at any moment.

Barbarian – Wildheart

An unlikely but powerful pairing is to play a Gnome Wildheart Barbarian. Bear Heart will make a Gnome near-indestructible while raging – they will be resistant to most damage and still maintain an advantage on many Saving Throws. If you are playing with several melee characters – like Baldur’s Gate 3’s fighter Lae’zel – another tactic is to use Wolf Heart instead. This will give nearby allies an advantage on melee attacks, turning the Gnome Barbarian into a sturdy support character.

With so many race-class varieties, you should consider dabbling with each on separate save files. A powerful build on paper may still not feel exactly right once played in-world. It is possible to enjoy multiple combinations and want to play through Baldur’s Gate 3 as a Gnome several times.