All Baldur’s Gate 3 character backgrounds explained: Soldier, Criminal, Sage, more

When creating a character in Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the first things you must do is select a background. Here’s a comprehensive guide on every available background in BG3 and how it impacts your gameplay.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has 13 backgrounds that define where your character is from and who they were. It affects how NPCs, companions, and all major characters react to you. The background you select will also affect what special quests and inspiration points you receive.

It should be noted that you can choose any background irrespective of race or class. Some backgrounds, though, work well with specific builds.

Here are all the backgrounds in Baldur’s Gate 3 that you need to know about:

When choosing your character’s background in Baldur’s Gate 3, you must take the proficiency they offer to certain skills into account. Once you’ve made your character, you can’t change your background, so choose wisely.

Here are all of the character backgrounds in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Acolytes are proficient in Insight (Wisdom) and Religion (Intelligence). The official in-game description for the Acolyte character background in Baldur’s Gate 3 reads, “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 you to Greatness.”

Here’s a list of the Acolyte’s inspiration goals:

Charlatans are proficient in Deception (Charisma) and Sleight of Hand (Dexterity) in Baldur’s Gate 3. The Charlatan background’s official in-game description reads, “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 bring you success down the road.”

Here’s the list of the Charlatan’s inspiration goals:

Criminals in Baldur’s Gate 3 are proficient in Deception (Charisma) and Stealth (Dexterity). The Criminal background’s official in-game description in Baldur’s Gate 3 reads, “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.”

Here are all the inspiration goals for the Criminal:

Entertainers get access to Acrobatics (Dexterity) and Performance (Charisma) proficiencies. The official in-game description for the Entertainer character background in Baldur’s Gate 3 reads, “You live to sway and subvert your audience, engaging common crowds and high society alike.”

Here are all the inspiration goals for the Entertainer:

Folk Heroes are proficient in Animal Handling (Wisdom) and Survival (Wisdom) in Baldur’s Gate 3. The background’s official in-game description reads, “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.”

Here’s a list of the Folk Hero’s inspiration goals:

The Guild Artisan gets proficiencies in Insight (Wisdom) and Persuasion (Charisma) in BG3. The official in-game description for the Guild Artisan background says, “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.”

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.

The Guild Artisan has the following inspiration goals:

If you want Medicine (Wisdom) and Religion (Intelligence) as your proficiencies in Baldur’s Gate 3, you need to choose the Hermit. The official in-game description reads, “You were once sworn to seclusion and continue to prefer solitude over the chaos of society.”

The inspiration goals for the Hermit in Baldur’s Gate 3 haven’t been revealed yet.

The Noble in Baldur’s Gate 3 is proficient in History (Intelligence) and Persuasion (Charisma). The background’s official in-game description says, “You were raised in a family among the social elite, accustomed to power and privilege. Accumulating renown, power, and loyalty will raise your status.”

The Noble has the following inspiration goals:

An Outlander is proficient in Athletics (Strength) and Survival (Wisdom) in BG3. The Outlander background’s official in-game description reads, “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.”

The Outlander’s inspiration goals are:

The Sage gets proficiency choices in Arcane (Intelligence) and History (Intelligence). The official in-game description for the character background in Baldur’s Gate 3 reads, “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.”

Here are all the inspiration goals of the Sage:

Athletics (Strength) and Perception (Wisdom) are the proficiencies of the Sailor. The official Baldur’s Gate 3 character background description reads, “You are familiar with the workings of ships and life at sea, having spent years weathering storms and battling creatures of the deep.”

The inspiration goals for the Sailor in Baldur’s Gate 3 haven’t been revealed yet.

A Soldier in Baldur’s Gate 3 is proficient in Athletics (Strength) and Intimidation (Charisma). The official in-game description for the Soldier background reads, “You are trained in 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.”

The Soldier’s inspiration goals are:

The Urchin’s proficiencies include Sleight of Hand (Dexterity) and Stealth (Dexterity). The official description for the character background in Baldur’s Gate 3 reads, “After surviving a childhood on the streets, you know how to make the most out of very little. Using your street smarts bolsters your spirit for the journey ahead.”

The Urchin’s inspiration goals are:

This list of Baldur’s Gate 3 character backgrounds will be updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, look through our other articles on the game:

Baldur’s Gate 3 PC system requirements | Baldur’s Gate 3: All editions & preorder bonuses | Is Baldur’s Gate 3 crossplay? | Is Baldur’s Gate 3 single-player? | Does Baldur’s Gate 3 have multiplayer & co-op? | Is Baldur’s Gate 3 coming to Xbox? | Is Baldur’s Gate 3 coming to Nintendo Switch? | Will there be DLC for Baldur’s Gate 3? | Will Baldur’s Gate 3 have microtransactions?