Another small race for Baldur’s Gate 3 has been confirmed. In addition to halflings, we can also start our journey as a gnome in the finished game. This was revealed by Larian’s founding father Swen Vincke at this year’s Games Developers Conference. However, this revelation was not intentional (via PCGamer).
You can see what we think of Baldur’s Gate 3 at the moment in our review update, which assesses the state of the game after a year of Early Access:
more on the subject
Baldur’s Gate 3: Our test update after a year
An unintentional slip of the tongue
Swen Vincke is quite an illustrious figure in the gaming industry. The chief developer likes to appear in front of the camera and is rarely too smart for various silly things. He’s also seen more often in armor than in everyday clothes.
Since he also talks relatively easily on the spot, he can occasionally become a little careless. Same with his presentation on the challenges of developing Baldur’s Gate 3.
Meanwhile Vincke talked about the different body sizes of the playable races and also mentioned the gnomes as an example of a small race:
This game supports a ton of playable races, right? And I’ll give you a few examples of problems that we encounter in the process. You can play as a human, and you can play as a gnome…
Swen Vincke
However, that is currently not the case at all. Baldur’s Gate 3 has been in Early Access on Steam since 2020 (and will remain so until at least 2023) and throughout that time the same eight races have been playable. Gnomes weren’t one of them. Vincke also confirmed shortly thereafter that he slipped out of it.
Gnomes aren’t even in the game, so that’s your scoop for today.
10:20
Baldur’s Gate 3 – Conclusion after a year in Early Access
What can the gnomes do?
It was already very likely that gnomes would move up as a playable race. After all, gnomes were already a playable race in the two predecessors and there were also legendary companions such as the illusionist Jan Jansen.
So far, gnomes in Baldur’s Gate 3 only exist as NPCs. This unfortunate fellow is one of them. By the way, you can also catapult it through the air with the pinwheel … that’s what I heard.
In addition, we can already meet gnomes in Baldur’s Gate 3. One is even tied to a pinwheel by a gang of goblins and is in dire need of help. It was only a matter of time before Gnome became playable. It remains unclear whether the gnomes will still be added in Early Access or whether Larian will save this people for the finished release. Barbarians have recently been added to the range of playable classes.
Vincke also didn’t reveal what makes the gnomes in Baldur’s Gate 3 stand out. But since the game is based on the rules of DnD 5, we can just have a look at the manual:
characteristics
- Gnomes have 2 points more Intelligence
- Gnomes have a speed of 25 feet
- Gnomes have darkvision
- Gnomes have advantage on saving throws versus magic based on Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.
subspecies
- Rock Gnomes: These gnomes have an additional Constitution increased by 1 and are very good at examining artifacts or crafting items.
- Waldgnome: These gnomes gain 1 Dexterity, and as natural illusionists, they can perform the Basic Illusion magic trick right from the start. By the way, these gnomes can easily exchange thoughts with small animals.
Are you looking forward to the gnomes or are there other races that you really want to play? Write it in the comments!
Table of Contents
