This guide helps you create and roleplay the ultimate Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3. So you can shape your story with every choice.
Baldur’s Gate 3 redefines the roleplaying genre by combining rich storytelling, tactical combat, and player-driven choices. Developed by Larian Studios, this epic adventure lets you journey through the Forgotten Realms with a party shaped by your decisions. Since every choice influences the world around you, the game rewards thoughtful exploration and strategic planning. Additionally, its foundation on Dungeons & Dragons 5e rules brings a layer of depth that makes each encounter feel unique and meaningful.
Playing as a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 provides you with the ability to create not only your look but also your values and story. As opposed to predetermined origin characters, a custom Tav is a blank character at the start, and so you can define your background, class, and alignment according to your preferred method of play. Therefore, what you do influences dialogue, the success or failure of quests, and even companions’ responses towards you. Additionally, creating a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 provides room for roleplay, as your choices mirror your character’s personality at every decision. Ultimately, the decisions you make with your custom Tav really make your own special journey through the game.
A Guide to Tav Custom Character In Baldur’s Gate 3 and Origin Characters
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players can choose between premade origin characters or create a unique hero known as “Tav.” Origin characters come with rich backstories, predetermined motivations, and pre-written narrative arcs. Although these characters offer a strong sense of identity, they can sometimes limit your roleplaying flexibility. In contrast, a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 begins as a blank slate, allowing you to define their appearance, background, personality, and moral outlook from the ground up.
Interestingly, the name “Tav” originates from Larian Studios’ internal placeholder for unnamed protagonists—it eventually became the default name used for any Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3. Because a custom Tav offers unparalleled freedom, it can lead to a more immersive and personal storytelling experience. You’re not tied to a specific past, which means you’re able to react to the world based entirely on how you imagine your Tav would think or feel.
Additionally, custom Tavs allow for greater flexibility in character builds, letting you balance fantasy and gameplay needs with ease. As a result, this guide will help you create a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 that not only fits your narrative vision but also performs well in combat, dialogue, and exploration.
Choosing Your Fantasy Custom Character In Baldur’s Gate 3
Choosing your fantasy Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most exciting parts of the game. Whether you envision a noble paladin bound by honor or a mischievous rogue who bends the rules, the game gives you the tools to bring that vision to life. Since a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 starts with a clean slate, you may shape every detail—from race and class to background and alignment—to match your ideal roleplay. Moreover, this freedom ensures that your journey feels personal, meaningful, and truly your own.
A Brief Archetype List For Your Custom Character In Baldur’s Gate 3 With Roleplay Flavor + Mechanical Playstyle
The Noble Knight
For players who want to lead with honor and discipline, the Noble Knight is a timeless archetype for a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3. This role suits those who prefer a lawful good alignment, standing as a shield for the weak and a sword against chaos. Choosing theOath of the Crown Paladin, introduced in Patch 8, lets your Tav embrace the values of law, loyalty, and protection. Moreover, this subclass empowers your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 with tactical abilities like Righteous Clarity to guide allies, Divine Allegiance to absorb damage, and interrupts that control the battlefield.
Alternatively, you can build your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 as a Battle Master Fighter, which replaces divine powers with precise combat techniques. Using Superiority Dice, the Battle Master executes maneuvers that trip enemies, defend allies, or disrupt enemy plans.
The Outcast Mage
For players who crave arcane power touched by danger, the Outcast Mage is a compelling archetype for your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3. This build thrives on the fringes of society—misunderstood, feared, and incredibly powerful. Choosing theShadow Magic Sorcererallows your Tav to manipulate darkness itself. Thanks to Patch 8, this subclass grants Superior Darkvision, Shadow Walk, and Strength of the Grave, giving your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 both evasiveness and endurance. Furthermore, the Hound of Ill Omen lets you unleash a spectral predator to terrorize enemies, making it an excellent choice for players tackling Honour Mode or seeking a darker roleplay theme.
Alternatively, the Bladesinging Wizard offers a novel blend of sword combat and spellcasting. Instead of skulking in shadows, this mage waltzes through combat with agility and accuracy. Through Bladesong, your wizard has bonuses to speed, AC, and Constitution saves. In addition, Patch 8 adds to this subclass with new animations and casting flavor that add to immersion. Because a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 lets you tailor each aspect to your heart’s desire, the Outcast Mage archetype presents itself as a dramatic statement piece.
The Shadow Operative
For players who enjoy subterfuge, charm, and precision strikes, the Shadow Operative is a thrilling archetype for a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3. This build blends stealth and sorcery, deception and deadliness, giving you the tools to manipulate any encounter. As aHexblade Warlock, introduced in Patch 8, your Tav can form a pact with a mysterious Shadowfell entity. Not only can you curse your foes and drain their life essence, but you also gain access to powerful necrotic summons. Whenever you slay a valid target, their soul rises to fight beside you—damaging enemies and healing your Hexblade in return. As a result, your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 becomes both a hunter and a harvester of power.
However, if you prefer agility over arcane might, the Swashbuckler Rogue offers a bold, flashy alternative. This subclass brings a piratical flair to your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3, adding stylish maneuvers like Disarming Attack, Sand Toss, and Fancy Footwork.
The Monster Hunter
If you imagine your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 as a relentless force against darkness, the Monster Hunter archetype delivers on every front. This build thrives on tracking, punishing, and outsmarting supernatural threats. Choosing theDeath Domain Cleric, your Tav channels necrotic energy with a divine edge. Patch 8 introduced this subclass with three new necromantic cantrips and unique abilities like Toll the Dead, which deals scaling damage to wounded foes. Furthermore, the homebrewed option to detonate nearby corpses adds battlefield control and dark flavor. Therefore, your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 becomes a grim protector—one who turns death into a weapon.
Conversely, theSwarmkeeper Rangerpresents a naturalistic but no less unsettling solution. This subclass allows your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 to command swarms of magical beasts that are both offense and mobility devices. Added in Patch 8, the swarms provide tactical advantages: Jellyfish shock with lightning, Moths blind with psychic damage, and Bees pierce the enemy while sending them flying back. Moreover, each swarm kind bestows teleportation, with the ability to creatively position itself in battle. Your Tav, as such, can manipulate the battlefield with accuracy and style. Whether as a grim god or the raw wilds themselves, the Monster Hunter is ready to confront monstrosities most would avoid.
The Silver-Tongued Trickster
For players who enjoy dazzling their foes and charming their way through challenges, the Silver-Tongued Trickster archetype fits perfectly. When you create a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3, leaning into Charisma-based spellcasters like Bards and Sorcerers opens up both narrative freedom and mechanical versatility. TheCollege of Glamour Bard, introduced in Patch 8, blends battlefield control with social manipulation. With Mantle of Inspiration, you grant allies temporary hit points while charming any enemy foolish enough to strike. Moreover, Mantle of Majesty lets you dominate charmed enemies—forcing them to flee, freeze, or drop weapons at your command. Consequently, your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 becomes both a protector and a puppet master.
Consider A Backstory, Goals, And Flaws For Your Tav Roleplay
When building your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3, take a moment to explore who they truly are. What drives them forward? Which mistakes still haunt them? Although the game offers incredible freedom, a compelling backstory, personal goals, and meaningful flaws make every decision feel intentional. Even so, your Tav’s journey can shift based on the choices you make—so plan ahead, but stay open to change.
How Background Affects Dialogue And Skill Proficiencies In Baldur’s Gate 3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, your CustomCharacter’s backgroundheavily influences both game and story. Every background, besides offering two necessary skill proficiencies, also allows for special dialogue options and modifies NPC interactions.
The Acolyte background, for instance, offers Insight and Religion, enabling your Tav to sense people’s emotions and comprehend holy affairs. This background improves roleplay, especially when combined with the Noble Knight archetype since they both emphasize following moral codes. It enables your character to set an example using righteousness, receiving the approval of those who look up to religion and wisdom.
Alternatively, the Charlatan background, providing Deception and Sleight of Hand, is ideal for characters who live off manipulation and deception. This background is ideal for the Shadow Operative archetype, which lives on deception, stealth, and cunning. Charlatan Tavs are great at convincing or fooling NPCs, paving the way for new opportunities. Likewise, this background fits the Swashbuckler Rogue, who employs both deception and agility to manipulate social interactions and outsmart foes.
Each background not only influences your Tav’s dialogue options but also determines how you approach skill checks, making your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 feel uniquely tailored. The right background choice ensures a more immersive experience, unlocking special interactions and gameplay opportunities.
Class Breakdown By Roleplay Fantasy
In Baldur’s Gate 3, creating a strong Custom Character requires careful class, race, and background choice. It not only determines your character’s powers but also adds depth to the role-playing experience. Below is a handpicked list of synergistic pairs.
Barbarian Class For Custom Character In Baldur’s Gate 3
When creating a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Barbarian class thrives on raw strength and battlefield dominance.
Bard Class For Custom Character In Baldur’s Gate 3
Creating a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 as a Bard means embracing versatility, charm, and control.
Cleric Class For Custom Character In Baldur’s Gate 3
A Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 who chooses the Cleric class becomes the party’s spiritual core—capable of restoring allies, punishing enemies, and anchoring the front line.
Clerics support the frontline, disrupt enemy formations, and deliver divine justice through versatile spellcasting and durability.
Druid Class For Custom Character In Baldur’s Gate 3
Creating a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3 as a Druid offers a dynamic playstyle, blending spellcasting, shapeshifting, and battlefield control.
Fighter Class For Custom Character In Baldur’s Gate 3
For a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Fighter class is great at being versatile with a great mix of offense and defense.
These were a few examples for class breakdown by roleplay fantasy in Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3. Each pairing enhances both gameplay and narrative, letting you fully embody your chosen fantasy in every encounter.
Dialogue, Alignment & Moral Choices For Your Character In Baldur’s Gate 3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, Tav’s decisions in dialogue, alignment, and moral choices shape their journey.
For instance, in the quest Hunt the Devil, the player can decide whether to assist or take advantage of Karlach. Assisting Karlach is in line with a more compassionate path, building party harmony, while taking advantage of her for self-interest results in a darker route.
For the Cult of the Absolute, Tav can either align with the faction and grant them power or resist their influence, which comes with challenges that require Tav to prove his integrity. An example is Shadowheart’s individual pursuit, where alignment with her during her turmoil or opposing her choices affects her loyalty and Tav’s adventure.
In terms of romantic interaction, the direction Tav moves can significantly impact their relationships. For example, in Karlach’s Romance, empathy makes her bond stronger and their relationship deeper, while using her for Tav’s purposes changes her image of Tav. Likewise, Shadowheart’s romance has a dynamic where manipulation and empathy both affect Tav’s alignment and path.
Tips On Using the “Inspiration” System To Reward Roleplay
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Inspiration system compensates players for successfully fulfilling actions that correspond to their backgrounds. A Soldier may gain Inspiration, for instance, for commanding soldiers into combat. These activities, unique to each character’s background, award different levels of experience, ranging from 20 and going up to 275. This means that characters who gain Inspiration tend to get more experience than others since Inspiration is not party-shared.
Characters are able to develop and change over time, making surprising decisions that still reflect their fundamental values. For instance, a noble character may every now and then behave pragmatically, showing personal development. Always think about how your character would respond in the situation presented. Keep in mind that small thoughtful gestures can result in great rewards. Maintaining a balance between consistency and flexibility will maximize your character’s potential in the Inspiration system. Paying you back with both roleplaying satisfaction and in-game rewards.
Multiclassing to Match the Personality Of Your Custom Character
Multiclassing provides more expansive roleplay opportunity, mixing disparate abilities to suit a character’s particular background. A Paladin/Warlock is one of inner conflict, torn between divine duty and darkness. A Rogue/Bard may create performances while keeping secrets about a dark, hidden past. Druid/Sorcerer multiclassing ties an untamed mage to the ground, mixing primal and arcane abilities. Roleplay reasons for multiclassing provide depth of character, founded on internal struggle or individual growth.
Mechanically, multiclassing offers versatile abilities, though it can delay access to high-level class features. Balance roleplay motivations with gameplay benefits, ensuring character development aligns with your vision.
FAQs about Custom Character (Tav) in BG3?
What is a Tav in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Tav is the default name for your Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3. When you create your own protagonist instead of selecting an Origin character, the game refers to them as Tav.
Can Tav be fully customized in BG3?
Yes, Tav can be fully customized in Baldur’s Gate 3. You choose their race, such as Half-Orc or Tiefling, and their class, like Paladin or Sorcerer. You also select a background—Acolyte, Criminal, Sage, etc.—which affects roleplay and Inspiration gains. Additionally, you control appearance details like hairstyle, eye color, tattoos, and voice. Finally, you define Tav’s abilities, skill proficiencies, and even starting cantrips or fighting styles based on class.
Do custom characters have their own story in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, custom characters—your Tav—have their own unique story in Baldur’s Gate 3. While they don’t have the predefined backstories of Origin characters, their narrative emerges through choices, relationships, and background-driven interactions. For example, a Folk Hero Tav may earn Inspiration by helping a desperate villager during the “Save the Refugees” quest. Dialogue options, moral decisions, and class-specific events dynamically shape Tav’s personal journey across all three acts.
Will I miss out on anything by not picking an Origin character in BG3?
You won’t miss core content by skipping an Origin character in Baldur’s Gate 3, but you will experience it differently. Origin characters like Astarion or Shadowheart come with personal quests—such as “The Pale Elf” or “Daughter of Darkness”—that unfold more intimately when you play as them. However, if you choose a Custom Character in Baldur’s Gate 3, you still engage with their stories as companions. Additionally, you gain the freedom to define your personality, backstory, and roleplay direction entirely, which many players find more immersive.
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