Whether you got tired of looking at your character’s face or just wanted to try something different, there’s a way to do it.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has a post-launch feature called The Magic Mirror that allows you to change how your character looks.
It’s an actual glowing mirror that you must interact with and choose what you want to change.
Here’s how to use the magic mirror to change your appearance in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Finding the Magic Mirror
You need to locate the magic mirror to access BG3’s character customization feature. This enchanted mirror is conveniently located in your camp.
The best part? It doesn’t cost anything. All you need to do is to stand in front of the mirror and interact with it.
It’s worth noting that the magic mirror wasn’t available when the game was first launched.
This feature was introduced via an update made months after the game came out, so you might not have this feature if you have the launch version.
That said, Baldur’s Gate 3 updates are free. As soon as you go online and download the most recent patch, you will have access to the magic mirror and all other additions made to the game by Larian.
Limitations of Character Customization
While the magic mirror offers players a way to change their character’s appearance, it can’t change everything.
This feature has a few limitations that are most likely there to prevent your saved file from breaking.
Why the restrictions?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a complex game with an immense number of interactions and interconnected consequences that are tied not only to your character’s actions but their size, class, and race as well.
Larian’s Forgotten Realms is a surprisingly robust setting that responds to your decisions since character creation.
Changing these fundamental attributes could lead to inconsistencies in the game’s narrative and interactions.
After all, it would be bizarre if your character had established connections with an NPC for being a draw and suddenly showed up as a dwarf.
Not only that doesn’t make much sense from a narrative perspective, but you can also imagine the kind of coding chaos that it may cause to Larian.
So, although you can change your character’s appearance regarding eye color, face, hair color, tattoos, and scars, your character’s body type and race remain fixed.
For example, NPCs might react differently, and certain parts of the game may not align with your character’s altered attributes.
Additionally, even if you change your character’s appearance, any permanent effects, such as scars or unique eye colors that you’ve acquired during the game, will still be visible.
So, while you can look different, the scars of your adventures will remain as a testament to your journey.
How Important is the Magic Mirror?
In terms of gameplay and story, character customization has no impact. Your character’s backstory, race, class, body size, and background will all remain the same.
Essentially, your character’s identity is preserved, but you get the pleasure of a fresh face or hairstyle.
This feature is a thoughtful addition by Larian Studios. They didn’t need to add it, but the fans requested and wanted to please those behind their success.
Many Baldur’s Gate 3 players are also TTRPG players. Most of them are familiar with D&D 5e.
Generally speaking, these players usually love the immersion side of a cRPG. That’s why changing their character’s appearance in BG3 is a feature that some players value more than others.
If you decide to change your character’s class mid-game, having the option to update their appearance to better match their new role can be a nice touch.
For instance, you may not want your Paladin to have flaming eyes anymore, or maybe your tiefling deserves a more refined look now that they’ve transitioned away from their warlock origins.
