Guide
Underkeep's races affect your starting attributes and traits. Choose a race after deciding the class and job you want it to perform, then compare the in-game numbers and trait description before confirming the character. Release-day advice and earlier developer comments agree on several broad pairings, but exact values and rankings can change.
Three choices to compare first
| Race | What to look for | Starting idea |
|---|---|---|
| Raven | Dexterity and a versatile profile | Compare with a Thief if you want a nimble physical attacker. |
| Elk | Dexterity and Wisdom | Compare with a Ranger or Wizard; consider how you will protect a less durable back-row character. |
| Slugman | Endurance and Wisdom | Compare with a Voidcaller if you want to pair support magic with survivability. |
The developer described those broad profiles during the February demo; the November 5 hands-on guide also recommends those pairings. That agreement does not verify exact launch statistics. Read the current character creation screen before relying on a bonus.
Other starting options
The release-day guide suggests Dwarf or Stoneborn for a Warrior and discusses Human for Paladin. These are one writer's suggestions, not a universal ranking. For Human, the developer reported a Fast Learner trait giving 10% extra experience in September; the same bonus was reported in the release-day guide. Check the current in-game trait text when you create the character.
This is a selection of choices discussed by the cited sources, not a complete race list. The developer said there were six races in September; an older announcement used different planned names, so an old roster should not be treated as a confirmed release list.
A practical creation checklist
- Pick the class and position first. A front-row character may need a different balance from a protected caster.
- Compare the current race trait and starting attributes with the equipment and skills you expect to use.
- The release-day guide reports you can reroll starting attributes during creation. Inspect the result before you accept it; do not assume an old demo's ranges still apply.
- Check the full party for damage, recovery and survivability rather than choosing four characters from isolated rankings. See party building and classes.
Version notes
Developer comments from February predate racial traits, while a September demo update lists racial bonuses and traits. The release-day guide discusses traits too. If a demo discussion contradicts the current creation screen, follow the current game and look for newer patch notes.
Stoneborn and body armor
In Slandered Gaming's race overview, the creator describes Stoneborn as unable to equip body armor, gaining armor as they level instead. He personally considers the loss of body-armor effects a significant trade-off. Treat that judgment as one player's opinion and check the current trait text before creating your hero.
