Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out as an exceptionally captivating game within its genre. It breathes new life into the experience of playing Dungeons & Dragons and benefits from the extensive expertise of Larian Studios. The anticipation surrounding the game is palpable, with many players eagerly awaiting its release. Larian Studios has spent three years in early access, carefully listening to feedback to create a game that fully embodies the fifth edition campaign of Dungeons & Dragons. The game is so packed with content that some are hailing it as a “new standard” in role-playing games. Alongside the inclusion of beloved races and classes, Baldur’s Gate 3 features a stellar cast that brings the characters to life. Here’s a comprehensive overview of Baldur’s Gate 3.
What is Baldur’s Gate 3?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is the latest installment in the popular RPG series Baldur’s Gate, which takes inspiration from the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the pen-and-paper game Dungeons & Dragons. The series first launched in 1998 for the PC, followed by Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn in 2000. Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on the fifth edition rulebook of Dungeons & Dragons, with some modifications made to adapt it for a video game. The game offers players the opportunity to choose from 12 classes and 11 races from the D&D Player’s Handbook, allowing for the creation of a unique identity. Alternatively, players can opt to play as an Origin hero with a handcrafted background. The game also introduces the Dark Urge, a fully customizable Origin hero with its own unique mechanics and story. As the player, you will embark on an adventure filled with thrilling battles, looting, and romance as you traverse the Forgotten Realms and beyond. You can gather your party and take the adventure online as a group of up to four players.
Release date, platforms, and price
Initially, Larian Studios announced during The Game Awards 2022 that Baldur’s Gate 3 would be released in August 2023. However, due to some challenges encountered during development, the release date was adjusted. The PC version of the game will be available on August 3, 2023, while the PS5 version will launch on September 6, 2023. Players who pre-ordered the game for early access will receive an upgrade to the Digital Deluxe Edition of Baldur’s Gate 3 at no additional cost. This special edition includes 72 hours of early access to Act One, a PC or PS5 dice skin, a digital artbook, digital character sheets, the Divinity Bard Song pack, and more. For enthusiasts, the Collector’s Edition of the game offers everything from the Digital Deluxe Edition, along with a 160-page hardcover art book, a tadpole keyring, a cloth map of Faerûn, a sticker sheet, a battle diorama of a Mind Flayer versus Drow Drizzt, an oversized metal D20, and various other goodies. The prices for Baldur’s Gate 3 are set at £49.99 for PC and £57.99 for PS5. The Digital Deluxe Edition costs £65.99 for PS5, and the Collector’s Edition is priced at £259.99 for PC and PS5.
Baldur’s Gate 3 trailers
In 2019, Larian Studios released the first cinematic trailer for Baldur’s Gate 3, providing players with a glimpse of the characters, villains, and locations in the game. The following year, an official early access trailer was unveiled, showcasing the first in-game footage and introducing the main characters voiced by the game’s narrator. Larian Studios also shared multiple gameplay videos during the alpha stage and just before Early Access was launched. These videos showcased one of the initial environments players encounter, highlighting the numerous changes made since the previous gameplay demonstration.
What is the plot of Baldur’s Gate 3?
Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place nearly a century after the events of Baldur’s Gate 2 and begins with the player-made protagonist searching for a powerful cleric to heal them after being infected by a “mind flayer”. These mind flayers serve as the game’s primary antagonists. Also known as Illithids, they have rediscovered the secret of nautiloids and are using this knowledge to leave the Underdark and restore their empire. While Baldur’s Gate 3 is mostly separate from the Bhaalspawn Saga of the original games, which featured the children of Bhaal roaming the land, it still incorporates elements from that storyline. According to Adam Smith, a writer on Baldur’s Gate 3, “Everything in Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2 becomes more and more present as the story goes on. It’s not gone away. It’s not forgotten, and we’re not doing a story that doesn’t account for that.” The game aims to stay true to the essence of Dungeons & Dragons, while also adapting and refining gameplay mechanics to enhance the overall experience.
Who is the villain of Baldur’s Gate 3?
As previously mentioned, the Mind Flayers are the ones instigating an invasion of Faerûn and infecting characters with illithid parasites. However, there are three main villains that players will encounter throughout the game. J. K. Simmons lends his voice to General Ketheric Thorm, a necromancer who was resurrected to serve as a chosen member of the Absolute cult. Larian Studios expects players to empathize with the struggles Thorm has faced, and Simmons’ performance elevates the depth of the character. Lord Enver Gortash, a cunning inventor who has created numerous magical clockwork warriors, has taken control of the city of Baldur’s Gate after the disappearance of its previous steward. Jason Isaacs portrays Gortash, describing his character as someone who excels at lying and backstabbing in a brutal world of betrayals and butchery. Lastly, Orin the Red is a bloodthirsty shapeshifter with a fixation on her blades, making her the most dangerous of the three villains. Maggie Robertson, who voices Orin, describes the character as “affectionately unhinged”, emphasizing the unpredictability and trickery she embodies.
Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay and cooperative mode
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers turn-based gameplay, allowing players and their party members to take turns in combat encounters. However, outside of battle, players have the freedom to explore the game’s environments in real-time. It is advisable to thoroughly investigate each area, especially the initial location, as it may hold valuable rewards. Players have the option to play solo and create one or more characters to experience the game’s story individually. Alternatively, they can join forces with friends and form a party to tackle the challenges together. This cooperative mode marks Larian Studios’ first venture into turn-based gameplay within the Baldur’s Gate series, reminiscent of games like Divinity: Original Sin 2. While NPCs are available to join the party, players can also collaborate with friends through online play. The single-player campaign remains intact and can accommodate up to four players.
Baldur’s Gate 3 classes and races
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a wide array of character customization options, allowing players to choose their race and class for the duration of the game. The playable races encompass Dragonborn, Drow, Dwarf, Elf, Githyanki, Gnome, Half-Elf, and more. Players can select from 12 distinct classes, including Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, and Wizard, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. This comprehensive customization enables players to create truly individualized characters that suit their preferred playstyle and narrative experience in the game.
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