You’ve been waiting for it and it’s finally here – the third installment in the wildly popular Baldur’s Gate series! It’s been over 20 years since the last main game was released but Baldur’s Gate 3 promises to be well worth the wait. With an exciting new story, stunning graphics, and the same classic D&D gameplay, this is the RPG fans have been dreaming of. In this article, we’ll give you a sneak peek at everything you need to know about Baldur’s Gate 3. From release date and platforms to story and gameplay details, you’ll get the inside scoop on what makes this one of the most anticipated games in years. Whether you’re a longtime fan eager to return to the Sword Coast or a newcomer ready to explore the Forgotten Realms, get ready for an adventure you won’t forget!
An Introduction to Baldurs Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is the latest installment in the classic Baldur’s Gate role-playing game series first launched in 1998. Developed by Larian Studios, BG3 continues the legendary saga in the Forgotten Realms while bringing the gameplay into the modern era.
- BG3 is built on Larian’s own Divinity Engine and features a turn-based combat system, a departure from the real-time combat of previous Baldur’s Gate titles. This gives players more tactical control during fights.
- The game utilizes a third-person perspective and allows for both single player and multiplayer modes. Up to 4 players can adventure together in co-op.
- It takes place in the current Forgotten Realms timeline, over 100 years after the events of Baldur’s Gate 2. A mind flayer invasion has begun, and players take the role of characters fighting this threat.
- Early access for BG3 launched in October 2020. The full version is still in development but shows tremendous promise already with its immersive world, compelling story, and mix of nostalgia and innovation for fans of cRPGs and Dungeons & Dragons lore.
- When complete, BG3 aims to capture the magic of the original saga while advancing the genre and bringing Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition to life like never before. It’s sure to delight veteran fans and new players alike.
Gameplay and Features of Baldurs Gate 3
- The gameplay of Baldurs Gate 3 combines deep RPG systems with the freedom of exploration, discovery, and adventure. You can customize your party of heroes and explore the world however you like.
- Character creation offers a ton of options to craft your ideal hero, including races, classes, backgrounds, and more. You have control over their stats, skills, appearance, and backstory.
- Combat is turn-based tactical combat, with each party member getting their own turn. Positioning and using the environment is key. There are tons of abilities and spells to choose from.
- You can play solo with a custom party or in 2 player co-op with a friend. The story and world react to the choices you make.
- The game features hand-crafted environments to explore and NPCs to interact with. The world is highly reactive to your choices and actions. There are many hidden secrets and side quests to find.
- As you progress, your party will go on a journey across exotic landscapes facing mind flayers, vampires, goblins, and other D&D monsters. The story and characters develop based on your actions.
- Baldurs Gate 3 aims to capture the essence of Dungeons & Dragons while advancing the genre. It brings the beloved world to life like never before with rich storytelling, tactical combat, and expansive exploration.
The World and Story of Baldurs Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons. The game is set in the massive medieval city of Baldur’s Gate and surrounding areas.
- You’ll explore various locations like the city streets, sewers, temples, and wilderness areas. The world is brought to life through stunning graphics and intricate environments.
- The story follows your customized protagonist who gets infected by a Mind Flayer parasite. You must find a cure while uncovering hidden threats facing Baldur’s Gate.
- Your choices shape the narrative and lead to a variety of possible endings. You’ll encounter interesting characters and moral dilemmas along the way.
- Combat blends real-time and turn-based systems. Positioning and environmental factors are key strategic elements during battles.
- The game features multiplayer support, allowing you to adventure with friends online. You can play solo as well.
- As an adaptation of the tabletop RPG, Baldur’s Gate 3 emphasizes freedom of choice in how you build your character and approach quests.
- The developers strived to capture the essence of Dungeons & Dragons while bringing the series into the modern era. Fans praise the game for staying true to its roots.
With its immersive world, branching narrative, and tactical combat, Baldur’s Gate 3 aims to deliver an unforgettable RPG experience steeped in Dungeons & Dragons lore and traditions.
Release Date and Platforms for Baldurs Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most highly anticipated role-playing games in years. Developed by Larian Studios, it’s the next chapter in the beloved Baldur’s Gate series. Fans are eager to learn when they can get their hands on it!
- Baldur’s Gate 3 is set to launch in 2023, though an exact release date has not been announced yet. The game was originally slated for 2022 but got pushed back. This isn’t surprising for such a huge, complex RPG. Larian wants to take their time to get it right.
- When it does launch, you’ll be able to play Baldur’s Gate 3 on PC and Mac. It will be available through Steam and other digital storefronts.
- There has been talk of eventually releasing it on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox after the PC launch. But Larian has stressed that the focus is on PC first. Porting such a big PC RPG to consoles takes a lot of work.
- You may have tried the early access version already. This gave fans an early glimpse at gameplay and story. But the full game will be much bigger and more polished.
The wait has been agonizing, but Baldur’s Gate 3 could be one of the best RPGs ever when it finally arrives. Stay tuned for more details on the launch date and platforms as the release gets closer. It will be worth the wait!
Baldurs Gate 3 FAQ: Answering Common Questions
When’s the release date?
The official release date for Baldur’s Gate 3 is still TBA. The early access version launched in October 2020. Larian Studios expects the full release will take several more years of development. Keep an eye on Larian’s social media for announcements.
What platforms will it be on?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on PC and Mac through Steam and Google Stadia. There are currently no plans for console releases.
Is it turn-based or real-time combat?
Combat uses a turn-based system, allowing you to carefully plan each character’s actions during battle. This is a change from the real-time with pause system of previous Baldur’s Gate games.
Will there be multiplayer/co-op?
Yes! Up to 4 players can adventure together in online co-op multiplayer. This allows you to take control of the origin characters in your party.
How does character creation work?
You can create your own custom character or play as one of the premade origin characters with their own backgrounds. There are many races and classes to choose from, including elves, dwarves, humans, half-elves, etc.
Can I play evil characters?
Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 allows you to make moral choices that impact the story. You can play as a hero, villain, or anywhere in between. Certain companions may approve or disapprove of your actions.
Let me know if you would like me to expand on any of these questions or add other frequent questions!
Conclusion
So there you have it – the lowdown on Baldur’s Gate 3. From the rich storytelling and intricate combat system to the jaw-dropping graphics, this long-awaited sequel looks set to be a true RPG masterpiece. With Larian Studios at the helm, we can expect deep systems, player choice, and reactive worlds. And with Wizards of the Coast consulting, the lore should be on point. While the early access launch had some bugs, the full release is shaping up nicely. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newbie, Baldur’s Gate 3 is poised to suck you into the Forgotten Realms like never before. The only question is, which origin character will you choose for your first playthrough? Let the dice roll!