Baldur’s Gate 3 is the new installment in the legendary RPG franchise. In 2020, the game entered the early access stage. Now, the full release of Larian Studios’ take on the iconic series is finally on the horizon.
Release date
The long-awaited successor to Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal was first released in early access on October 6, 2020. The game was so popular that Steam had some technical issues due to the number of players trying to play Baldur’s Gate 3 once it became available. In February, Larian Studios revealed that the release date of the full version would be August 31, 2023. Baldur’s Gate 3 will come out for Windows, MacOS, and PS5. The Xbox Series X|S version is uncertain due to technical problems regarding split-screen co-op.
Gameplay
Baldur’s Gate 3 remains faithful to the iconic RPG series’ roots, so we conduct the game from a top-down isometric third-person perspective. However, the new installment offers modern graphics and allows players to rotate or zoom in the camera. Turn-based combat is another immanent element of the Baldur’s Gate series that makes a comeback in the third installment. What is interesting is that this time you can also turn it on whenever you want. Therefore, you can use it to gain some tactical advantage or execute some precision-demanding plan.
Larian Studios is the developer responsible for the beloved Divinity series. Hence, Baldur’s Gate 3 uses the Divinity 4.0 engine and offers features that worked for Larian’s hit franchise. As a result, players will have more exploration freedom. Furthermore, BG3 offers a cooperative multiplayer mode that will let players join forces with up to three friends online instead of teaming up with preset characters. Both approaches have undeniable advantages. For example, if you’re playing online, you can split up the party to complete different quests. On the other hand, you’ll meet AI-controlled companions that may join you. Each comes with a unique background and personality that changes the group’s dynamics. You can even romance some of your comrades.
Plot
The story begins over 100 years after the events shown in Baldur’s Gate II. This time, Faerûn faces the invasion of illithids, a race of psionic monsters also known as mind flayers. The adventure starts when the protagonist flees from the illithids’ captivity and must remove a parasite that mind flayers have infected them with. Moreover, the parasite awakens some powerful abilities. You can either embrace them and succumb to darkness or resist and use them to help the forces of light.
Larain assures that the game’s world will react to players’ actions and decisions. Consequently, you’ll feel that you have an effect on the story and the fate of the Forgotten Realms.
The early access
The early version of Baldur’s Gate allows players to complete the first act of the game and features approximately 30 percent of the entire expected content. Finishing its main quest line takes about 25 hours. However, you can enjoy the early access much longer if you want to try different character builds and complete already available optional activities.
As you can see, the early access version is a perfect way to get a taste of Baldur’s Gate 3. Yet, after the release of the complete game, players will have to start their adventure over as savegames and character builds won’t be transferable.
Races and classes
Building the player’s character is an essential feature in every role-playing game. Baldur’s Gate games are based on the Dungeons & Dragons rule set, so the races differ visually, and each has unique perks and abilities. Nine races and multiple subraces are available in the early access version.
- Drow
- Seldarine drow
- Lolth-sworn drow
- Dwarf
- gold dwarf
- shield dwarf
- Elf
- wood elf
- high elf
- Gnome
- rock gnome
- deep gnome
- forest gnome
- Githyanki
- Half-Elf
- high half-elf
- wood half-elf
- drow half-elf
- Halfling halfling
- lightfoot halfling
- strongheart halfling
- Human
- Tiefling
- Asmodeus tiefling
- Mephistopheles tiefling
- Zariel tiefling
Baldur’s Gate 3 initially featured six character classes, but this number has been gradually extended. Currently, players may choose from 11 available classes.
- Cleric
- Fighter
- Ranger
- Rogue
- Warlock
- Wizard
- Druid
- Sorcerer
- Barbarian
- Bard
- Paladin
Additional classes may become playable in the full version. For instance, players are hoping that the monk will join the selection.
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