When Does Baldur’s Gate 3 Leave Early Access?
Introduction
The eagerly awaited Baldur’s Gate 3 has finally made its way to Early Access on September 24, 2020, for PC gamers. Developed by Larian Studios, the same creators of the critically acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin 2, this highly anticipated game promises to deliver a captivating adventure filled with exploration, combat, and engaging storylines. With many players eagerly awaiting the game’s release from Early Access, in this article, we’ll dive into when exactly Baldur’s Gate 3 will leave Early Access and what fans can expect in the upcoming months.
Initial Announcement
On June 6, 2020, Larian Studios announced that Baldur’s Gate 3 would be released on September 24, 2020, as a PC Early Access title. In a press release, Swen Vincke, the studio’s Creative Director, explained that this approach would allow the development team to involve players in the game’s development process and gather valuable feedback. By entering Early Access, Larian aims to refine the game based on player feedback and bug reports, ultimately creating a more polished and enjoyable experience for the final product.
Key Takeaways
Here are the essential details you need to know:
• Release Date: September 24, 2020
• Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Game State: Early Access
Key Features
While the full game is not yet released, we know that Baldur’s Gate 3 will offer an immersive adventure packed with the following features:
- Explore: Embark on a rich, interactive world, with 20-30 hours of playtime on offer in the early stages of development.
- Combat: Experience an engaging, party-based combat system that allows for dynamic character positioning, terrain manipulation, and interactive spells.
- Characters: Develop relationships and romance multiple companion characters, each with their unique backstories and personalities.
- Story: Enjoy an intricately woven storyline with multiple branches and a unique narrative path determined by the player’s choices.
Content and Patches
During the Early Access period, the development team has already pushed out several content patches and updates. These have focused on improving stability, fixing bugs, and expanding game content. You can check out the latest updates on the Larian Studios’ website, where they share details on what’s been fixed and added in each update.
Early Access Roadmap
The developers have shared a roadmap for Early Access, outlining the main focuses and priorities for the next few months:
Early Access Roadmap Highlights:
• November-December 2020: Focus on expanding story content, bug fixing, and gameplay refinement
• January-March 2021: Introduce more playable companions, new characters, and improve AI and enemy interactions
• March-June 2021: Push for major features like companion romances, interactive party interactions, and final stages of development
Conclusion
Based on the announced roadmap and developer plans, we can expect Baldur’s Gate 3 to leave Early Access around mid-to-late 2021, once the core features and gameplay are finalized. At this stage, we’ll have a more refined experience with less bugs and improved polish.
If you’re excited about Baldur’s Gate 3 and haven’t joined the Early Access journey yet, you can still purchase the game now and enjoy the current Early Access experience. Don’t worry, Larian will support your existing copy once the game officially launches from Early Access.
Join the Community
If you’re part of the Baldur’s Gate 3 Early Access community or interested in getting updates, I recommend:
- Following the official Baldur’s Gate 3 social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, and Discord.
- Registering for Larian’s Newsletter to receive the latest development updates, news, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
Timeline and Updates:
Here’s a visual representation of the Early Access period:
| Period | Focus |
|---|---|
| Sep 2020 | Launch Early Access, gather feedback |
| Oct-Nov 2020 | Expand story content, bug fixing |
| Nov-Dec 2020 | Add playable companions, refine gameplay |
| Jan-Mar 2021 | Improve AI and enemy interactions |
| Mar-Jun 2021 | Introduce companion romances and interactive party interactions |
| Late 2021 | Expected release from Early Access |
As we approach the late 2021 timeframe, expect an official launch date for Baldur’s Gate 3. Mark your calendars, get ready for the next great RPG adventure, and be a part of the development journey with the Baldur’s Gate 3 community!