Baldur’s Gate 3: The Definitive Answer to “Will It Ever Be Finished?”
Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 is finished. The game officially launched on PC in August 2023 and on PlayStation 5 in September 2023. After a lengthy early access period, players can now experience the complete, sprawling epic that Larian Studios has crafted. Let’s delve deeper into what that means and answer some lingering questions you might have.
The Long Road to Release: From Early Access to Full Launch
The Early Access Era
Baldur’s Gate 3 spent a significant amount of time in early access, beginning on October 6, 2020. This allowed Larian Studios to gather invaluable feedback from players, iterate on the game’s mechanics, and refine the narrative based on player choices and experiences. This period was crucial in shaping the final product, and the community’s involvement was instrumental in its development. The game was available in early access for Windows, macOS, and Stadia.
The Official Release and Beyond
Larian Studios confirmed a 2023 launch window through a developer video retrospective, essentially telling fans to “come along in 2023.” The full release happened in two stages: August 3, 2023, for PC and September 6, 2023, for PlayStation 5. The finished version is available on both GOG and Steam.
What to Expect From the Finished Product
A Faithful D&D 5e Adaptation
Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on the D&D 5th Edition ruleset, providing a faithful adaptation of the tabletop RPG experience. However, there are some key differences. One notable difference is the level cap. In Baldur’s Gate 3, characters can reach a maximum level of 12, as opposed to level 20 in the tabletop game. This decision was made to streamline the game and manage the complexities of high-level spells and abilities in a video game format.
A Rich and Immersive Narrative
The game is known for the depth of its characters, the complexities of its narrative, and the staggering amount of content it offers. The choices you make have real consequences, and the game adapts to your actions, making each playthrough feel unique and personal. Even going down an “evil” path is a thoroughly fleshed-out and engaging experience.
Playable Races and Classes
Baldur’s Gate 3 features a wide range of playable races, including Dragonborn. This race has unique features, skill modifiers, and subrace options. As for classes, the Paladin is often considered one of the strongest due to its damage output, survivability, and versatility. Other beginner-friendly classes include Fighter, Warlock, Barbarian, and Ranger.
Diverse Romantic Options
The game offers a variety of characters to form romantic attachments with, including Shadowheart, Astarion, Wyll, Lae’zel, Gale, Karlach, Halsin, and Minthara. Each relationship is unique and adds depth to the overall experience.
Multiple Endings
Larian Studios has put significant effort into creating multiple endings for Baldur’s Gate 3. The game offers a huge amount of choice, so you are unlikely to get the exact same ending twice.
Baldur’s Gate 3 FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify any remaining uncertainties about Baldur’s Gate 3:
- How many levels will Baldur’s Gate 3 have?
- The maximum level in Baldur’s Gate 3 is 12. This is a deliberate choice to keep the game manageable and focused.
- Will BG3 ever go to level 20?
- In the vanilla game, the level cap is fixed at 12. While there are mods or cheat options that allow you to reach level 20 for testing purposes, the standard game experience is capped.
- Why is BG3 level cap so low?
- Increasing the level cap would require extensive planning and development, potentially making it difficult to create expansions. Larian Studios has focused on creating a polished experience within the level 1-12 range.
- Will Baldur’s Gate 3 have Dragonborn?
- Yes, Dragonborn is a fully playable race in Baldur’s Gate 3.
- Has anyone beat Baldur’s Gate 3?
- Yes, many players have completed Baldur’s Gate 3. There are even reports of players achieving the “worst possible ending” for everyone.
- Why is BG3 so good?
- Baldur’s Gate 3 is praised for its deep characters, complex narrative, extensive player choice, and faithful adaptation of the D&D 5th Edition ruleset. The level of detail and customization is truly remarkable.
- Can you be evil in BG3?
- Yes, you can play as an evil character in Baldur’s Gate 3. The game provides a well-designed and engaging experience for players who choose to embrace a darker path.
- How old is Jaheira in BG3?
- Given her history and elven heritage, Jaheira is likely around 150 years old in Baldur’s Gate 3. As a Druid, she is likely to remain vigorous for longer.
- Does race matter in Baldur’s Gate 3?
- Yes, your race significantly impacts the game. NPCs react differently to various races, influencing dialogue options and story events.
- Should I let Gale sacrifice himself?
- It is generally recommended to convince Gale not to sacrifice himself. This opens up alternative paths to defeating the Absolute and allows you to continue his storyline.
- What is the hardest fight in Baldur’s Gate 3?
- Many players consider the fight against Raphael to be one of the most challenging encounters in the game due to his powerful abilities and the numerous enemies he summons. Other difficult bosses include Cazador, Auntie Ethel, and Ansur.
- What is the most OP class in Baldur’s Gate 3?
- The Paladin class is often considered one of the strongest due to its high damage output, survivability, and versatility.
- What version of D&D is Baldur’s Gate based on?
- The original Baldur’s Gate games were based on a real-time modification of the second edition AD&D (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons) ruleset. Baldur’s Gate 3 uses the D&D 5e rules.
- What gender is Dragonborn in Baldur’s Gate 3?
- Baldur’s Gate 3 features “male” and “female” body types for Dragonborn, allowing customization within those parameters, including pronoun and voice options.
- What happens if you don’t feed Gale BG3?
- If you fail to provide Gale with the magical items he needs, his abilities will be weakened, potentially leading him to make desperate choices or even leave the party.
The Future of Baldur’s Gate 3
While Baldur’s Gate 3 is complete, the potential for future content and expansions remains. Larian Studios has not ruled out the possibility of DLC or further updates, but they have also emphasized their commitment to exploring new projects and creative endeavors.
No matter what the future holds, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a milestone in the CRPG genre, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. It’s a shining example of how games can evolve and innovate. For more insights into the intersection of games and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Or, visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.