Baldur’s Gate 3 is a story-rich, party-based RPG set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, where your choices shape a tale of fellowship and betrayal, survival and sacrifice, and the lure of absolute power.
The game features a deep, tactical turn-based combat system based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition ruleset. Players can leverage a wide array of abilities, spells, and environmental interactions to approach each encounter strategically. Factors like positioning, status effects, and creative use of the environment play a crucial role in determining the outcome of battles. The turn-based structure allows ample time for players to carefully consider their moves and coordinate effectively with their party members.
Developers have equipped players with an extraordinary level of character customization options. Choosers can select from 12 classes and 11 playable races, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Additionally, over 600 spells and actions, as well as 46 subclasses, grant players tremendous freedom to craft their ideal character. The in-depth character creator enables an unprecedented level of visual and mechanical personalization, ensuring each playthrough features a distinct protagonist.
The game's story-driven nature is a major draw, with the narrative constantly reacting to the player's choices. Every decision, whether in dialogue or action, has the potential to significantly impact the course of the story and the relationships with NPCs. Playthroughs can diverge dramatically based on the player's choices, leading to vastly different outcomes and experiences.
The game features a seamless cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to adventure together. This co-op mode encourages teamwork and coordination, as players can combine their abilities and resources to overcome challenges. The ability to split the party and pursue individual agendas adds an extra layer of complexity and potential for conflict, ensuring no two multiplayer sessions are alike.
The game's extensive customization options, branching narratives, and emergent gameplay offer an exceptionally high degree of replayability. Players can experiment with different character builds, make alternative choices, and uncover new storylines and outcomes on subsequent playthroughs. The game's long runtime, estimated to be around 100 hours for a single playthrough, further reinforces its status as a deep, immersive RPG experience.