Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of those rare games that changes expectations for an entire genre. Developed by Larian Studios and based on the Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition rules, it offers a level of freedom, reactivity and storytelling that few games have ever matched. Even years after its release, it is still one of the most talked-about RPGs, and new players continue to discover it.
We completed several playthroughs with different characters and approaches, including co-op sessions with friends. Here is why we believe it is one of the best games ever made.
A story driven by choice
You begin aboard a mind flayer ship, infected with a parasite that should turn you into a monster. Somehow, the transformation does not happen. You escape with other infected survivors, and your journey to find a cure begins.
From there, the story branches dramatically based on your choices. You can help or betray characters, solve problems with diplomacy, stealth or violence, and influence the fate of entire communities. Many choices have consequences that appear hours later. It is common for two players to describe completely different experiences of the same quest.
Companions
The companions are the heart of Baldur’s Gate 3. Characters like Shadowheart, Astarion, Lae’zel, Gale, Karlach and Wyll each have deep personal stories, strong opinions and moments of humour and sadness. They react to your decisions, approve or disapprove of your actions and can become friends, rivals or romantic partners.
Every companion is fully voiced, and the performances are excellent. Many players form genuine attachments to these characters, and their stories are among the best in gaming.
Turn-based combat
Combat uses turn-based rules inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. Each character takes actions, bonus actions and movement on their turn. Dice rolls determine success, but positioning, height advantage and environmental interactions matter just as much.
You can push enemies off ledges, set oil on fire, electrify water, hide in shadows and use countless spells and abilities creatively. The game rewards experimentation and clever thinking. Fights can be challenging, especially on higher difficulty settings, and winning a tough battle with a creative plan is incredibly satisfying.
Character creation and classes
You can create your own character with a wide range of races and classes, or play as one of the “origin” characters with their own story. Classes include fighters, wizards, rogues, clerics, bards, warlocks and more, each with subclasses that change playstyles. Multiclassing allows even more combinations.
Later updates added new subclasses and features, giving players even more ways to build characters.
Exploration
The world is packed with detail. Hidden areas, secret conversations, optional bosses and unusual solutions reward curiosity. You can talk to animals, read minds, pick locks and find entirely different paths through quests. Exploring every corner reveals new stories and surprises.
Co-op
Up to four players can play together online, and two players can play in split-screen on consoles. Each player controls their own character and can make choices independently. This leads to funny and chaotic moments, such as one player stealing from a merchant while another tries to negotiate peacefully. Playing with friends feels like a real tabletop session.
Performance
On PC and consoles, the game generally runs well. The third act, set in a large city, is more demanding and can cause slower performance on older hardware. Patches have improved stability significantly since launch.
Weaknesses
Act 3 is the weakest part for many players. It is packed with quests and characters, which can feel overwhelming, and some storylines resolve less satisfyingly than earlier acts. The game’s systems can also overwhelm newcomers who are not familiar with Dungeons & Dragons rules.
Tips for new players
- Save often; the game encourages experimentation
- Use high ground and environmental effects in combat
- Talk to companions at camp regularly
- Do not be afraid to try unusual solutions
- Choose a lower difficulty if combat feels overwhelming
Who is it for?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is for anyone who loves stories, choices and tactical gameplay. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons will feel at home, but even newcomers can enjoy it with lower difficulty settings. Players who dislike turn-based combat may need time to adjust.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know Dungeons & Dragons? No. The game explains its rules, and you can learn as you play.
How long is it? A single playthrough can take 75 to 100 hours or more.
Is it suitable for younger players? It contains mature themes, violence and sexual content, so it is intended for adults.
Replay value
Baldur’s Gate 3 has enormous replay value. Different classes, origin characters, choices and companions lead to very different experiences. Evil playthroughs are especially different, with unique scenes and outcomes. Many players complete the game multiple times and still discover new content.
How it changed RPG expectations
Baldur’s Gate 3 showed that players appreciate deep, reactive RPGs with meaningful choices. It proved that turn-based combat can appeal to a wide audience and that a complete, polished game without aggressive monetisation can be a massive success. Its influence will likely be felt in RPGs for years to come.
Playing on console
The console versions work well with a controller, using radial menus for abilities and items. Split-screen co-op on console is a great way to play with a partner or sibling. The PC version offers more precise mouse control and access to mods.
Difficulty options
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers several difficulty settings, from a story-focused mode to the challenging Tactician and Honour modes. Honour mode, with a single save file and tougher rules, is designed for experienced players seeking a major challenge.
Our favourite memory
In one co-op session, a friend tried to sneak past guards while the rest of us distracted them with conversation. A failed dice roll led to a chaotic fight, a burning tavern and a completely different path through the story. That kind of unplanned, player-driven moment is exactly why Baldur’s Gate 3 feels so special.
Verdict
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterpiece of storytelling, freedom and tactical gameplay. Its companions are unforgettable, its world reacts to your choices and its combat rewards creativity. A slower third act cannot diminish its achievement. If you have not played it yet, it is a journey worth starting.
