
Baldur's Gate III
Larian Studios and Larian Studios | Released on Aug 3, 2023
- 9.7
- GW Score
- 95
- Metacritic
- 96%
- Community
About Baldur's Gate III
Baldur's Gate III stands as a landmark achievement in narrative-driven role-playing, masterfully blending epic, cinematic storytelling with deep, tactical gameplay from Larian Studios. This critically acclaimed adventure plunges players into the rich lore of the Forgotten Realms, presenting a personal and urgent quest for survival against a parasitic transformation. The game’s vast, reactive world ensures that every choice carries profound weight, shaping a truly unique journey.
At its core, the gameplay is a faithful and dynamic adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset. Players navigate a living world from an isometric perspective, engaging in turn-based combat where positioning, environmental interaction, and character abilities converge. Success hinges on virtual dice rolls for everything from conversation skill checks to landing a decisive blow, while a deep character creation and progression system allows for immense customization across races, classes, and multiclass combinations. Moment-to-moment play involves managing a party of four, exploring for secrets, and deciding when to take a Long Rest at camp to recover resources and unlock pivotal story beats with companions.
What sets this title apart is its unparalleled commitment to player freedom and a living, breathing world. The narrative, centered on an Illithid parasite infection, unfolds across three expansive acts—from the wilderness and the shadow-cursed lands to the iconic city of Baldur’s Gate itself. Players can recruit a diverse roster of Origin characters, each with intricate personal quests and the capacity for deep relationships, while their dialogue choices and actions ripple out to create a bespoke story. The game is further distinguished by its fully voiced dialogue, highly interactive combat environments, and robust multiplayer options for shared adventures.
Baldur's Gate III represents the pinnacle of the modern CRPG genre, offering an experience that will captivate both seasoned tabletop adventurers and newcomers seeking a deep, strategic narrative. Its meticulous adaptation of D&D mechanics, combined with a world that feels genuinely responsive to player agency, has solidified its legacy as a defining title. For anyone drawn to epic fantasy, complex characters, and the thrill of shaping their own destiny, this game delivers an adventure of monumental scale and intimate detail.
Review Verdict
A generation-defining masterpiece that sets a new gold standard for RPGs. Despite technical hitches in its final act, its unparalleled player agency and deep writing make it an essential epic.
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Codex
73 entries10 linked- AstarionGuideA High Elf Rogue and vampire spawn seeking freedom from his master and a way to walk in the sun.
- GaleA Human Wizard from Waterdeep with a Netherese Destruction Orb; he features the Arcane Recovery ability to restore spell slots outside of combat.
- KarlachA Tiefling Barbarian who escaped the Nine Hells with an infernal engine for a heart.
- Lae'zelA Githyanki Fighter devoted to hunting mind flayers and purifying her people's infection.
- ShadowheartA Half-Elf Cleric of Shar on a secret mission to deliver a mysterious artifact to Baldur's Gate.
- WyllA Human Warlock known as the Blade of Frontiers, bound by a pact to the fiend Mizora.
- The Dark UrgeA customizable Origin character with a unique 'Haunted One' background and a narrative centered on amnesia and violent impulses.
- Baldur's Gate 3 Beginner's Guide: 10 D&D Mechanics ExplainedGuideRelated guides article.
Guides & Articles
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Baldur's Gate 3 Beginner's Guide: 10 D&D Mechanics Explained
Baldur's Gate 3 beginner's guide to D&D 5E mechanics. Master Advantage, Proficiency Bonuses, and Saving Throws to dominate combat. Start your adventure here.

How to Find and Recruit Every Companion in Baldur's Gate 3 Act 1
Baldur's Gate 3 companion recruitment guide for Act 1. Find all early-game allies including Karlach, Wyll, and Minthara with map coordinates and dialogue choices.

Baldur's Gate 3 Illithid Powers Guide: Best Skills and Consequences
Baldur's Gate 3 Illithid Powers guide covering how to unlock the skill tree, best early-game abilities, and the narrative risks of consuming parasites.

Best Baldur's Gate 3 Class Guide: Choosing the Right Path
Baldur's Gate 3 class guide covering all 12 classes, ability scores, and multiclassing. Master your build with our expert tips for every playstyle.

Baldur's Gate 3 Honour Mode Guide: Tips and Boss Strategies
Baldur's Gate 3 Honour Mode guide featuring legendary actions, best party builds, and survival tips to avoid a total party wipe and earn the Golden D20.

Baldur's Gate 3 Combat Guide: Mastering Actions and Initiative
Baldur's Gate 3 combat guide breaking down the action economy. Master initiative, standard actions, bonus actions, and movement to dominate every turn.









