Baldur’s Gate 3 release date, gameplay and news
Baldur’s Gate 3 promised a fantastical adventure before it released on August 3, and it certainly delivered.
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Baldur’s Gate 3released on August 3 2023, and as one of the most anticipated RPG’s there was a lot of excitement surrounding its launch. In the leadup, we compiled everything we knew, and all the information we could extract from trailers, interviews, and updates, into one page.
If you wanted to look back at the content we compiled prior to the games official release, alongsideour review ofBaldur’s Gate 3, the following information will help you compare the information we had in advance with what we know and can extract now the game is out.
Baldur’s Gate 3: cut to the chase
Baldur’s Gate 3 release date and platforms
Baldur’s Gate 3’s launched on August 3, 2023, for PC, and September 6 forPS5. An Xbox version is confirmed to still be on the cards, but will launch at an unspecified later date.
Regarding the Xbox release date, in astatement to IGN, the studio said:
“We’ve had an Xbox version ofBaldur’s Gate 3in development for some time now. We’ve run into some technical issues in developing the Xbox port that have stopped us feeling 100% confident in announcing it until we’re certain we’ve found the right solutions – specifically, we’ve been unable to get split screen co-op to work to the same standard on both Xbox Series X and S, which is a requirement for us to ship.”
This means that whileBaldur’s Gate 3is indeed planned for release on Xbox, the studio isn’t announcing a release date for it until certain technical issues are ironed out. We’ll update this page once more info is revealed.
Baldur’s Gate 3 trailers
The final trailer released before for Baldur’s Gate 3 launched was showcased at Summer Game Fest, serving as the introduction to Jason Isaac’s character and offering slightly more insight into the dynamics between characters alongside some behind-the-scenes footage.
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AtState of Play February 2023,we received two minutes of delicious visuals and were introduced to the game’s main plot along with a few snippets of dialogue from some of the title’s more important characters, including party members Shadowheart, Gale, and Lae’zel.
The trailer’s final moments offered us what looks to be the final battle between the band of heroes against the antagonist, Ketheric. You can watch the full trailer below.
Though we’ve plastered a bunch ofBaldur’s Gate3trailers throughout this article, you can find a host of other trailers, as well as some behind-the-scenes look at the game’s development onLarian Studios’ official YouTube channel.
Baldur’s Gate 3 story and setting
Baldur’s Gate 3tells the tale of an unfortunate adventurer from the land of Faerûn. Abducted by sinister Mindflayers, our protagonist has been infected with a Mindflayer Tadople, a horrific little parasite that’ll gradually turn them into a tentacle-y abomination. The quest is simple: find a cure.
On this mission, you’ll encounter an ensemble cast of characters who, having found themselves in a similar situation, offer to join your party and support you on your journey. In act one, you’ll journey across the Sword Coast, searching its dangerous beaches and mysterious ruins for any leads you can find. You’re joined by a memorable cast of characters, too, all of whom bring their own diverse perspectives to the table.
Baldur’s Gate 3 classes
When building your character inBaldur’s Gate 3there are plenty of classes to choose from, each pulled from classicDungeons and Dragons. When you create your character, you’ll need to select one of these options, so choose wisely.
Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 turn-based?Baldur’s Gate 3is an isometric open-world RPG where you control a protagonist as well as a supporting party of adventurers. Though visually a lot likeDiablo 4, gameplay inBaldur’s Gateis divided between real-time and turn-based sections.
The majority of the game happens in real time, you explore the map, solve puzzles, find items, and talk to NPCs. However, should things get violent, time pauses and characters politely take turns to act. In these momentsBaldur’s Gate 3becomes a lot like a tactical RPG, where positioning, as well as the use of skills and spells, becomes vital if you want to keep your party members alive.
As with previous Larian Studios games,Baldur’s Gatemakes liberal use of environmental effects. If you hit a puddle of oil with a fire spell, it will ignite, causing a great deal of inconvenience for any poor unfortunate standing on top of it. Motion and positioning are key, too. Objects can be thrown and enemies can be shoved; providing a buffet of tactical options.
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 online only?Yes and no.Baldur’s Gate 3is online only if you wish to play with your friends together - naturally - but you don’t have to be online all the time to play either single player (PC or PS5), or splitscreen on PS5.
Baldur’s Gate 3 news
Baldur’s Gate 3 features a “tender, consensual romance” with a grizzly bearYes, you read that correctly. During the recentPanel From Hell event, a lead writer at Larian reveals that players will be able to engage in a sex scene with a Druid in bear-form. Make of that what you will.
Larian comments on delayed Xbox versionIn aninterview with IGN, the developers ofBaldur’s Gate 3have shared some specific as to why the Xbox version of the game is taking longer than planned. In the interview, Larian boss Swen Vincke explained that the team was having trouble hitting the Xbox-imposed policy that requires parity between Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S versions of a game.
Jason Isaacs announced to join the cast as an imposing figureRevealed at Summer Game Fest, Jason Isaacs will voice Lord Envor Gortash, a menacing portrayal of villainy and one ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s central antagonists. As no stranger to villainous roles, Isaacs has stated that there has been a lot of fun in curating new ways to make the character more dislikable as a slight insight into what to expect from his character.
JK Simmons to play one of the game’s main villainsAs revealed in aSteam blog postforBaldur’s Gate 3, JK Simmons will be voicing General Ketheric Thorm, a seemingly invincible necromancer leading an army of the dead toward the city of Baldur’s Gate.
We’ve got a list ofupcoming gamesif you’re looking for the next dose of excitement now Baldur’s Gate 3 is out, but if you’re looking for more adventures worth jumping into, our list of thebest story gamesmight scratch the itch.
An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.
A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.
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