Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3adapts a lot from itsD&D 5ebase, but isn’t afraid to play fast-and-loose with that same TTRPG ruleset—making a host of key changes. As more and moreD&Dgames get announced, the wayBaldur’s Gate 3adapts 5e rules is something future titles could take inspiration from.
In terms of those future games, the most notable at the moment would beGameloft’s upcomingD&Dgame. While not much is known about Gameloft’s project, fans can expect a survival/sim RPG set in the Forgotten Realms. In the same setting will be an eventual sequel toBaldur’s Gate 3, albeit without Larian’s involvement. That game will be a long way off, with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast looking for a developer that will meet expectations. This is without mentioning WOTC’s upcoming VTT that should be released more-or-less alongside 5e’s 2024 rules update, which will be using Unreal Engine 5 and will be released on consoles.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Shows How Future D&D Games Would Benefit From Bending The Rules
It’s no secret thatBaldur’s Gate 3changes upD&D 5ein some big ways. Though many of its changes are similar to popular house rules, such as potions of healing taking a bonus action to consume, others are tailored to the video game medium. This is a pivotal design philosophy to have when translating a real-life experience that lacks automation in math and other systems to a virtual experience, and it’s something futureD&Dtitles need to take onboard.
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Changes Suit A Virtual Experience
One change that really demonstrates howBaldur’s Gate 3shifts design to suit its needs is in regard to spellcasting. The gamedeviates greatly fromD&D 5eby allowing players to cast a leveled spell as a bonus action and action on the same turn. Considering the sorcerer’s ability to quicken spells, this effectively allows for any two leveled spells to be cast in one turn. This is far too powerful for mostD&Dgames, but Larian has the advantage of balancing its own game; Larian can control its game’s difficulty in a way that WOTC designers, who have to account for all types of official and hombrew encounters, cannot.
Another wayBaldur’s Gate 3changes things up is with ration requirements for long rests. The need to consume enough rations to gain the benefit of a long rest is something that mostD&Dtables would rather avoid, considering how much bookkeeping such a rule would involve. Luckily, the virtual medium can take care of inventory contents better than a paper character sheet and human memorization. In fact, this mechanic in particular would be a great fit forGameloft’s survival-basedD&Dgame.
In D&D Games, Less is Often More
After a decade since release,D&D 5eis drowning in choices for players across official and third-party sourcebooks.Baldur’s Gate 3limiting the choicesfor races, spells, classes, and subclasses to little more than what 5e’sPlayer’s Handbookoffers may be a negative for some, but it really helps control game balance. Fewer options means less work for the developer, which likely means better balancing. Moreover, avoiding a smorgasbord of absurd genre-splices really aids verisimilitude.
The Spirit Of D&D Goes Beyond the Rules
The spirit of D&D is different for everyone. Some like their games to have advanced diplomacy and political intrigue, while others will fall asleep without at least one combat encounter in a session. However, when translating this experience into a game, fantasy adventures that mix epic heroics with hijinx are what should be striven for. In this sense, the rules of 5e are secondary to creating a great experience for fans and newcomers alike.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
