Baldur’s Gate 3is the most faithful video game adaptation of fifth editionDungeons & Dragonsto date. Though the title is still in early access, it’s already managed to capture the feel of aDnDsession in a way that few games have achieved. Combining epic stakes with massive sandboxes,Baldur’s Gate 3sets the bar for what aDnDgame should be.
Dungeons and Dragonshas been a cultural staple for almost 50 years, and many of the mechanics and tropes found in RPGs today can trace their roots back to the TTRPG. This has also made it difficult forDnDvideo games to stand out, because most of their competitors are already doing the same thing.Baldur’s Gate 3focuses onDnD’s unique personalityby shining a spotlight on its quirks.
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An Explosive Opening to Baldur’s Gate 3
By ditching the classic “Rats in my cellar!” intro quest from the originalBaldur’s Gate,Baldur’s Gate 3ratchets up the stakes from the very beginning. SomeDnDgames don’t even feature dragons, andBaldur’s Gate 3delivers them mere seconds into the game.
The fact that this all takes place on a spaceship is also a critical component. It tells the audience from the get-go thatDungeons and Dragonscan be far less predictable than it seems. CountlessDnDgames feel like they take place in a fantasy version of medieval Europe, andBaldur’s Gate 3sets itself apart from the crowd immediately.
Iconic Monsters From Dungeons and Dragons
Anotherhuge triumph ofBaldur’s Gate 3is its portrayal ofDnD’s most famous monsters. Fans of the TTRPG usually only get to see one or two drawings of these creatures in the Monster Manual, so seeing their gorgeously animated 3D models feels like a treat. The intellect devourers and mind flayers are especially impressive since they’re rarely shown inDnDgames, but even the ogres and goblins possess a lifelike heft.
Baldur’s Gate3is also very selective about the monsters it shows on screen. Though there are a few creatures that appear in non-DnDgames, most them are specific tothe world ofDungeons and Dragons.Githyanki, myconids, bullettes, mind flayers, and tieflings all came fromDnD, and it wouldn’t be surprising if a beholder or umber hulk shows up in the full release. Fans are keenly aware that they aren’t able to see these creatures in other RPGs, andBaldur’s Gate 3takes full advantage of the licensed monsters at its disposal.
‘How Do You Want To Do This?’
Dungeons and Dragonsvideo games have a tendency to force players into combat as often as they can.Baldur’s Gate3does an excellent job of avoiding this pitfall by giving players a variety of ways to solve problems, including ones that are far from obvious.
The result is a game that feels like playing an actual session ofDnD.Fifth editionDungeons and Dragonsemphasizes storytellingover wargaming, andBaldur’s Gate 3adapts to that shift. Larian Studios has done a great job of makingBaldur’s Gate 3’s exploration and social encounters as much fun as its combat.
This is best demonstrated through the spells. Every singleDnDgame has ported over a version of Magic Missile or Fireball, but few have added Speak With Animals or Speak With the Dead. These details make it possible forBaldur’s Gate 3players to get away with shenanigans that would normally only be possible in the TTRPG.
Like any great Dungeon Master,Baldur’s Gate 3isn’t afraidto let the game go off the rails. The story threads are always available, no matter how players get to them. That sense of freedom is a key component of playingDnD, and one that future adaptations should strive for.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available in early access now for PC and Stadia.
