6 Things You Need To Know About Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is on the horizon, and with each glimpse of Larian Studios’ forthcoming fantasy RPG, it becomes increasingly evident just how vast and expansive this game will be. In preparation for its launch out of Early Access for PC on August 3 (with the PlayStation 5 version arriving on September 6), the team organized yet another enthralling Panel From Hell presentation, providing a closer look at the game.

Character creation has undergone significant expansion since Early Access. Larian emphasized the breadth of options available in the character creator, including features not present during the Early Access phase. Among the additions are various skin options, allowing for the inclusion of wrinkles, freckles, and Vitiligo pigmentation. Additionally, if you opt for a horned character like a Tiefling, you can now customize the color of their horns. Notably, body types have been introduced, enabling players to modify their character’s physical build to possess either a larger or smaller frame.

In addition to the overall enhancements that apply to most races, Larian showcased the Dragonborn race, which posed unique design challenges due to its reptilian nature.

The Dark Urge introduces a customizable origin character. While players have the freedom to create their own character in Baldur’s Gate 3, they can also choose to play as “origin” characters, providing a predefined backstory and a distinct perspective that offers deeper insight into the game’s cast. Although most origin characters are fixed in terms of race and gender, Larian introduced a new option that allows customization while still maintaining a unique background separate from the default custom character.

The Dark Urge origin presents an opportunity to play as an amnesiac grappling with an overwhelming bloodlust that defies explanation. Throughout their journey, this character will form relationships and connections with their party members, while their violent impulses continue to shape their story until the very end.

Wyll’s narrative arc has been completely reimagined. For those who have experienced Baldur’s Gate 3 in Early Access, you may believe you have a solid grasp of the game’s companions. However, one character, Wyll, has undergone a complete overhaul prior to the game’s official launch. According to the development team, nearly every line of dialogue has been rewritten for this Warlock party member, significantly altering his storyline compared to what was initially presented during Early Access. As someone who romanced Wyll in the Early Access version, I am particularly intrigued to see how these revisions affect my perception of him.

Romantic encounters take an unexpected turn, including relationships with druids in bear form. A notable segment of the presentation delved into the topic of romance. It began innocuously enough with a date between the player and the Tiefling Karlach, but then quickly escalated into a wild scene where Astarion engages in intimate relations with the Druid Halsin when he transforms into a bear. Interpret this information as you will.

The voice actress behind Lady Dimitrescu joins the cast as a Baldur’s Gate 3 antagonist. If, like many others, you were captivated by Maggie Robertson’s portrayal of Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village, you’ll be delighted to know that she lends her voice to an antagonist in Baldur’s Gate 3 as well. She takes on the role of the shape-shifting Orin the Red, described during the stream as “relentless” and driven by a deity that compels her to pursue violent ends.

Warlocks can now communicate with their patrons. Within the realms of D&D lore, the Warlock class is renowned for forging pacts with powerful patrons, typically otherworldly beings who bestow magical abilities in exchange for unwavering loyalty. As part of Larian’s endeavor to offer each class unique problem-solving capabilities, Warlocks can now consult their patrons when faced with important decisions. As a fellow Warlock player, I find this development incredibly exciting, and I eagerly anticipate seeing how this dynamic relationship unfolds in the final game.

With each new reveal, Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to demonstrate the ambition and scope that Larian Studios has poured into its creation. As the game approaches its official release, anticipation builds among players, who eagerly await the opportunity to embark on a grand adventure in this expansive RPG world.