Baldur's Gate 3

About

In Baldur's Gate 3, players embark on a journey through the ruined city of Baldur's Gate and beyond. With a focus on character development and party-based combat, players engage in strategic battles, interact with a rich cast of characters, and navigate a complex narrative filled with moral dilemmas. The game utilizes a real-time with pause combat system and is set in the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game universe.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

+32

Game Brain Review

Baldur's Gate 3 - The Crown Jewel of the RPG Genre

As someone who's never played a Baldur's Gate game before and isn't a fan of turn-based combat, I was reluctant to buy the latest Baldur's Gate game. That could have been one of my biggest mistakes as a gamer. Of course, some familiarity with the previous Baldur's Gate games could have made the experience a little better due to a few recurring characters from the older games and a better understanding of the lore; nevertheless, this is in no way a prerequisite for an enjoyable experience.

As in many RPGs, you get to pick your character in Baldur's Gate 3 before starting the actual gameplay. Here you can either choose an origin character, which has been predefined by the game developers, or you can create your own custom hero. Since you'll get to meet and control all of the origin characters in the game anyway, creating a custom character will be the choice for many players. Here you get to pick one of the 11 races, 12 classes, and 12 backgrounds — plenty of choice for any playstyle you prefer. For indecisive players like me, the diverse party members you meet later in the game provide a perfect opportunity to experience different playstyles.

Once you've created your character, you'll get a first glimpse into the game's story in a short cinematic sequence. Immediately after, you are thrown into the first combat of the game. This serves as a tutorial introducing you to the basic mechanics of the game. The turn-based combat system is one of the highlights of the game; it's challenging just enough to require you to have a balanced party and think about your character's and party members' skills and equipment, but not to be frustrating. Taking advantage of the environment within the combat by destroying barrels with flammable liquid and igniting it, getting to higher areas to get a higher probability of hitting the target, and so on, is a necessity (except if you're playing on the lowest difficulty setting, of course). You'll also get to control all of your party members in the fights against various enemies like goblins, bandits, or demons, so if you couldn't decide whether to play as a barbarian or a mage, you'll get the chance to play as both.

Speaking about the members of your party, they're all memorable characters with an interesting backstory that you'll get to explore through well-written and engaging side quests. Your party can include up to three companions out of the many playable allies you'll get to meet at various points in the game. You can always decide to swap them out in the camp to get a different build for your next exploration or fight. You'll get to meet the most interesting and notable characters, like cleric Shadowheart, the daughter of darkness, or Lae'zel, the githyanki warrior, very early in the game, and they're all a vital part of the story.

With Baldur's Gate 3 being a D&D game at its core, most of your success in combat, dialogs, pickpocketing, and other activities is decided by a roll of a dice for which you gain an advantage or a disadvantage based on your skill modifier. That's again where your companions come into play. Does your hero lack some charisma? Use a companion to talk yourself out of a fight. Is your hero not really agile? Use another companion to pick a lock.

The story of Baldur's Gate 3 is split into three acts, which all build on top of each other and will take you to diverse and colorful environments. The story revolves around curing a parasite that's threatening your very existence — that's all the detail I will go into in this review, not to spoil the fun for you. The story is well-written and never gets boring; your choices will notably impact the game's outcome. And if you're curious, yes, you can run into a game-over screen quite early in the game.

The graphics of the game are maybe not the most impressive from a technical standpoint, but the level of detail in all the different environments is breathtaking and helps paint the picture of a vast fantasy world. And don't get me wrong, Baldur's Gate 3 looks really good. All of the stunning visuals are supported by an amazing soundtrack, which is really the last piece of the puzzle for you to feel drawn into the game.

100% Game Brain Team Score

Baldur's Gate 3 delivers one of the most memorable storylines of the RPG genre — the last fantasy RPG that got me as engaged as this game is The Witcher 3, and that's been a while. Its minor flaws are easily forgiven thanks to the engaging game mechanics, well-written dialogs, and fun, complex combat system. If you're a fan of fantasy RPGs, Baldur's Gate 3 is an absolute must-play, offering an unforgettable adventure that stands out in the genre.

Jarofrom Game Brain

Well-written and engaging storyline including side-quests
Memorable characters
Fun and complex combat system
Supports any playstyle you can think of
Some quests become inaccessible after completing other quests, which isn't always obvious. Greater clarity in quest dependencies would have helped avoid my only point of frustration with the game.

Baldur's Gate 3 - The Crown Jewel of the RPG Genre

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 435,121 reviews

story33.6k positive mentions

stability6.5k negative mentions

story
74,762 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
53%
2%
The story of *Baldur's Gate 3* is widely praised for its depth, complexity, and the significant impact of player choices on the narrative. Players appreciate the rich character development, engaging side quests, and the ability to shape their own unique story through various paths and outcomes, making each playthrough feel fresh and immersive. However, some critiques mention pacing issues in later acts and occasional bugs that can disrupt the storytelling experience. Overall, the game is celebrated as a masterclass in RPG storytelling, blending intricate narratives with tactical gameplay.
- “The storyline is ever-enthralling and you really can choose your own adventure along the way with any and all companions!”
- “The game does an amazing job with its story, covering a wide range of topics, with its central themes being trauma, trust, and personal growth.”
- “Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterpiece that combines rich storytelling, deep customization, and endless possibilities for creativity.”
- “While I don’t mind the slow pace, the story is weak, the characters feel underwhelming, and the dialogues often sound like something out of a teenage novel or anime story.”
- “Most of the experience revolves around character interactions, but it feels more like 'emotional babysitting' than meaningful storytelling.”
- “The main plot is abstract right after the prologue and until the end of a second act which is 60+ hours into the game.”
gameplay
26,780 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
58%
3%
The gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3 has received a mix of praise and criticism from players. Many appreciate its deep integration of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition mechanics, which allows for strategic turn-based combat and a variety of character builds, enhancing replayability and player choice. However, some players find the learning curve steep and the mechanics occasionally cumbersome, leading to frustrations with combat pacing and RNG elements. Overall, while the game excels in storytelling and character development, opinions on the gameplay experience vary widely, with some players finding it engaging and others feeling it detracts from the overall enjoyment.
- “Larian's gameplay style in both this game and Divinity: Original Sin 2 is some of my favorite in the industry.”
- “The gameplay is very D&D-like; the way you have to play to a character's advantages and disadvantages is done really well.”
- “Baldur's Gate 3 is a triumph of storytelling, character depth, and gameplay mechanics that manages to appeal even to those who may not typically enjoy top-down strategy or tactical games.”
- “The consequence of this is that the narrative, which should take center stage in an RPG, ends up beholden to mechanics that are more often frustrating than fun.”
- “Kinda hard to enjoy story and depth when the gameplay is clunky and broken.”
- “The gameplay is very slow, the thumbs down is because they made no efforts to improve quality of life on these things, just to inflate gameplay hours.”
graphics
16,172 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
37%
1%
The graphics of Baldur's Gate 3 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and intricate detail, effectively bringing the world of Faerûn to life. Players have praised the game's ability to maintain high graphical fidelity even on lower-end systems, although some have noted performance issues and graphical glitches, particularly in later acts. Overall, the combination of beautiful character models, vibrant environments, and immersive animations contributes significantly to the game's engaging storytelling and gameplay experience.
- “The graphics are breathtaking, bringing the Forgotten Realms to life with vibrant landscapes, intricate dungeons, and cinematic cutscenes.”
- “Baldur's Gate 3 is graphically stunning, with beautifully rendered environments and character models that enhance the immersive experience.”
- “The visuals are stunning, with a level of detail that makes every area of the game feel unique and visually memorable.”
- “The graphics are so horrendously outdated that they make you question whether you accidentally traveled back in time to an era of pixelated nightmares.”
- “The graphics are dark and foreboding, the story is gripping, and the attention to detail is downright chilling.”
- “The graphics, while decent, didn't even come close to capturing the essence of the hack n' slash chaos that made dark alliance 1 and 2 so doggone legendary.”
music
7,142 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
44%
1%
The music in *Baldur's Gate 3* has received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and immersive quality, with many players praising the soundtrack as a standout feature that enhances the overall gaming experience. Composed by Borislav Slavov, the music ranges from haunting melodies to epic orchestral scores, effectively complementing various gameplay moments, including intense battles and quieter exploration scenes. While some players noted occasional repetitiveness in the tracks, the majority found the music to be memorable and integral to the game's atmosphere, with specific pieces, such as Raphael's final act, being particularly highlighted as exceptional.
- “The music, composed by the talented Borislav Slavov, perfectly complements the tone of the game, whether it’s the haunting melodies of the wilderness or the epic themes that accompany major battles.”
- “The soundtrack of Baldur’s Gate 3 is nothing short of breathtaking.”
- “The music enhances every moment of the game, perfectly complementing the mood and setting.”
- “The map is dull, the visuals uninspired, and the music forgettable.”
- “I haven't heard a track so far that I've outright hated, but I also can't place a single moment enhanced by the music, or a single mood that it seems to match.”
- “The music is so bland and generic that I don't even hear it.”
stability
6,876 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
94%
Overall, the stability of Baldur's Gate 3 has been a mixed experience for players. While many report minor glitches and crashes, particularly in Act 3, the game is generally considered playable and enjoyable, with frequent patches addressing issues. Players are encouraged to save often to mitigate the impact of bugs, and while some find the glitches amusing, others express frustration over game-breaking bugs that can disrupt progress.
- “If you are enough of a nerd to get behind the high fantasy/D&D world building, this game will not disappoint, especially after the rigorous patch support from Larian. The game runs well, is relatively bug-free, and is an extraordinary example of what games can and should be.”
- “The game runs great on a new-ish Mac; forget the PC supremacy bit... Larian clearly wrote the game properly with Metal, and you can play this game on ultra settings and it's smooth on a MacBook Pro.”
- “It's a modern AAA game that's fully finished, not buggy, doesn't contain microtransactions of any sort, looks amazing, and runs smooth as butter.”
- “After 3 hours of play, it just freezes the whole computer when trying to start the game. Could probably be a good game since I'm an old BG fan, but this is just useless.”
- “Entire towns that aggro you even if you pass all skill checks, softlocks (the game can completely break after fighting Grym without giving the ability to save), frequent crashes, etc. Sadly too buggy for me to enjoy, and a lot of my playtime is me repeating content due to the software failing.”
- “Good game but the fact that Act 3 of the game is still so incredibly janky and buggy after all this time is a disaster, hence why I'm leaving a negative review!”
replayability
6,651 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
48%
1%
Baldur's Gate 3 is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players highlighting the vast array of choices, character builds, and branching storylines that ensure no two playthroughs are alike. Many reviewers note that the game's depth and complexity, combined with its engaging narrative and character interactions, create an experience that encourages multiple runs to explore different outcomes and paths. The inclusion of mod support further enhances its replay value, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.
- “The story, amount of content, and replayability are unparalleled.”
- “Given the branching storylines and multiple endings, Baldur's Gate 3 has a high replayability value.”
- “The replayability is insane; there are so many different ways you can play the story, and I encourage everyone to try all of them out.”
- “The replayability of this game is immense, with each playthrough bringing new surprises in dialogue and choices.”
- “The sheer amount of replayability and customization this game offers is second to none.”
- “The replay value is through the roof, with diverse choices and outcomes – you'll find yourself hooked for multiple playthroughs!”
optimization
4,127 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
60%
16%
The optimization of Baldur's Gate 3 has received mixed feedback from players, with many praising its overall performance but highlighting significant issues in Act 3. While earlier acts run smoothly, players report frame rate drops, stuttering, and bugs in the densely populated areas of the final act, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Despite these challenges, ongoing patches from Larian Studios are expected to improve performance and address bugs, making the game a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre.
- “Despite its massive scope and intricate systems, it runs smoothly and is surprisingly polished.”
- “The optimization is good enough, and the few software imperfections are, overall, overlookable.”
- “The game performs well on all types of hardware and is very well optimized.”
- “Performance issues in act 3 are unacceptable, even on high-end systems. The game runs smoothly in earlier acts, but the final act is a buggy mess with severe performance drops.”
- “The performance in act 3 is abysmal, with frame rates dropping significantly and numerous bugs that disrupt gameplay. It's frustrating to see such a drop in quality after the first two acts.”
- “Despite the game's strengths, the performance issues in act 3 are a major drawback. The game feels rushed and unpolished in the final act, which detracts from the overall experience.”
humor
3,657 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in Baldur's Gate 3 is widely praised for its clever writing, witty dialogue, and the ability to blend dark themes with lighthearted moments, creating a unique and engaging experience. Players frequently highlight the hilarious interactions between characters, unexpected outcomes from choices, and the comedic potential of the game's mechanics, such as throwing characters or using spells in absurd ways. While some find the humor occasionally forced or juvenile, the overall consensus is that it adds significant charm and replayability to the game, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.
- “The voice acting, dialogue, and character interactions breathe life into every encounter, making you feel like you're living through a tabletop campaign with all the dramatic flair and humor you’d expect.”
- “You have the option to skip through the dialogue and get to the pillaging - but I often found myself wanting to hear the dialogue as it is often enough to help prop up the story and often with hilarious results.”
- “Every choice feels meaningful, and it’s hilarious to see how badly your dumb decisions can spiral out of control.”
- “Your ability to actually role-play is as limited as it was in older computer RPGs except that now your companions are mostly just unfunny, obnoxious, and/or pricks.”
- “The story is not immersive, the NPCs are basic, boring attempts to emulate other better games (and failing), with unfunny humor and mostly unrealistic behavior.”
- “It's not funny, it's just frustrating.”
monetization
2,720 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
71%
17%
The monetization model of Baldur's Gate 3 has been overwhelmingly praised for its absence of microtransactions, DLCs, and other exploitative practices that have become common in the gaming industry. Reviewers commend Larian Studios for delivering a complete and polished game at launch for a single price, emphasizing that this approach not only enhances player experience but also sets a new standard for future game development. The game's success is seen as a significant statement against the prevalent cash-grab mentality of many AAA studios.
- “The awards and acclaim are well-deserved, especially for the courage to avoid in-app purchases or any such financial schemes.”
- “Most importantly, it’s a complete package—no microtransactions, no gimmicky DLCs, just a full-fledged game that’s been years in the making.”
- “In an era where many developers rely on microtransactions and paid DLC as the norm, Larian Studios takes a refreshing stand.”
- “In an era of mobile gaming with awful monetization, endless "dlcs" that are only skin packs, season passes with some dlcs missing, and endless cash grabs, Larian just gave a huge slap to all other companies that are killing the industry.”
- “This game is a shining example of what games should strive to be; no microtransactions, no paywalls, just pure love and passion from the development team.”
- “In a world where gaming has been suffering an unfortunate death by a thousand cuts: microtransactions, unfinished releases, lazy voice acting, dialogue and models out of sync, uninspired gameplay, rinse and repeat mechanics etc; along came Baldur's Gate 3; and it has rejuvenated my love for gaming.”
emotional
2,502 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The emotional aspect of "Baldur's Gate 3" has been overwhelmingly praised by players, who describe it as a deeply immersive and heartfelt experience. Many have expressed how the game's rich storytelling, complex character arcs, and impactful choices evoke genuine emotions, leading to moments of laughter, tears, and profound connection with the characters. The voice acting and music further enhance these emotional moments, making players feel invested in the narrative and the fates of their companions, resulting in a rollercoaster of feelings throughout their journey.
- “Baldur’s Gate 3 is not just a game; it’s an emotional, challenging, and deeply rewarding journey.”
- “The main story is an amazing and emotional journey with the conclusion being satisfying but also wanting more at the same time.”
- “I cried so many times, laughed much more, and soaked up each and every moment as much as I could due to its immaculate, captivating abilities.”
- “Boring story line my op i guess other than the orc banging the other orc, bit of comedy and spoiler but not like you're missing out on much, once you learn the map and the quests the game is fail.”
- “For the most part a waste of time and a boring story.”
- “Boring story premise in a world of boring, unlikable characters.”
character development
2,031 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
46%
2%
Character development in Baldur's Gate 3 is widely praised for its depth and complexity, allowing players to shape their characters and companions through meaningful choices that significantly impact the narrative. Reviewers highlight the intricate backstories and evolving relationships of party members, which enhance emotional engagement and replayability. The game's combination of rich storytelling, diverse character design, and player agency sets a new standard for role-playing games, making it a standout experience in the genre.
- “It combines deep, branching storytelling with the freedom of choice, which impacts both character development and the outcome of the game.”
- “The storytelling and character development is simply amazing, with so much D&D lore and so many ways to play that it's easy to spend several hundred hours and play through multiple times and still find new things you haven't seen before.”
- “Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and immersive gameplay.”
- “The character development felt almost nonexistent for your companions, when it had been so rich earlier in the game.”
- “The character development is second to none and is elevated by incredible voice acting throughout the game.”
- “The character development among all origin characters is truly impressive and well done.”
grinding
1,661 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
20%
78%
The grinding aspect of Baldur's Gate 3 has received mixed feedback from players, with many describing it as tedious and time-consuming. While some appreciate the lack of traditional grinding mechanics, noting that encounters feel meaningful and contribute to the story, others find the turn-based combat and inventory management to be excessively slow and cumbersome, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, players suggest that the game requires significant time investment, often feeling like a chore rather than an engaging adventure.
- “No grinding involved so all the playtime is actually playing.”
- “The quests are not grinding in nature; each quest (and side quest) has a meaningful story, and you can see the contribution you make to advancing the story by completing them.”
- “It's rare for bigger games like this to come along these days and provide so much content that's meaningful, not the grindy messes that make up a lot of modern progression systems that simply look to take your time.”
- “The game loves to throw tedious puzzles and unnecessary busywork at you, making progression feel more like a chore than an adventure.”
- “But Baldur's Gate 3... the combat is so excruciatingly tedious and boring it completely ruins everything else in the game for me because I don't want to slog through it.”
- “The combat is slow and tedious, and I feel like I'm about to fall asleep at my keyboard in fights.”
atmosphere
1,023 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
43%
2%
The atmosphere in "Baldur's Gate 3" is widely praised for its immersive and richly detailed environments, enhanced by stunning graphics and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of wonder and danger, with each location offering a unique ambiance that draws them deeper into the narrative. The combination of atmospheric sound design, dynamic lighting, and engaging character interactions creates a captivating experience that resonates with both new players and long-time fans of the Dungeons & Dragons universe.
- “The lighting and atmosphere add an extra layer of immersion, creating a world that feels both alive and foreboding.”
- “The soundtrack complements the game's atmosphere perfectly, enhancing the overall experience and drawing you deeper into the story.”
- “The detailed environments, atmospheric lighting, and lifelike animations bring the forgotten realms to life in ways never seen before.”
- “The dark, gritty atmosphere that defined the earlier entries has been replaced with an overly colorful, almost cartoonish palette that feels out of place in the world of Baldur’s Gate.”
- “The atmosphere and depth compel you to explore the world around you.”
- “The atmosphere is dark at times and cheery at others.”