Baldur’s Gate 3 has taken the gaming world by storm, redefining what players expect from role-playing games. With its immersive storytelling, complex characters and player-driven choices, it’s set a new standard for interactive experiences, but why have gamers all around the world fallen in love with Larian Studios‘ creation?
When Baldur’s Gate 3 was released in August 2023, it didn’t just make a splash in the gaming community, it made a tidal wave, setting new standards for immersive storytelling. From casual gamers to long-time fans of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), Baldur’s Gate 3 took everyone on an adventure so exciting that it’s already influencing the future of gaming! The game took freedom to the next level.
Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, a game where your choices and imagination shape the story with a system that allows players to have countless ways to solve problems, whether by using magic, combat, or even talking to animals! Sounds awesome, right?
Choices! Choices! Choices!
The choices you make within Baldur’s Gate 3 actually have a massive impact on how the game progresses, for example, impacting your relationships with the characters around you. Unlike many games where characters only react in set ways, here they remember your actions and respond to them personally, sometimes even changing how they feel about you. For instance, if you help someone in need or act bravely, certain companions might respect or even grow closer to you. On the other hand, if you make choices they find cruel or selfish, they may pull away or even leave your party. This adds a layer of realism, making each character feel like a true individual with their own values, opinions, and personalities.
Relationships with other characters are much more than simple friendships in Baldur’s Gate 3! They’re deep, evolving connections that change based on your actions and choices. As you journey through the game, your companions not only may change how they feel about you, but you’ll also learn more about them, their backstories and how they became who they are. These dynamic relationships make each interaction feel personal and give the game a level of emotional realism, encouraging players to think about how they treat the people on their journey.
No limits to customisation in Baldur’s Gate 3
The character customisation in Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most exciting parts of the game, giving players an incredible level of control over their hero’s look, background, and abilities. You can choose everything from your character’s race and class to the finer details like hairstyle, eye colour, and even scars, creating someone who truly feels unique to you.
With so many customisation options within Baldur’s Gate 3, players can bring their ideal fantasy character to life, whether that’s a brave warrior, a sneaky rogue, or a mystical druid. This level of personalisation means that no two characters are exactly alike, allowing players to feel truly connected to their creation and experience the story in a way that feels personal and one-of-a-kind.
What sets Baldur’s Gate 3 apart from any other game?
Despite Baldur’s Gate 3 only being available for just over a year now (released in 2023), the game has had a massive personal impact on so many players, offering an escape and a chance for self-discovery.
For some people, creating a character who faces difficult choices and builds relationships allows them to test mental strength and fears in a safe, imaginative space. Baldur’s Gate 3’s take on player choice has encouraged people to think about their decisions and how they affect others, both in-game and in real life. Many players have found inspiration in the bravery or kindness of their characters, often feeling more confident or reflective about their own lives.
Additionally, Baldur’s Gate 3 storylines and the ability to form friendships in this virtual world have provided comfort to those who may feel isolated, offering a sense of belonging and connection in the form of a loyal party that evolves and stands by them.
My experience of Baldur’s Gate 3
I have played through Baldur’s Gate 3 more times than I can count, garnering over 1,000 hours of playtime and I’m still not finished! Did you know the game has over 70,000 pathways that can determine the ending that you get? And all of that is from the choices you make!
Larian has done an incredible job at making sure Baldur’s Gate 3 is re-playable which has allowed me to experience the game to the fullest, giving me the chance to go back and do things differently from what I would’ve done before. But no experience will ever come close to playing Baldur’s Gate for the first time! Spending hours creating my character, putting in every minute detail before going through the story act by act, knowing that the story progresses based on the choices I make. At the same time, I loved not knowing what was going to happen next and how my choices would play into the next scene, and how my companions would react to what I’d done. It’s an incredible experience and as a person that has never really played any role-playing or story-based games, Baldur’s Gate has truly changed my perspective on the genre!
Final thoughts
In the end, Baldur’s Gate 3 has done more than simply deliver a great RPG – it’s redefined what gaming can be. By giving players true freedom to shape their own journey, it’s raised the bar for what interactive stories can achieve.
Whether you’re a seasoned D&D fan or completely new to RPGs, it’s a game that invites you to step into a universe where your decisions truly matter. Larian Studios has crafted a masterpiece that will continue to inspire the gaming industry and its players for years to come.
Read more about how gaming has an impact on young people’s mental health in the Never Give In campaign.