Should I buy Baldur’s Gate 3? Yes, you should because it is an amazing game. Reviews are highly positive. Still, there are 10 things to know before you buy BG3. Because things are little complicated at the Larian Studios at the moment.
Baldur’s Gate 3 released on 6 October 2020. We are almost in 2023 and the game is still in the early access. That is why some players are restless. Everyone wants to play the full version. But it isn’t going to happen any time soon.
Is it worth getting Baldur’s Gate 3 Early Access? Yeah, it’s totally worth getting. Because early access is filled with content. Act 1 early access playtime is around 25-35 hours. Which is almost as long as an average role-playing game. I can’t even imagine the length of Baldur’s Gate 3 all acts.
1. It’s an Early Access Game
Most important thing to know before buying Baldur’s Gate 3 is that it’s an early access game. In this demo version, you can only play the act 1. In order to play other three acts, you must wait for the full release. Which is not going to be available any time soon.
BALDUR’S GATE 3 FULL RELEASE DATE
Good thing about early access is being able to experiment with the game. You can also send feedbacks to the developers. That is the point of early access after all.
Besides, demo playtime is around 25-35 hours which is huge. I have played around 150 hours. Although I have experimented with the mods.
All in all, you must really consider the long early access phase before you buy BG3.
2. Supports 4-Player Co-Op
Baldur’s Gate 3 have a 4-player co-op support. It is possible to play online or via LAN connection.
But unfortunately, you can’t play co-op on the same PC. BG3 split screen feature will be available later in the full release. You must wait a little more in order to play Baldur’s Gate 3 in couch.
Multiplayer Baldur’s Gate 3 experience is undeniably more fun. Don’t have friends? Worry not, visit our Baldur’s Gate 3 discord server to meet co-op buddies.
3. Choices Matter
Choices really matter in Baldur’s Gate 3! Even the smallest decision you make can impact the whole storyline.
For example, you can side with druids and wipe out entire Tiefling community. Or side with Tieflings and to the opposite. It is also possible to make deals with literal villains for personal gain.
You can be a good guy, bad guy, or a pragmatist. Most people prefer the good path in RPGs. Baldur’s Gate 3 evil playthrough is much more fun though.
4. Based on D&D 5e
Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Which is the latest D&D setting. If you haven’t played a tabletop before, this will be a good introduction.
I recommend that you read the books Baldur’s Gate 3 based on before you buy. That way you can learn more about the lore and enjoy the game more!
5. Combat is Turn-Based
Turn based combat is a huge turn-off for some people. I know from experience because I didn’t like it before either. Until I played the Divinity Original Sin franchise, which is created by the same developers, Larian Studios.
Roaming and gameplay is in real time though. Only the combat is turn-based. Which is pretty enjoyable, and you should give it a chance.
In case you are wondering, Baldur’s Gate 3 real time combat will never happen. So, if you dislike turn-based combat, this game might bore you.
6. Graphics Are Next Gen
Beautiful graphics, models, landscape, interior, and UI… What more could one ask for?
It’s all possible thanks to Divinity 4.0 renderer. Baldur’s Gate 3 game engine is created by Larian Studios. This custom engine offers absolutely stunning graphics that are next gen.
You’ll want to take many screenshots during your journey because of the beautiful visuals.
7. Music is Masterpiece
Many iconic soundtracks created for this game. Such as The Weeping Dawn, Down by The River, I Want to Live, etc. Visit Soundcloud or Youtube to listen some of the music before you buy BG3. I believe that will make you buy this game instantly.
Music in this game is absolutely stunning. Baldur’s Gate 3 voice actors are also top notch. So, better be prepared for an eargasm.
8. Optimization
Optimization is not really great. Not bad either. Some people praise and some people complain the optimization in Baldur’s Gate 3.
There are many options though. One must choose the right graphic renderer to optimize the game. Baldur’s Gate 3 Vulkan or DX11? Which is best? Well, it depends on your hardware.
9. Bugs
Bugs must be expected in Baldur’s Gate 3 since it’s an early access game. There are some bugs that are game-breaking. But thanks to the updates, bugs are very rare now.
For some players, Baldur’s Gate 3 crash frequently. I haven’t experienced any crash though.
What might be the problem? Drivers, hardware, settings, or the game itself? I am not sure. But one thing is certain, BG3 frequently gets new updates with bug fixes. So, it’s okay to be optimistic.
10. Save Compatibility
Save compatibility issue is one of the worst things about Baldur’s Gate 3. Whenever there is a new patch, all of the previous saves become unplayable.
After a new update, save files simply grey out and unable to load. Which is really frustrating.
You can always return to previous update and continue your save. But why miss out on the new content and bug fixes? It is a dilemma.
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 fun? Yes absolutely, you will really enjoy playing it. Consider all of these elements before you buy BG3, and you won’t be disappointed.
Now it is your turn to do some writing. Are you going to buy this game or not? Let me know in the comments and I will see you again soon.