What are the differences between Baldur’s Gate 2 and 3? Which games wins this versus? The answer really depends on the person. Nostalgia lovers might pick the Baldur’s Gate 2. However, I am voting on Baldur’s Gate 3. Let’s discuss Baldur’s Gate 2 vs 3 more in detail.
SHOULD YOU PLAY BALDUR’S GATE 2 BEFORE 3?
First of all, Baldur’s Gate 2 is a complete game released more than 20 years ago. Whereas Baldur’s Gate 3 is not fully released yet. It is an early access game and not complete. Only Act 1 is playable. That fact alone costs lots of point to the BG3. Still, the versus is not ended yet.
Baldur’s Gate 1 & 2 were revolutionary masterpieces. Back in the day, all games were mindless hack & slash. However, BG1 and BG2 are all about the story and characters. Writing and the story of these games are still uncontested, even to this day. That alone evens things between BG2 and BG3. So, what are the differences between two?
Differences Between Baldur’s Gate 2 and 3
Here is the table of differences between these two Baldur’s Gate games:
| Differences | Baldur’s Gate 2 | Baldur’s Gate 3 |
| Release Date | 2000 | 2020-2023 |
| Graphics | Bad (Outdated) | Amazing |
| Based On | D&D 3rd Edition | D&D 5e |
| Combat Mechanics | Real Time | Turn Based |
| Freedom | Area – Zone Limited Gameplay | Like an Open World |
| Difficulty | Balanced | Easy |
| NPC Interaction | Text Dialogue (Minimal Voicing) | Fully Voiced Dialogues |
| Studio | Beamdog | Larian |
Overall, Baldur’s Gate 3 is much more superior in every aspect. That is understandable because these games released +20 years apart.
I know this table made Baldur’s Gate 2 look bad. Still, you should most definitely play Baldur’s Gate 1 & 2. Not because they are prequels, but rather due to the fact that they are RPG cult classics. Besides, you will be able to recognize many Baldur’s Gate 3 easter eggs related to older games. That is definitely worth it.
Like everything, D&D is also updated itself in the recent years. Books Baldur’s Gate 3 based on are following D&D 5e ruleset, whereas BG2 follows D&D 3rd edition. Since I am not a tabletop D&D player myself, can’t really tell the difference. However, players and game-masters say the difference is immense.
All in all, these are completely different games. Only similarity between two games is the name Baldur’s Gate.
Baldur’s Gate 3 or Divinity Original Sin 2
Thank you for reading my review. I hope you enjoyed. If you do, please do comment below and subscribe to my Youtube channel!
Do let me know which game wins Baldur’s Gate 2 vs 3. Looking forward to seeing you again soon, take care!
How dare you put Beamdog as a BG2 Studio. Blasphemy!
That’s my bad!
BioWare developed Baldur’s Gate 2 (2000).
Beamdog worked on the Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition (2013).