A quick introduction to Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is taking over the gaming world but can seem a bit daunting to anyone new to RPGs. If you want to jump but don’t know the first thing about the game, WIN.gg has you covered with our Baldur’s Gate 3 beginner guide.
Baldur’s Gate is a turn-based CRPG that is heavily inspired by the mechanics, world, and lore of the tabletop roleplaying Dungeon & Dragons’ 5th Edition. You play a character swept up in a conflict far beyond your understanding in a high fantasy world. You are kidnapped by eldritch alien-esque creatures and begin the game having to escape and try to make your way back to civilization.
What is Baldur’s Gate 3?
Badlur’s Gate 3 is practically the same as the rules for 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons. The massive tabletop roleplaying game is based around players creating unique characters using classes that give them powers. These characters then explore the world, saving or ruining the world, depending on what they want to do.
Most checks are determined by rolling a 20-sided dice. The dice’s value added to relevant modifiers from character’s proficiencies and natural ability. Then the total is compared to a target number set by a facilitating player known as the Dungeon Master.
Baldur’s Gate 3 cribs much of this, replacing the DM’s imagination with gorgeously realized environments and animated NPCs.
This is a turn-based game that opts to turn off turns for exploration. You’ll take a turn and move, cast spells, attack, and then move on to the next participant. Don’t worry Larian Studios has excellently outfitted the game with lots of tutorials. This means the basics of the system beyond the core mechanics are well-explained.
Players who are less familiar with 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons will be just fine. You’ll spend the core of this game exploring fantastical landscapes, engaging in deep social encounters, and fighting turn-based scenarios.
If you want to select your characters’ archetype, check out our guide to all the classes and our advice on the Karmic Dice system.
Nicholas James is a gaming writer with a passion for all things geekdom, as well as live theater. Nicholas is best known for covering League of Legends and other top MOBA titles, but his expertise covers numerous games across multiple genres. When not watching the LCS or playing the latest new release, Nicholas can be found doing some tabletop gaming and painting his favorite miniatures. Nicholas has also published with Hotspawn, TheGamer, Dexerto, Esports.gg and other industry outlets.
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