Larian Studios has created a video game masterpiece in Baldur’s Gate 3. The sheer depth and scope of the game is bordering on unbelievable. There is so much information to take in, so many quests tempting you, and so many memorable characters you want to learn more about that the game can become overwhelming to even the most hardened fan of the series. Thankfully, Tech Media Network is on hand to bring you five tips and insights to help you navigate this epic adventure’s early stages much easier.
Select the Right Character
Your first potentially confusing choice comes right after the epic cinematic that sets the tone for the rest of the game: character selection. It is not unusual for a role-playing game (RPG) to offer players several choices regarding character creation, but Baldur’s Gate 3 is not just any RPG; it is the favorite with the Bovada sports betting site to win the Game of the Year award for a reason.
Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to choose from one of 11 races, each with up to four subraces. Those races come with positive and negative traits, plus a bonus skill that other characters do not possess. In addition, there are 12 classes to go with those races and subraces! As you are stuck with the same character throughout the 100+ hour story, it pays to get things right the first time.
Those readers who prefer a melee build should opt for a Half-Orc Barbarian. The Barbarian mechanics are easy to digest, and they have high health, deal plenty of damage, and take less damage themselves.
Wizards are an excellent choice for ranged casters because they have access to most spells and have many spell slots. High Elves are another strong choice for those who prefer this playing style.
Players wanting the simplest way to dive into Baldur’s Gate 3 should go with a Human Fighter. This character has access to all weapon and armor choices. While they have limited spell-casting ability, they make a good all-round choice.
If you like thinking outside the box, consider becoming a Druid. The Druid class is versatile and is one of the more complex characters. However, the ability to control animals is worth playing as a Druid.
Rescue Shadowheart from the Nautiloid
Baldur’s Gate 3 has several companions who you recruit during the game. They become integral parts of the story, while some can be romanced. All companions can optimize your build and the composition of your party.
Shadowheart is a useful companion for several reasons. She is a cleric who excels in healing, spell casting, and crowd control. Having Shadowheart as your companion also helps with spells and increases your dialogue options.
You have the chance to recruit Shadowheart early into the game, and it is recommended that you do so. You’ll find Shadowheart on the beach next to the Abandoned Ruins in Act 1. Shadowheart is trapped in a tadpole-like pod. Finding the Eldritch Rune near her will help you to free her, at which point she will be happy to join you on your quest.
Use the Environment to Your Advantage
Some older role-playing games can cause frustration because of how the environment reacts, or doesn’t, to a player’s actions. For example, you can have the world’s most powerful wizard who can fell an ogre with a single spell, but that same spell cannot knock down a locked door. Baldur’s Gate 3’s developers have removed much of that frustration by enabling interaction with most parts of the environment.
Characters with high enough strength can move barrels and crates, and those with heavy axes and swords can break down path-blocking doors.
You can also combine areas affected by spells and other environmental elements. Try casting the Grease spell, which will cause enemies to slip and miss a turn. You can then ignite that area with fire, causing a significant explosion and fire damage to your stricken foes.
Always look around for items in the battle area that you could use to your advantage, such as a hanging chandelier, because you can bet your bottom dollar you can interact with it in some way to swing the battle in your favor.
Stealth Is Your Friend
Although many players love to charge into battle, it is often best to start a fight while using stealth. By making your character crouch, a red grid will appear in front of enemies; go into the red grid, and there is a chance the enemy will see you. Sometimes, you can force your entire team into stealth mode, then use an archer with a powerful ranged attack to fight the enemies from afar. This method is excellent in the early parts of the game, where you and NPCs are naturally weaker.
Forcing Combat Quickly Levels Your Character
Twelve is the maximum level your Baldur’s Gate 3 character can reach until Larian Studios decides otherwise. You will find you begin leveling up quickly, but then that leveling slows down, making it seem impossible at times to max out your character.
Characters level up by completing tasks and main quests and through dialogue. However, forcing combat levels up quicker than any other means. Fighting risks losing, but it is worth the tradeoff.
Conclusion
Baldur’s Gate 3 is so vast that this article could have spanned 2,000 or 3,000 words or more talking about character creation alone. However, the five hints and tips above are just a handful of things I wish I had known when I began playing this genre-defining video game when it launched.
Do not feel you must follow these tips to the letter because the game is all about exploring and experimenting, with the game beatable and enjoyable no matter how you build your character or approach quests, etc. The game is like being in a movie that you are in control of. There is a definite beginning and end, but what you do in the middle is entirely up to you.
Comments are closed.