Overview

Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Genre: Turn-Based RPG | Developer: Larian Studios

Baldur's Gate 3 arrived carrying the weight of an iconic legacy and the expectations of an entire genre. What Larian Studios delivered wasn't just a worthy sequel — it was a landmark achievement that raised the bar for what RPGs can be. After spending dozens of hours in the Forgotten Realms, here's our verdict.

Story and World-Building

You begin BG3 as a survivor of a mind flayer attack, with an illithid tadpole burrowed behind your eye threatening to transform you into one of the most terrifying creatures in D&D lore. From this premise, the game expands into an extraordinary, branching narrative that adapts meaningfully to your choices.

The writing is exceptional. Each of the main companions — Shadowheart, Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Wyll, and Karlach — is layered with conflict, history, and personality. Side quests feel like full stories rather than filler tasks. The world reacts to who you are, what you've done, and even what class you chose to play.

Gameplay: Turn-Based Combat Done Right

Combat is turn-based and deeply rooted in D&D 5th Edition rules. For players unfamiliar with tabletop mechanics, there's an initial learning curve. But once it clicks, the depth is immensely rewarding.

  • Environmental interactions — push enemies off ledges, ignite oil barrels, freeze water surfaces to create hazards.
  • Verticality matters — high ground provides real tactical advantages.
  • Action Economy — managing bonus actions, reactions, and spell slots creates meaningful decisions every turn.

Battles rarely feel scripted. They feel like puzzles that reward creativity.

Co-op: Multiplayer Magic

The co-op support is one of BG3's most underrated features. Up to four players can share a campaign, each controlling a character. The experience is chaotic, hilarious, and deeply memorable — especially when one player decides to set fire to something important mid-negotiation.

Technical Performance

At launch, the game had rough edges — occasional bugs, performance dips in Act 3, and some AI pathfinding issues. Larian has been aggressively patching these issues, and the game runs considerably smoother after several major updates. On PS5 and Series X, it's a solid port with minor compromises.

What Holds It Back (Slightly)

  • Act 3 pacing feels slightly rushed compared to Acts 1 and 2.
  • The learning curve may alienate players unfamiliar with D&D rules.
  • Some performance issues persist in dense city areas.

Final Score

9.5 / 10

Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the best RPGs ever made. It's generous, ambitious, beautifully written, and endlessly replayable. Whether you're a veteran of CRPGs or a newcomer, it demands your time — and absolutely earns it.

Reviewed on PC. Approximately 80 hours played across two playthroughs.