Baldur's Gate 3 - New Information on Combat and Stealth

BG3 promises to be a tasy morsel for fans of co-op games and extensive RPGs.

Larian Studios, the developers responsible for the upcoming RPG Baldur's Gate III, have published another blog note on Steam about their game. It contained information about combat mechanics and stealth system - some of them were cited in the comments to the first and latest gameplay, but there were also some new details.

Changes in combat system

One of the big changes in the combat system is the modification of the way the initiative works. In an earlier version of the game (the one presented on the first gameplay) each side of the conflict acted together - the turns of team members followed each other and we could choose who would act first. Developers gave up this solution - now each character has its own initiative and it decides on the order of moves on the battlefield.

The system functions similarly to Divinity: Original Sin II (the previous game of this studio), but it has been modified to a certain extent - if the turns of two characters on one side of the conflict follow each other, they can act together. In single-player mode we choose who moves first, and in co-op both players play their turns simultaneously - they can communicate and coordinate their actions. This shortens the waiting time for turn and makes the fight more dynamic.

The combat system in BG3 is characterized by a considerable level of complexity.

Increasing combat dynamics is also one of the goals that the developers have set themselves. With this in mind, the animation system has been changed (it's smoother and faster than in D:OS2), as well as some other details. For example, the turn of one character begins even before the last animation of the previous one ends. Thanks to such minor modifications, it has been possible to shorten the turns by precious seconds, which has real impact on the comfort of playing.

New features in stealth mechanics

The devs also presented more details concerning stealth mechanics. Already during the first gameplay presentation we were informed that it will work a little differently than in the second part of the Divinity: Original Sin series - the player will be able to switch on the so-called forced turn-based mode. In simple terms, it can be described in such a way that the action is paused every six seconds, making it easier for us to navigate between enemies and avoid their eyesight.

The new mechanic of visibility, based on lighting system and taking into account the ability to see in the dark, will also help us reduce the visibility of our character. The developers presented the outline of this solution in a simple way.

The principles of stealth in Baldur's Gate III:

1. Clear area (open space) - character will always be visible;
2. Lightly obscured - character can hide after successful skill check;
3. Lightly obscured + enemy with darkvision - character will always be visible;
4. Heavily obscured - character will always be hidden;
5. Heavily obscured + enemy with darkvision - character can hide after successful skill check;

It is worth noting that the lighting system will be dynamic and players will be able to influence it using spells and items. Sneaking is to enable, among other things, avoiding patrols, setting traps or pickpocketing. Stealth will be available to all characters who develop this skill (it will not be available only for one class).

Baldur's Gate III is coming to PC and Google Stadia. but the release date is yet to be announced. We know, however, that it will go to early access in August.

1. Baldur's Gate 3 Preview – Just Let Me Gather the Party!
2. Baldur's Gate III - official website

Baldur's Gate 3

August 3, 2023

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• Larian Studios
• RPG games
• Baldur's Gate (franchise)