Baldur's Gate 3 Won't be Available 3 Days Early on PC, Larian Clarifies

The last Panel from Hell brought with it a lot of interesting information (and Larian's account getting banned on TikTok for an "overly artistic" scene with a bear), reigniting the already considerable interest in the game. However, the final episode of the developers' broadcast does not mean the end of new information. Larian has shared further details on Baldur's Gate III in an announcement posted on Steam.

Full release on schedule

The announcement is mainly a thank you to the fans for taking part in the recent Panel From Hell. However, the developers took a lot of space to clarify a number of issues, including the debut of Baldur's Gate 3 version 1.0.

1. The Digital Deluxe Edition will give early access to the game only on the PlayStation 5 console (September 3 instead of September 6). On PC, purchasers of this edition will start playing along with other players, i.e. on August 3.
2. Saved game states from the Early Access of Steam will not carry over to the premiere edition of BG 3. The differences between the two versions are too great for the transfer of saves from Steam Early Access.

Rich character creation

Players will get even more freedom when creating their own character. Source: Larian Studios.

Speaking of which, already at the character creation stage, players will notice quite a few changes.

1. The system was developed as part of early access, but version 1.0 will not only expand the range of available options (more skin colors and types of scars, tattoos, etc.), but also add completely new elements, including earrings, heterochromia and an age slider.
2. BG 3 on release will introduce so-called multiclassing, that is, the option to develop the skills of multiple classes and thus create hybrid characters. At the same time, the need to develop stats in order to learn certain abilities will be abolished.

What's more, one of the "useful" NPCs from early access will offer a new service - respec of character levels and traits, including learned spells, skills and attributes. This will enable the players to experiment without worrying that one wrong decision will spoil character progression of many hours.

Last main actors enter the stage

Of course, respec applies not only to characters created from scratch, but also to characters with a history (so-called Origin Characters), whom we will either play or encounter during the game as possible companions. However, we will only see the last of such character as its avatar - Dark Urge, controlled by an unnatural lust for murder.

1. In theory, this is a draconian, but Dark Urge is the only playable companion that can be completely customized to your own preferences. Including the character's race, so instead of a dragon figure we can opt for a murderous gnome, for example.
2. At the same time, it is worth adding that Dark Urge is not a mindless berserker with the gentleness and eloquence of the Hulk. The player will be able to try to fight the subconscious lust for murder, although it will come with difficulty. Especially since his guide - Sceleritas Fel (played by Brian Bowles, narrator from Divinity: Original Sin II) - will constantly encourage him to give in to this instinct.

Larian also showed the latest "big bad" of Baldur's Gate 3 - Orin the Red (Maggie Robertson). If her nickname isn't enough of a clue: Orin specializes in murder and inflicting pain, an art she has mastered to perfection. Thanks in part to the art of mimicry, which enables her to assume the form of even the player's companions.

Relationships not just "for the sake of it"

A lot of space is also devoted to romance and relationships with other characters. Not necessarily in bearskin.

1. Larian wants to ensure that establishing relationships with 2,000 (!) characters for in-game interaction is not a one-dimensional pursuit of a goal (read: sex scenes). The whole thing is supposed to be as elaborate as any other plot of Baldur's Gate 3, which, after all, is supposed to give players freedom comparable to tabletop role-playing games.
2. As a result, relationships with NPCs aren't limited to gaining their favor - unless you don't mind that your companions might take advantage of you and you end up drained of blood or sacrificed. Relationships with each character will develop differently and rarely remain unchanged from start to finish.
3. Interestingly, the same is true even of the relationship with the Guardian, embodying our character's aspirations. Larian didn't want to reveal too much, but this thread was to be duly developed, so as not to deviate from other stories in Baldur's Gate 3.

Arguably, such an expansion of the romance system (and relationships in general) is one (though not the only) reason why the full version of BG 3 will include 174 hours of cutscenes.

Alchemy, mercenaries and co-op

In addition to this, the Steam entry mentions a co-op mode (couch or network). Players will jointly have access to almost the same information, inspiration points and inventory (by default; the game will enable you to turn this option off).

Also mentioned was the debut of alchemy, mercenaries for hire and customization (Hirelings) and options for those willing to stream the game. An interesting note was the mention of crowds gossiping about the players' deeds. Also their failures, although a discreet change in the headlines of the circulating lampoons may enable us to avoid embarrassment.

Baldur's Gate III will be officially released on August 3 on PC and September 6 on PlayStation 5.

Baldur's Gate 3

August 3, 2023

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