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Baldur’s Gate 3 has brought a new age of D&D video games to the modern age. With party-based RPG gameplay, great graphics, and a wonderful story, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a treat for both D&D fans and general audiences. However, there are still some amazing elements that should keep long-time D&D fans hooked on the game. Throughout Baldur’s Gate 3, there are tons of fun D&D secrets, Easter Eggs, and references hidden around every corner. These range from subtle references to the TTRPG as a whole to things that specifically come from Baldur’s Gate itself. Here are the 5 best D&D Easter Eggs from Baldur’s Gate 3.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 References
Although not exactly a Dungeons & Dragons property, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is Larian Studios’ previous game. The game is heavily inspired by D&D itself and earned Larian Studios a worthy position in developing Baldur’s Gate 3. Due to their close nature, Larian Studios made sure to include many references to Divinity: Original Sin 2. So far, the best Divinity: Original Sin 2 Easter Egg in Baldur’s Gate 3 comes in the form of paintings. Players can find paintings throughout the game, each one modeling a different Divinity: Original Sin 2 character. This includes a portrait of Fane and The Red Prince.
The D20
On the opposite side of the coin, outside of lore, Baldur’s Gate 3 also includes many references to D&D rules. Like previous Baldur’s Gate entries, Baldur’s Gate 3’s gameplay is based on the 5e edition of D&D rules. Overall, the transition from TTRPG to video games is nearly perfect. More specifically, rather than implementing the rules quickly and behind the scenes, Baldur’s Gate 3 makes a nod to the staple of the TTRPG, the D20. The D20 is the most common die used in your average D&D session and will be used almost any time the character interacts with their environment. Seeing the D20 used with a wonderful animation in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a great reference for fans so used to the iconic die.
Minsc and Boo Return
So far, players were excited to see the return of a fan-favorite character from previous Baldur’s Gate entries, Minsc. This human ranger dates back to the very first Baldur’s Gate game as a potential companion. Minsc is a bit more unique than your average ally in the game. After taking a few too many blows to the head, Minsc turns to his companion Boo, a hamster, for support. However, Minsc believes that Boo is a Miniature Giant Space Hamster, rather than a normal hamster. This has led Minsc to become one of the most popular characters in all of Baldur’s Gate, with references and Easter Eggs of the character reaching far and wide, including in Baldur’s Gate 3. In the newest entry, Minsc once again returns as a companion.
Hidden References in Baldur’s Gate 3’s Eula
Interestingly enough, Easter Eggs and references go as far as the User Agreement in Baldur’s Gate 3. Strangely, the User Agreement takes a short pause from talking about legal issues and brings some comedic jokes to an otherwise boring document. In this break, Larian states that you cannot make another Pact with any other entities besides them. They even specifically mention Fey, Infernal, and Eldritch entities. These beings are well-known as creature types in the D&D universe. Specifically, Fey, Infernal, and Eldritch beings are all known to make Pacts with mortals to grant them some level of power. This is how the Warlock class gets their magical abilities.
Volo Gives a Memorable Reference in Baldur’s Gate 3
Finally, as far as NPC interactions go, one of the most memorable moments in the game includes the character Volo. Volo, AKA Volothamp Geddarm, is a legendary traveler known for his guidebooks. The character has references and Easter Eggs in many pieces of D&D media, and Baldur’s Gate 3 is no exception. Meeting Volo comes early in the game during Act 1, where players can save him in the Goblin Camp. Afterward, Volo will give the player the option to perform a medical experiment on the character. What follows is one of the most memorable and disgusting moments in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3. Without going into detail, this is a scene that any player of Baldur’s Gate 3 needs to check out.
