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To say there’s much to do in Baldur’s Gate 3 and similar titles is a massive understatement. The game’s prologue and opening area only show the tip of the iceberg regarding the choices Larian Studios has given players. The player’s variety of options at any one time can be overwhelming, so it’s important to focus on a few key things. Once the player has a better understanding of the game and its mechanics, then true exploration and excitement can begin. Here are some of the most important things to do first in Baldur’s Gate 3.
8. Learn the Mechanics
Larian Studios is known for making deep, complicated games. Players familiar with Divinity: Original Sin 2 already know what they’re getting into, but players new to Larian games may not. Terrain elevations, environmental hazards, and elemental interactions are just a few of the things to worry about here. Fortunately, the game’s tutorial is a gradual and comprehensive introduction to most of these systems. Learning the basics takes a little more time for spellcasters than other classes, but even the mages among us can learn with a bit of patience. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to face the game’s finale.
7. Investigate Your Surroundings
Baldur’s Gate 3 has an exceptionally detailed world. There are items, objects, and characters of interest everywhere. Get used to turning the camera and zooming in for a better look at things. Interacting with objects is a key way to progress the story, and a huge number of containers and shelves can be looted. If you look hard enough, you’ll find no shortage of gold and provisions. The latter is essential for feeding your characters when you take a Long Rest, allowing characters to heal and recover spent Spell Slots. Always remember to investigate when considering which things to do first,
6. Know Your Role
Baldur’s Gate 3 faithfully adapts most elements of Dungeons and Dragons, including its attitude toward party compositions. Wizards and Sorcerers are glass cannons focused on delivering high DPS at range. Paladins and Fighters act as frontline tanks, shielding their friends from the blows of trolls and dragons. Clerics and Bards support their companions with various healing spells and buffs. Knowing your character’s role and playing into it makes a massive difference in your success. Before you even finish character creation, you should know what kind of role you want to take in combat.
5. Make Some Friends
Throughout the game, the player will battle a range of fearsome foes, and trying to solo, everything will go poorly. Whether playing the game in co-op or recruiting NPCs, you will want some assistance. Fortunately, Baldur’s Gate 3 quickly introduces other characters to your party. To win more and die less, make sure each character keeps doing what they do best. Use your other characters to heal and revive you. Let them help carry your stuff. Distract enemies with one character while another moves to a more advantageous position. Cooperation wins the day.
4. Level Up
Baldur’s Gate 3 rewards players with experience for defeating enemies like most RPGs. With enough experience, the player levels up, improving their skills and gaining abilities. The experience curve is well-balanced, so there’s no need to grind. That said, leveling up ranks high amongst the things to do first. One or two levels make a massive difference in this game. Not only is leveling up useful, but it also opens up more possibilities for fun and chaos, particularly for spellcasting casters. Fortunately, Baldur’s Gate 3 grants players control over the leveling and progression of every party member, allowing them to focus NPC development in whatever direction they choose.
3. Get Equipped
Are you a Fighter? Buy a sword. Are you a Barbarian? Buy a bigger sword. Just because Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t shower the player with loot every five seconds like Diablo IV doesn’t mean that gear doesn’t matter. In particular, watching each character’s Armor Class (AC) is vital, as that will determine how likely enemy blows are to strike them. If you know a character will spend a lot of time drawing aggro and getting smacked around, make sure they can take the smacking. You can build favor with merchants and traders by gifting them items, getting you better deals down the line. Make friends with your outfitters.
2. Explore the World
Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t allow the kind of walk-anywhere exploration of Skyrim, but there’s still a huge world and many ways to explore it. Cliffs can be scaled, rivers crossed, and ravines jumped. Every cave, shack, grove, and village has something to offer. Sometimes environmental storytelling sheds light on the world and its lore. Other times it’s a powerful new weapon or the opportunity to forge a new alliance. There are good opportunities to leave the beaten path, ignore the main story momentarily, and stumble open something strange and wondrous. It’s optional, but the game is better for it.
1. Experiment with the Possibilities
The same scripted battles can play out very differently. Your path can determine whether you start a fight on high ground or with your enemies above you. Dipping your sword into fire allows you to burn vulnerable foes with each slash. Traps, rocks, and hungry monsters can be used to your advantage. Add spells and skills into the mix, giving you a dizzying range of options. Experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Get careless sometimes. Choices are exactly what makes Baldur’s Gate 3 such an unforgettable RPG.
