Why You Shouldn’t Save Scum in Baldur’s Gate 3

Save scumming has been a part of video games since the implementation of saving in gaming. Although some may see it as controversial, many players are happy to get any edge they can, even if it means taking advantage of systems. Recently, players have been using save scumming in the newest D&D RPG, Baldur’s Gate 3. However, the concept of save scumming, although helpful in other games, is damaging to the core of Baldur’s Gate 3. While it may be tempting to use this technique, it could ultimately ruin your gaming experience, as it removes all stakes and tension the story and dialogue can have. Here are some great reasons why you shouldn’t save scum in Baldur’s Gate 3.

What Is Save Scumming?

(Updated on October 4, 2024 – updated links and format)

For those that don’t know, save scumming is a concept that takes advantage of saving mechanics. By making a save before an important decision during a risky scenario, players can set up a fallback if their choices prove to be subpar. For example, if a player makes a sub-optimal play in XCOM that leads to the permanent death of a party member, reloading a previous save brings back the character. In most cases, it doesn’t damage one’s experience. However, save scumming can remove all the suspense from things like permadeath. Baldur’s Gate 3 is no exception.

Baldur’s Gate 3 features some interesting mechanics, including the implementation of Skill Checks. These checks are used whenever a player needs to perform a demanding action or escape a dangerous situation. Depending on how difficult a task is, a number will be assigned to the situation. The harder the task, the higher the number. Then players must roll a 20-sided die and add their stats to try and overcome the set number. For example, when picking a lock, a player may have to reach a Skill Check difficulty of 20. If the player rolls 15 and adds an extra 6 for their lockpicking score, they will successfully open the lock. However, Baldur’s Gate 3’s save scumming can muddy this concept especially.

Baldur’s Gate 3’s D&D Playstyle and Save Scumming Don’t Mix

Firstly, Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the closest things we have to a true D&D video game. By utilizing specific rules from the TTRPG, Baldur’s Gate 3 captures a unique experience you don’t get from normal RPGs. However, the idea of save scumming completely ruins some of the heart of the RPG’s inspiration. In D&D, when a roll is made, without inspiration or advantage, it is final. Due to the DM’s presence and rule-keeping, going back on a failed roll is a much less common experience. This creates a wonderful atmosphere of tension, especially during very important rolls. Sadly, save scumming completely ruins this, removing any potential failure for Skill Checks, thus almost completely invalidating them.

Save Scumming in Baldur’s Gate 3 Makes Characters Boring

Additionally, one of the greatest elements of Baldur’s Gate 3 is its storytelling. Creating a character and watching them progress through the story is very satisfying. Due to the sheer number of events and content, so many different good or bad things can happen to your character that creates a personalized experience. However, the concept of a perfect protagonist that completes all tasks with ease is boring in terms of the story and its stakes. Save scumming in Baldur’s Gate 3 for things like Skill Checks, important character moments, or impactful deaths makes for a one-note story full of way better than bad. While some people may prefer this style, to us, it takes away from the overall experience of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Save scumming ruins many of the things that make Baldur’s Gate 3 so special. Not only does it take away from the traditional D&D experience that Baldur’s Gate strives to replicate, but it also removes much of the tension from the story. Plus, it removes any flaw that the protagonist could have in a story-telling sense, making them devoid of weaknesses. Despite this, some people aren’t bothered by reasons like these and still choose to save scum, which is still a valid playstyle. In the end, if a player enjoys Baldur’s Gate 3, it shouldn’t matter if it’s through save scumming or not.