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Multi Baldur's Gate 3

Arca Jeth

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GW Elder
Messages
37
With BG3 coming out for PC tomorrow, who is going to be picking it up? Or are you waiting for the console releases?

I'm very excited. It sounds like there's a huge amount of variability in playthroughs and customization with the classes.
 
I am on the fence. I am onto the final boss in FF16 right now and plan to wrap it up tonight, but I don't really want to sit at my PC to play a long RPG. But mouse + keyboard is the ideal way to play it... I've heard from people playing the early access that it is awesome, but brutally hard on normal difficulty. I loved the Divinity games and played the original two BG games so I should want it.

Coming off an RPG to an even longer one is what I'm not sure I want to do, though. So maybe I will wait for the PS5 release to put some time between them.
 

Rachel

No Problem Here
GW Elder
Messages
586
I have had the early access and am actually not sure what happens to my early access game when the game releases because they have made huge updates. But I wouldn't mind restarting anyway because of all the new classes etc.

But yeah I am hyped for this. I only pre-order for the main numeral Final Fantasy, Soulsborne/Elden Ring, and anything Larian puts out. Absolutely blown away that I got all three things this year.

I have experience playing Strahd so I know about the DnD mechanics. I decided to be a Druid for the versatility but who knows if I will continue with that. Wasn't super happy with the rogue guy, he disagreed with most of my decisions and he missed a lot of his arrows in battle so I might switch him out.

I have heard that Larian have coded for a ridiculous number of scenarios of what can happen, the decisions you make. I'm sure I will do more than one playthrough.
 

Raposuh

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719
I'm waiting for the Xbox release so my friends and I can all co-op it. Also because I don't own another console it will be on.

Hoping it doesn't peter out like the co-op divinity 2 original sin playthrough.
 

Arca Jeth

New Member
GW Elder
Messages
37
I have had the early access and am actually not sure what happens to my early access game when the game releases because they have made huge updates. But I wouldn't mind restarting anyway because of all the new classes etc.

But yeah I am hyped for this. I only pre-order for the main numeral Final Fantasy, Soulsborne/Elden Ring, and anything Larian puts out. Absolutely blown away that I got all three things this year.

I have experience playing Strahd so I know about the DnD mechanics. I decided to be a Druid for the versatility but who knows if I will continue with that. Wasn't super happy with the rogue guy, he disagreed with most of my decisions and he missed a lot of his arrows in battle so I might switch him out.

I have heard that Larian have coded for a ridiculous number of scenarios of what can happen, the decisions you make. I'm sure I will do more than one playthrough.
The full release is a whole new game to download. You can get rid of the early access install.

Edit: There's a new post on Steam for BG3 detailing how to clean out your early access stuff to prep for retail launch.
 

TD

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I haven't played a Baldur's Gate game in something like 20-25 years and didn't even know a new one was coming.

I just watched a 10 Things to Know, I never realized this was based off D&D (I don't play it).

I don't buy games on release typically and have only done so twice on PS5 so far.

I'll look into it more when it drops in price, it looks good but also potentially overwhelming.
 
I've never played any of these games, I know they stand alone, but Im also a patient gamer, waiting for a long time to play games unless its one of my favorite series. So how do the first two hold up? I have a little crpg experience, Loved Fallout 1&2, liked story of Planescape but hated the gameplay. Enjoyed Disco Elysium and Dragon Age Origins. I think that is it for my crpgs.

How are the stories in these games? I love rpgs because of the characters and stories.
 

Arca Jeth

New Member
GW Elder
Messages
37
I've never played any of these games, I know they stand alone, but Im also a patient gamer, waiting for a long time to play games unless its one of my favorite series. So how do the first two hold up? I have a little crpg experience, Loved Fallout 1&2, liked story of Planescape but hated the gameplay. Enjoyed Disco Elysium and Dragon Age Origins. I think that is it for my crpgs.

How are the stories in these games? I love rpgs because of the characters and stories.
I don't think the first two hold up well. I tried to replay them with my friends when the enhanced editions came out. They use an old version of the DnD ruleset and just feel stiff in comparison to modern stuff.

The stories in Larian's game are generally top notch and the reviews for BG3 should be out any time. The sneak peaks I've seen from reviewers suggest it's going to be a very highly rated game.
 
I've never played any of these games, I know they stand alone, but Im also a patient gamer, waiting for a long time to play games unless its one of my favorite series. So how do the first two hold up? I have a little crpg experience, Loved Fallout 1&2, liked story of Planescape but hated the gameplay. Enjoyed Disco Elysium and Dragon Age Origins. I think that is it for my crpgs.

How are the stories in these games? I love rpgs because of the characters and stories.

If you're curious, try out Divinity Original Sin 2 - it's the closest comp you will get for BG3 and the reason everyone was demanding Larian make BG3 - because it feels like the modern and correct step for CRPG type games.

I have not looked into BG3 much but I hear its more cinematic than even Divinity, so I'm curious but I REALLY don't want to play it at my desk. First world problems I guess.
 
If you're curious, try out Divinity Original Sin 2 - it's the closest comp you will get for BG3 and the reason everyone was demanding Larian make BG3 - because it feels like the modern and correct step for CRPG type games.

I have not looked into BG3 much but I hear its more cinematic than even Divinity, so I'm curious but I REALLY don't want to play it at my desk. First world problems I guess.
Thanks

Did a little research sounds like its not known for its story and characters which is what would be most important to me, especially for a game that according to how long to beat is about 60hrs just for the main story
 

Rachel

No Problem Here
GW Elder
Messages
586
Just started my new playthrough yesterday. Defeated the first major boss in deciding my character's race and class. At first everybody's hair looked absolutely terrible but I messed with the settings. Shadowheart's hair looked so, so bad. Gale's stubble looked like dirt on his face. My computer is not that powerful...

Very interesting to see what they have changed since the early access. I can actually figure out how to leave camp now! And I ran into some absolutely bonkers bugs a few months ago, crazy things that could happen and you had to restart a save.

BE AWARE - if you are doing multiplayer, currently if a friend joins your game, you cannot dismiss that character! The character becomes a permanent party member!! There is no drop in and play and drop out! Hopefully they update this!!

I have also been mulling over spell slots and long rests. My impression is that spell slots don't translate very well into a video game. It makes perfect sense in tabletop. But in a game I want to constantly use my cool stuff.

Edit: Holy fuck and it's hilarious being a gnome! The eyeballs of the people I talk with! Their eyeballs look down at me but often the head does not also bend down to match the eyeballs
 
Last edited:

aiat_gamer

Active Member
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1 Year Old Poster
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100
Just started my new playthrough yesterday. Defeated the first major boss in deciding my character's race and class. At first everybody's hair looked absolutely terrible but I messed with the settings. Shadowheart's hair looked so, so bad. Gale's stubble looked like dirt on his face. My computer is not that powerful...

Very interesting to see what they have changed since the early access. I can actually figure out how to leave camp now! And I ran into some absolutely bonkers bugs a few months ago, crazy things that could happen and you had to restart a save.

BE AWARE - if you are doing multiplayer, currently if a friend joins your game, you cannot dismiss that character! The character becomes a permanent party member!! There is no drop in and play and drop out! Hopefully they update this!!

I have also been mulling over spell slots and long rests. My impression is that spell slots don't translate very well into a video game. It makes perfect sense in tabletop. But in a game I want to constantly use my cool stuff.

Edit: Holy fuck and it's hilarious being a gnome! The eyeballs of the people I talk with! Their eyeballs look down at me but often the head does not also bend down to match the eyeballs
Yeah I did not like the rest system for spells. I understand it apparently comes from the D&D rules but in game it just makes no sense to me. Hopefully someone will make a mod to remove the need for rest. Overall I have to admit, I think Divinity 2 was far better. So far pretty dissapointed.
 

Rachel

No Problem Here
GW Elder
Messages
586
I've encountered a weird glitch a few times. When I start a conversation, sometimes the models don't load, so it looks like I am talking to nothing. After that, I can't loot anything and I have to load the game again. I dare not save because I worry this will do something to my game file. Anyone else encounter this?

So far I haven't had much of a problem with the spell slot limitation because I know what to expect at these lower levels. I upped my armor as much as possible and sold what I could. The one yellow/green woman (forget her name, she's not nice, planning on dropping her once I find another tank) is now sitting at 18 AC with a shield and heavy armor. That should help me through. The spell slot thing mostly goes away at higher levels.

My advice is to save as MUCH as possible. Use the bonus actions. Use your environment. Store things at camp. This video helped me:

 

Rachel

No Problem Here
GW Elder
Messages
586
Just posting a bit of an update without spoiling anything...

Really impressed so far. The voice acting is SO good. Really interesting to see all of the things they changed since early access, even plot events wiped away. They must have gotten the voice actors back in the studio. The Guardian is probably the biggest thing I can think of, what used to be the thing before the guardian was kinda weird and I didn't know how my character was supposed to react.

Also interesting how much of the scenarios remind me of things that happen at the tabletop. And it's a bizarre world to live in! Something best not to think about...

The game rewards you a ton for exploring and trying alternate paths. Completing a full Straud campaign definitely helped prepare me for BG3. There are a ton of environmental way to help you in combat. I am trying not to get as much XP as possible, sometimes I manage to talk my way out of a fight, which is actually somewhat detrimental because I don't gain XP or loot.

My character is a Ranger (which, according to the tier articles I have read, is one of the worst classes). Plan to dip into rogue and fighter. Doing a Balanced difficulty run. I stack three crates (which you can store in camp and can easily go and leave camp no matter where you are) for height advantage with my bow and also dip weapons into a candle I keep handy for 1d4 fire damage. So far my Ranger is the most consistent with landing attacks and damage.

Some kind of massive patch was released this week, I think that must have taken care of a lot of bugs. I am astonished how much praise this is getting online! It is well deserved, but I have been a Divinity fan for awhile now and it's weird seeing TTRPG becoming mainstream.

Did anyone else manage to fail saves on pulling Gale out of the portal? (this is not a spoiler, it happens within the first hour). Couldn't believe the game actually lets you fail to that level.

Things are getting easier with limited spell slots. Short rests help too.

I also didn't see The Scene in the Goblin camp. Not sure if they removed it or if I missed it (thank god).

Oh, also I am not into ANY of the companion dudes. Usually I can at least romance one person but I have nothing for this cast. Probably because they all have a lot of crazy baggage things going on. Don't think I have met everyone though.
 

Arca Jeth

New Member
GW Elder
Messages
37
Just posting a bit of an update without spoiling anything...


I also didn't see The Scene in the Goblin camp. Not sure if they removed it or if I missed it (thank god).
Can you PM me the scene you're talking about? I've been through the goblin camp every different way I can think of and I'm not sure what you're referencing, but I didn't do it in EA.
 

Arca Jeth

New Member
GW Elder
Messages
37
So how is the difficulty? I've heard it is really hard but they added difficulty selections in the full release. I'm now the type that plays on story mode or equivalent, especially in cRPGs.
Explorer mode is a good option if you're used to playing in story mode. Balanced can be really hard until you learn the systems and even then some fights can be really tough. Tactician I haven't tried but seems like it would be brutal.
 

Arca Jeth

New Member
GW Elder
Messages
37
I want to try this game but I have no experience with DnD and very little with turn based games. Am I going to hate it? It sounds like they really knocked this one out of the park and I'd love to play it if it's not too confusing to figure out and jump into.
Depends on what your tolerance will be for the DnD rules. This is a really faithful interpretation of the 5th edition rules which can be a barrier to entry but also serve to make the game very open, flexible, and strategic when you come to terms with the rules.
 

Rachel

No Problem Here
GW Elder
Messages
586
lmao I hate that I had to load the game just to confirm this and watch this, why did I do this to myself

Turns out the scene is still in the game, I just didn't go far enough. And I got my locations mixed, I guess technically it is part of the Blighted Village. If you still don't know what I am talking about then only view this if you really want to, it is way better to stumble upon

You come across a building with weird noises, if you open the door you discover a bugbear and troll having sex, it was totally unexpected to find, perhaps a nod to all the batshit insane stuff that can happen at the tabletop

So how is the difficulty? I've heard it is really hard but they added difficulty selections in the full release. I'm now the type that plays on story mode or equivalent, especially in cRPGs.

I want to try this game but I have no experience with DnD and very little with turn based games. Am I going to hate it? It sounds like they really knocked this one out of the park and I'd love to play it if it's not too confusing to figure out and jump into.

This is hard to answer because I am into D&D and already know all the mechanics. Here is my best: you need to think outside the box. You can't put your brain on auto pilot. Examine the enemies and understand weaknesses. Keep a slashing, piercing, and bludgeoning weapon in your melee's inventory. You must absolutely have a viable AOE option up your sleeve. Understand that any damage from your tank IMO is a bonus. Make use of jumping, pushing, and hiding/sneak attacks. The game gives you a TON of options, think about your environment.

Other comments: I'm noticing online that some people are getting confused about the parasites (not a spoiler). Like, some people are forgoing long rests because the game makes it seem like you will die in seven days. I also at first thought the parasite wisdom was a big question mark, should I be using this? Do I get a different ending if I don't? Etc etc. I think they could have made that more clear, I understand the point is that it is unclear somewhat but people shouldn't be afraid to rest, at least.
 

VashTheStampede

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Yeah I was starting to wonder if I should avoid long rests due to the parasite as it felt like the kind of thing I'd put in the game as a GM specifically to avoid the party spamming long rests.

But so far it looks like it really behooves you to long rest at every opportunity, even if it doesn't make situational sense.
 

Rachel

No Problem Here
GW Elder
Messages
586
Had an interesting session last night

I 100% should have noticed this during early access...

I triggered the cutscene with Astarion at camp (without saying details, but it's one of his early cutscenes). As he was talking I suddenly realized something, I recognized his voice!

He is Heisenberg from Village!

Now I can't talk to him without thinking about that!

It's so weird! 100% not romancing him now (not that I was going to) because that'll be in the back of my mind!!

Sultry Heisenberg!!! Stupid sexy Heisenberg!!!!

ETHAN WINTERS!
 

Arca Jeth

New Member
GW Elder
Messages
37
He's got some interesting observations on things and gets more nuanced. I've found all the companions get more interesting and complicated as you dig into their story a bit. The writing for them is really well done.

I'm now into the story a bit more and oh boy are there so many places where I'm just thinking "I wonder how that would play out if I tried that other option...". This game is going to be ridiculously replayable.
 

TD

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This game went from not on my radar at all to me strongly considering buying it on release for PS5.

For those playing - how do you think controls and mechanics will translate to console?

Games like Diablo for example don't translate great to console vs the PC iteration.
 

VashTheStampede

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This game went from not on my radar at all to me strongly considering buying it on release for PS5.

For those playing - how do you think controls and mechanics will translate to console?

Games like Diablo for example don't translate great to console vs the PC iteration.
I think it will likely not feel near as good on console, specifically movement directions in combat and just the sheer amount of skills to pick between at a given time. I was originally planning on waiting for console because I RARELY play games on PC but I'm very glad I went PC on this one.

Not to start an alternate discussion, but honestly I think some Diablo characters feel more fun on console than PC. I think Blizzard has done an excellent job converting the game to consoles.

I guess I could technically install it on the Steam Deck to get a better idea of how it would feel on console but that feels rather unappealing. Hopefully Larian has some UI magic planned to make it work.

Has anyone played D:OS2 on console that could provide better context than I?
 
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Arca Jeth

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GW Elder
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37
I think it will likely not feel near as good on console, specifically movement directions in combat and just the sheer amount of skills to pick between at a given time. I was originally planning on waiting for console because I RARELY play games on PC but I'm very glad I went PC on this one.
Runs great on Steam Deck and plays great with a controller. I play about 75/25 Steam Deck / PC.
 

Rachel

No Problem Here
GW Elder
Messages
586
I have it. What's everyone playing as? I'm a gold dragonborn spores druid.

I am a ranger Gnome. Highly recommend playing one of the shorter races at least once.

She doesn't take crap from anyone and is not interested in anyone romantically

Gale: Hey do you want to see a magi-
Gnome: NO

Overall, minus maybe 1 of them, this is easily one of my favorite casts of teammates in an RPG. And I'm only in Act 1.

Interesting, did you meet Minthara? I read that she doesn't have any story past when you meet her and clear the Goblin Camp. It sounds like the other recruits past the "main" ones were rushed.

Reading comments online and it seems like the romance options need some tweaking. People are complaining there basically is no "I'm flattered but no thanks" option. You either have "OMG YES" or "Eww no get away" options (I haven't encountered any of this). And others say the teammates jump to romance way too fast or in general the pacing is not great for that.

I have been playing, not every day but for a good percent of the days, and I think I am not even halfway through Act 1. I am curious how everyone handled the Goblin Camp (not putting that in a spoiler, hopefully everyone reading realizes encountering a Goblin Camp in a D&D-based game is expected).

I eventually got bored of sneaking around and just killed everything. I might be in trouble with the owlbear cub now.

This also created a bad problem, I lost all my merchants. Everyone in the Goblin Camp became aggro, and I completed the Druid quest so Arron went away!! I freaked out because this was hard to do in DOS2, you had to seriously aggro merchants or kill them to have access to nobody. I panicked for a long time until I realized Arron was gone for a scene only, and I had to long rest. I have also since learned that some NPCs have a trade icon, which I had no idea about and I don't remember that being explained, even if they are not traders. I also wish we could have some kind of permanent camp trader. I dunno, maybe that would make it all too easy.

Has anyone played D:OS2 on console that could provide better context than I?

I was fine with it on console. I always prefer a stick for the camera and movement. However, there's a lot of click management in this game. I just can't say for sure until they actually create the port because they may patch some of the stuff (see below).

Yeah at first I kind of rolled my eyes at Astarion as a character because he felt like such an over the top cliche...but the voice actor really sold me on him and now he's one of my favorite characters.

And shout out to some of the other voice actors. In particular I am fascinated by the gnoll/goblin/troll/etc voice actors. Can you imagine purposefully making yourself sound as stupid as possible?

Also, because of the worldbuilding and the VAs in particular, this whole world has BIG ren-faire energy. I thought this especially when I encountered the bard.

Side note: GET HIS SURGERY! HUGE buff from it with no downside!!

And another shoutout to the narrator aka the DM. She's got some funny outtakes on her Youtube. You can tell she played Malady from DOS2.



So anyway, I read that they're going to be working on a non-hot fix patch soon. I have a laundry list...

Biggest thing is definitely inventory management. I like where they went with wares, alchemy pouches, and key rings. I really just want different tabs. A tab for weapons and arrows, armor and rings, potions and bombs, scrolls, gems and alchemy ingredients, reading material, and "other." And a tab that shows you the latest of whatever you picked up, but the items are still sorted into the other tabs.

I don't know why I have to pick up the barrel in order to send it to camp.

I am also a little confused or disappointed in the craft system. A hint of one is here but I am wondering if they pulled it back. I immediately started to horde my skulls and bones because I thought I would be making bone ash from DOS. And like a good DOS player I kept a pair of tongs and a shovel. Now I think a lot of this is just trash.

And it's hard to know what is trash. I sold my Dark Amethyst without knowing it is a quest item! And I'm not sure which trader I did that with, possibly one who aggroed. Needs to be a way to know what is important and what is not.

Also very surprised rope has no use. Rope is possibly THE item to have in D&D. Thought something would come up with that, but no. Maybe in the patch?

I am also a little bothered by long rests. I wish there was an icon that appears on the screen to let you know it is time to have a long rest for some plot-related scenes to trigger. Sometimes my companions will say that they need to rest, which I take to mean I need to trigger a scene. However, yesterday I did that and no scene triggered, they were just not at full health and didn't have any short rests left. So I long rested for no reason. There are also some quests which I believe have some kid of time limitation, so the game encourages you to NOT long rest in this way.

I wish we had the option to switch who takes the roll in a roleplaying/dialogue scenario. This usually tilts me towards taking a main who is not terrible with charisma.

Sometimes when I drag a weapon or armor onto a character's slot, it doesn't equip. When I do it the second time it works. Same thing when switching to another party member out of combat.

Lastly, I wish we had more light armor options (at this point in the game). See a lot for heavy and medium, but not much for light.
 

Arca Jeth

New Member
GW Elder
Messages
37
Interesting, did you meet Minthara? I read that she doesn't have any story past when you meet her and clear the Goblin Camp. It sounds like the other recruits past the "main" ones were rushed.
It does continue past that point.
 

Rachel

No Problem Here
GW Elder
Messages
586
Update: 50 hours in and still in Act 1

Will I go to Act 2 soon ;_____;

I want to finally see Baldur's Gate

help

I keep uncovering more and more areas

But don't actually help I am doing this to myself

It does continue past that point.

I heard it really peters out in Act 3
 

Ben

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As someone who didn't play early access, what was The Scene in the Goblin Camp?

I don't know what Rachel was actually referring to with the early access stuff, but I did
walk into a barn to find a Bugbear fucking an Ogre doggy-style on top of a Dwarf's mangled corpse
in the Goblin Camp.
 

Jawneh

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Update: 50 hours in and still in Act 1
I don't think I took as long, but hot dang was I at least 30 hours in before I finally decided to move forward.... and there were still side quests to do but nothing that interested me anymore over progressing.

I got a gith rogue myself. I was pretty good butt buddies with Lae'zel for the longest time, but her thirst for just my body and fighting prowess wasn't what I wanted so I called out fling off. Karlach though... đź‘€

I kind of am regretting making a non caster class. I should be finding Gale eventually, but boy do I wish many times to have some guaranteed aoe that's not always a setup. At least I got Halsin now as something for the time being.
 

Rachel

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Messages
586
You can get Gale past Act 1 if you don't find him? How?

You definitely want to have at least one caster in your party. You want an AOE (Fireball), C O U N T E R S P E L L, Mage Hand, Fly/Feather Fall/Misty Step, and probably some other stuff I would need to load the game to remember.

Which is why in one of my earlier posts I was trying to figure out what happens if you don't pass the strength check with Gale! Did they seriously lock you out of the game's wizard if you fail a simple check???

Karlach is just ridiculous. Plus, I have a connection with her as I am my party's barb when I play tabletop. Right now my party consists of me as the ranger/rogue, Shadowheart, Gale, and Karlach. I took the Great Weapon feat for Karlach. Paired with Reckless Attack and Shadowheart's Bless and it's a real chef's kiss.

I am hearing a lot of mixed things about Act 3. Sounds like some stuff got cut. And it sounds like they didn't want to compete with Starfield. Wondering if there will be a Definitive Edition like Divinity.
 
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