Baldur's Gate 3 seamlessly incorporates the Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition rules into its CRPG system, allowing players to embark on an adventure in the D&D world with familiar races, classes, and mechanics. While staying true to the core rules, Baldur's Gate 3 makes a few additions and changes to enhance the gaming experience.
One unexpected feature in Baldur's Gate 3 is Inspiration, a classic rule from Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. In the tabletop version, the Dungeon Master usually awards Inspiration when a player makes a choice that aligns with their character, even if it may not be the most optimal choice from a gameplay perspective. Surprisingly, Larian Studios has managed to integrate this roleplay-based element into Baldur's Gate 3, even without the presence of a Dungeon Master.
Updated by John Higgs on August 4, 2023: The Inspiration guide has undergone revisions to accommodate the complete version of Baldur's Gate 3. As part of these updates, the Hermit and Sailor Backgrounds have been excluded, while the Haunted One Background, which is exclusive to the Dark Urge Origin, has been introduced.
What is Inspiration in Baldur's Gate 3
Note: No changes have been made to
What is Inspiration in Baldur's Gate 3
.The mechanics of Inspiration differ slightly between Baldur's Gate 3 and Fifth Edition. In tabletop play, players with Inspiration can utilize it at any time to gain Advantage on attack rolls, saving throws, or ability checks. However, in Baldur's Gate 3, Inspiration is limited to ability checks only and instead of granting Advantage, it allows players to retry a failed ability check.
How to Get Inspiration in Baldur's Gate 3
In Baldur's Gate 3, players have the advantage of being able to earn up to four Inspiration Points, whereas tabletop players are limited to only one. This allows players to save more Inspiration Points for crucial rolls. It is important to highlight that the multiplayer feature in Baldur's Gate 3 allows all players to share the same pool of Inspiration Points. However, if the pool is full, any additional Inspiration Points earned will be converted into XP. Another distinction between tabletop and Baldur's Gate 3 Inspiration is how they are earned. In the Fifth Edition, the DM determines when to award Inspiration based on their judgment. On the other hand, in Baldur's Gate 3, players earn Inspiration by embodying their Background.
Baldur's Gate 3 features 12 distinct Backgrounds for custom characters. Each Background provides a set of Skill Proficiencies and opens up unique dialogue options. Additionally, these Backgrounds offer various avenues to gain Inspiration.
AcolyteInsight and Religion
Earns Inspiration by serving the gods and learning about religious works
CharlatanDeception and Sleight of Hand
Earns Inspiration by manipulating and deceiving others
CriminalDeception and Stealth
Earns Inspiration through criminal activity and ill-gotten gold
EntertainerAcrobatics and Performance
Earns Inspiration by entertaining others and learning new stories
Folk HeroAnimal Handling and Survival
Earns Inspiration by protecting the innocent and building a personal legend
Guild ArtisanInsight and Persuasion
Earns Inspiration by crafting, repairing, and selling items
Haunted One (Dark Urge Origin only)Medicine and Intimidation
Earns Inspiration by facing or accepting their own dark urges
NobleHistory and Persuasion
Earns Inspiration by gaining wealth, status, and social standing
OutlanderAthletics and Survival
Earns Inspiration by using survival skills and mastering the wild
SageArcana and History
Earns Inspiration by discovering new knowledge and solving puzzles
SoldierAthletics and Intimidation
Earns Inspiration through feats of martial prowess and tactical knowledge
UrchinSleight of Hand and Stealth
Earns Inspiration by using street smarts and looking out for the underdog
Playing to their Background in Baldur's Gate 3's story enables players to consistently earn Inspiration Points. These Points can be utilized to safeguard against unfavorable rolls in critical checks, empowering the player to tilt the odds in their favor whenever needed.
Baldur's Gate 3 is currently accessible on PC and will be released for PS5 on September 6.