Baldur's Gate 3: Unraveling the Enigmatic Timeline Revealed!
Baldur's Gate 3's riveting storyline unfolds over a century after the events of its predecessor, Baldur's Gate 2 Prepare for an intriguing journey through time as the game's placement on the timeline introduces captivating implications
Highlights
A century has passed since the events of Baldur's Gate 2, with Baldur's Gate 3 taking place shortly after the Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus module. This has significant implications for both the timeline of the games and the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of D&D.However, the impact of the previous Baldur's Gate games on Baldur's Gate 3 is deliberately limited. Players can still fully enjoy the game without prior knowledge of the past games.
The unfolding events in Descent into Avernus, including the alarming sinking of Elturel and the corrupting influence on Baldur's Gate, hold significant importance within the game's storyline.
Regarded by many as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, the Baldur's Gate series played a pivotal role in establishing BioWare as a prominent developer in the RPG genre. It set the foundation for other successful titles such as Black Isle Studios' Planescape: Torment and Icewind Dale, ultimately breathing new life into the genre. After a considerable absence, Baldur's Gate 3 resurrects the beloved series, thrusting players into a world where the Sword Coast is imperiled by the cunning schemes of the Mind Flayers.
Quite a lot has transpired since the last visit of players to Baldur's Gate - the renowned city-state. Baldur's Gate 3 unfolds over a century after the events of Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, and closely following the Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus modules from Dungeons and Dragons 5e. This holds intriguing implications for the timelines of both the games and D&D's epic campaign setting known as Forgotten Realms.
The Baldur’s Gate Timeline
One aspect that can be challenging about the Baldur’s Gate timeline is determining what falls within the continuity and what does not. While it may be tempting to encompass every game and tabletop module set in the Forgotten Realms setting, it may be more prudent to primarily focus on Descent into Avernus and the Baldur’s Gate "family" of games. This includes the Baldur’s Gate and Dark Alliance series, as well as Planescape: Torment, Icewind Dale, and Neverwinter Nights games. However, it is important to note that the Neverwinter MMO is not part of this continuity and exists separately.
In-Game Year | Game |
|---|---|
1281 | Icewind Dale |
1312 | Icewind Dale 2 |
1367 | Planescape: Torment |
1368 | Baldur’s Gate |
1369 | Baldur’s Gate 2 |
1372 | Neverwinter Nights |
1374 | Neverwinter Nights 2 and Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance |
1376 | Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance 2 |
1477 | Blood in Baldur's Gate |
1492 | Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus and Baldur’s Gate 3 |
The timeline reveals several intriguing observations. The foremost point of interest is undoubtedly the significant gap of 142 years between Baldur’s Gate 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3. Even taking into account the Dark Alliance spinoffs, this still amounts to a duration of 116 years between the Baldur’s Gate games. In contrast, the period from Icewind Dale to Dark Alliance 2 encompasses merely 95 years. Meanwhile, Baldur’s Gate, Baldur’s Gate 2, as well as the Neverwinter Nights and Dark Alliance games all unfold within the same 8-year timeframe.
Due to the time gap between games, the impact of previous games on Baldur's Gate 3 is intentionally limited. Larian Studios, the developer, has made it clear that players can enjoy Baldur's Gate 3 even without prior knowledge of past games. While there are connections to Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2, Larian has taken their own approach with this game. Some may argue that Baldur's Gate 3 can be seen as a soft reboot, especially due to the switch from real-time combat to turn-based combat.
In terms of relevance, the main focus for Baldur's Gate 3 is not Baldur's Gate 2 or Dark Alliance 2, but rather the Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus campaign for D&D 5e. This tabletop adventure takes place just a few months before the events of Baldur's Gate 3 and offers detailed descriptions of the city in the year 1492, spanning approximately 50 pages.
The plot of Descent into Avernus involves Elturel sinking into Avernus, the first of the Nine Hells, while corruption and the influence of evil gods slowly take over Baldur's Gate. Additionally, the city's ruler, Ulder Ravengard, is missing. The adventure module concludes with players rescuing both cities and restoring the Grand Duke to his throne. This suggests that Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus will likely have a significant impact on the upcoming game, Baldur's Gate 3.
Although Larian has not revealed much about how Descent into Avernus will specifically affect Baldur's Gate 3, players have not yet explored the city directly in the early access version of the game. However, Larian did showcase parts of the city in a recent video. While the details are still uncertain, it would not be unexpected for the return of the Grand Duke and the events of Descent into Avernus to play a role in the game, even if it is primarily presented as background lore.
Baldur's Gate 3 releases on August 3 for PC, and on September 6 for PS5.
