From Divinity Original Sin 2 to Baldur's Gate 3: Unveiling the Game-Changing Enhancements You Can't Miss!

Highlights

Larian Studios elevates its RPG approach with Baldur's Gate 3, surpassing Divinity: Original Sin 2 in terms of the immersive setting, intricately woven character narratives, and captivating gameplay restrictions.

The game enhances the gameplay experience by including skill checks and attribute-based dialogue options from D&D. This adds more satisfaction to dice rolls and increases the significance of attributes in the game.

In Baldur's Gate 3, the camp system replaces the bedroll mechanic found in Divinity: Original Sin 2. This new system allows players to heal and engage in downtime activities. However, it also introduces the need for managing camp supplies and emphasizes the importance of food for survival.

Roleplaying game enthusiasts can delve into the immersive world of Baldur’s Gate 3, which stands out as one of the most faithful translations of the acclaimed Dungeons & Dragons 5e rules into a video game. This captivating experience elevates the traditional "pen and paper" gameplay, typically accompanied by a battle mat, to a visually stunning turn-based extravaganza. While Baldur’s Gate 3 undeniably excels in capturing the essence of D&D, it is worth mentioning that this is not Larian Studios' first attempt at creating a D&D-esque adventure. Fans of the studio may argue that Divinity: Original Sin 2 served as a "proof of concept" for Larian Studios' ability to successfully adapt the intricate rules of D&D 5e into a video game.

For those who have previously explored the captivating world of Divinity, venturing into Baldur’s Gate 3 may raise the question of how it surpasses the already acclaimed Original Sin 2. Beyond the change in setting and unique mechanics, how does BG3 epitomize Larian Studios' evolution in their approach to roleplaying games?

10 Faerun Packs More Depth Than Rivellon

Where Faerun surpasses Rivellon is in its depth. With decades' worth of literature, the game is able to portray more cohesive chains of events, based on plot hooks provided by Larian Studios for the Baldur's Gate game. This depth becomes immediately evident in Act 1, where the plot revolves around a Mindflayer launching a full-scale invasion of Faerun using psionic parasites. As a response to this plot hook, various situations can occur.

Firstly, the Githyanki, former slaves of the Mindflayers, are likely to engage in a battle against their former masters, aiming to prevent further harm in the Astral Plane. Secondly, disorganized groups of Goblins may serve as the ideal "local" invasion force, causing panic and potential conflict among nearby societies. Lastly, the players themselves can be infected by the parasites, without fully transforming into Mindflayers. This personal hook involves the players in the larger plot and adds depth to their involvement.

9 Character Stories Are More Personal To The Setting

In Baldur's Gate 3, just like in Divinity: Original Sin 2, players have the option to choose a pre-made Origin character as their main protagonist, along with significant Companions whose personal stories play a vital role in forming relationships with players. Just as players in DOS2 become Sourcerers and eventually ascend to become Divinities, Baldur's Gate 3 introduces True Souls, characters who possess the Mindflayer parasite, which is crucial to their invasion of Faerun.

However, Baldur's Gate 3 takes a step forward in enhancing the character development by incorporating more personal stakes, rather than simply relying on backstories that coincidentally connect to the plot. For instance, Astarion's parasite enables him to tolerate daylight despite being a vampire, Gale has a mysterious craving for Magic Items, Wyll's infection interrupts his pursuit of fellow Origin Karlach, and the Dark Urge compels players to grapple not only with the Mindflayer worm but also their own murderous inclinations.

8 Mechanical Limitations Make More Interesting Setups

The freedom to build characters is a prominent element in the Divinity: Original Sin 2 gaming experience. All characters have the ability to acquire both martial and magic skills, resulting in a wide range of possibilities. In contrast, Baldur's Gate 3, which incorporates D&D mechanics, imposes constraints on character development. Classes are distinguished by their unique features and a selection of spells, limiting the options for player builds.

Although players can opt for multiclassing to access additional perks from another class, this decision comes at the cost of forfeiting the endgame benefits of their original class. This approach in BG3 encourages players to create builds that cater specifically to their needs, as opposed to the DOS2 approach where characters can essentially possess almost identical skill sets.

7 Rolls Become More Satisfying

In games such as Divinity: Original Sin 2, players may observe interactive changes when their characters reach a certain level of expertise in specific Attributes or Skills. This indicates that they have acquired enough skill to perform special actions like making threats or using persuasion. These enhancements, based on proficiency, are similar to Skill Checks found in D&D and other RPGs, allowing players to execute unique actions based on their character's strengths.

However, in Baldur's Gate 3, meeting certain Attribute thresholds only grants the opportunity to perform these actions. The player still needs to roll the dice to determine the success of their maneuvers. The game provides bonuses through existing Proficiencies and buffs to aid in these rolls. This mechanic mimics the experience of confidently navigating a conversation with a chance of failure, leading to both satisfying and comical encounters.

6 Background Rolls Make Attributes Matter

In Baldur's Gate 3, players can expect to encounter dialogue options specific to their character's Attributes, just like in Divinity: Original Sin 2 and other RPGs. The game introduces a feature called random checks, where the Narrator elaborates on what an NPC has said based on the character's knowledge of the subject, taking into account their Class and Background.

This mechanic is inspired by the way a traditional Dungeon Master in D&D would ask players to make random rolls. In BG3, the game automatically rolls in situations that require it. For example, when attempting to enter a temple, players will be prompted to make Religion Checks, and if successful, their Companions will provide responses based on their knowledge. Similarly, random Insight, Nature, and Perception Checks may reveal hidden interactive objects like mounds and buttons, adding depth to exploration and dialogue.

5 Special Dialogues Happen More Often

As a dialogue-focused game, Baldur's Gate 3 draws inspiration from RPGs like Divinity: Original Sin 2, where engaging in conversations with NPCs can lead to various interactions. Similarly, in DOS2, interacting with fellow Companions can unlock unique dialogues, indicating the development of the player's relationship with them.

In Baldur's Gate 3, this approach is taken further. Building upon the dialogue system in DOS2, the D&D-based game introduces subtle changes that result in completely different interactions during multiple playthroughs. For example, players who attempt to romance Shadowheart may encounter distinct mini cutscenes based on their interactions with other characters and the Companions they have chosen, creating a unique experience each time.

4 Camp Wins Versus Bedroll

The Bedroll in Divinity: Original Sin 2 enhances the convenience of adventuring for players by instantly healing the party, eliminating the need to repeatedly use healing Skills like First Aid. In Baldur's Gate 3, which follows D&D mechanics, players now have the option of Short and Long Rests, with the latter taking place at the Camp.

The Camp is equipped with personalized tents for Companions and, more importantly, offers a way to fully restore the team's actions as long as they have enough Camp Supplies. Before resting, players can engage in conversations with Companions about the day's events, fostering memorable interactions and strengthening relationships. While the Camp fulfills the healing function of the Bedroll, the additional opportunities for downtime make resting an eagerly anticipated experience.

3 Short Rest Is Better Than First Aid

While Camp provides players with convenient access to full healing, they still require Camp Supplies. In higher difficulties, players may find it challenging to ration their supplies, especially with the addition of Food as an active resource. This is where Short Rests come into play. Instead of consuming Camp Supplies, players can opt for a Short Rest to receive minor healing and replenish some resources. This provides just enough energy for a few encounters while acquiring Food for the camp.

Compared to Divinity: Original Sin 2's First Aid Skill, which instantly heals a target and removes ailments, this process may appear more complex. However, the resource management aspect of Short Rests adds a touch of realism for players seeking a more immersive roleplaying experience in Baldur's Gate 3.

2 Food Matters In Faerun

The immersion in Divinity: Original Sin 2 is enhanced by the game's extensive range of interactive objects, including even individual pieces of food that can be used or consumed to restore health. In Baldur's Gate 3, food also plays a role, but it serves a larger purpose beyond simple consumption or random tossing. With the introduction of the Camp system in Baldur's Gate 3, which combines healing and recreational activities, even a single bottle of wine is crucial for a player's survival.

To take a Long Rest in Camp in Baldur's Gate 3, players need 40 Camp Supplies, which can be obtained from Supply Packs or food-like items. On higher difficulty levels, players may need to rest more frequently, quickly depleting their supply of Camp Supplies. Therefore, it is important for players to gather as much food as possible to avoid these setbacks, especially since Camp Storage has its own inventory limit to prevent players from becoming overburdened.

1 Mage Hand Is More Thematic Than Telekinesis

Throwing and stacking items has become a cherished tradition in Larian Studios games, allowing players to freely manipulate the environment. This mechanic is a key feature in both Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay. The ability to stack items to create makeshift stairs or throw heavy objects for damage has made the Telekinesis Skill indispensable in every DOS2 party. Similarly, the D&D equivalent, Mage Hand, plays a vital role in the strategic depth of Baldur’s Gate 3.

However, Telekinesis falls short as a mere shortcut for manipulating items. This is in stark contrast to Mage Hand, which serves as a "familiar" with a thematic weight restriction, emphasizing its connection to spellcasters. The inherent weight restriction adds a layer of challenge and creativity for players, heightening the satisfaction of stacking and throwing items.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently available for PC and is slated for a September 6, 2023 release for PlayStation 5.