Level Up Your Gameplay: Expert Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes in Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 can be a challenge for players accustomed to traditional RPGs, as it offers a wide range of options for combat, exploration, and dialogue. Fans of the iconic TTRPG will be delighted by the depth of lore and mechanics in this adaptation. However, newcomers to the game may make early mistakes that can greatly impact their initial playthrough. Although it is possible to reload saves, discovering avoidable errors later in the game can cause frustration.

10 Don’t Hesitate To Save Scum

Given the difficulty of certain encounters in Baldur's Gate 3, it is common for players to generate multiple save files. This is not frowned upon in the RPG genre, particularly due to the numerous branching choices within conversations and other aspects of the game. Players should not hesitate to create multiple save files in order to accommodate the various decisions they may make for their characters.

That being said, it would be beneficial for players to name their save files appropriately, making it easier to locate and load specific saves when necessary. By practicing this responsible save-scumming technique, each save file is maximized, and confusion for players can be minimized.

9 Don’t Skip Obvious Solutions

Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay offers players numerous opportunities to perform daring feats, but it is not always necessary for every task. In a dilemma, players should not immediately resort to complex actions, as the game likely has a simpler solution available.

For example, in Act 1, when encountering Karlach, players need to cross a broken bridge. It may seem obvious to jump to the other side, but the cursor does not allow this action. While there is a way to jump to the bottom of the bridge and climb up a rock formation, this carries the risk of being vulnerable. Instead of taking the risk, players should check if the edge of the bridge provides enough space for the jump action.

8 Don’t Ignore Experiments

Players in Baldur’s Gate 3 who prioritize optimizing their playthroughs may overlook the importance of character building and instead focus on quickly progressing through encounters and the story. Multiclassing may seem daunting and unnecessary when there are multiple characters available to fulfill different roles. However, by taking this approach, players may miss out on one of the most enjoyable aspects of D&D gameplay: experimentation.

At each level, players have the opportunity to customize their respective Classes by selecting new Feats or adjusting their spell repertoire. It is crucial for players to embrace experimentation and not hesitate to pursue their desired choices, regardless of the outcome. Fortunately, the game provides the option to respec, allowing players to modify their character builds or revert them back to their previous configurations when desired.

7 Don’t Abuse Camp

Players in games like Baldur's Gate 3 can easily abuse the Long Rest feature to quickly regain energy after battles. However, it is important to consider the "in-game" clock, as many events in the game are interconnected. Actions taken by characters can have significant effects on quests, even if the player is not present.

For example, if players inform Minthara of the location of the Emerald Grove, she and the other Goblins will promptly head there after the player's Long Rest. This can disrupt the player's exploration, as returning to the Emerald Grove the next day will result in the disappearance of all NPCs and a state of panic due to the impending attack. Therefore, it is crucial to think carefully before choosing to take a Long Rest, as it may have unintended consequences.

6 Don’t Hold Back On Cheesing

Players who want to fully enjoy their Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay may think that the best way to enhance their experience is through fair and direct battles with enemies. However, this approach can often lead to unfavorable situations, with players becoming overwhelmed and hindering the abilities of spellcasters, long-ranged fighters, stealthy Rogues, and other melee DPS characters.

To avoid encountering these obstacles, players are strongly advised to utilize the game's features to their advantage at all times. If they anticipate engaging in combat in crowded areas, it would be beneficial for them to scout out optimal "starting" positions before even initiating conversations that may trigger combat.

5 Don’t Neglect The Map

Players deeply immersed in their playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3 may be unaware that they are not fully exploring the map due to the game's narrative guiding them from one side quest to another. However, they should retrace their steps when NPCs mention things their characters haven't encountered or if their characters respond in unnatural ways. There is a high chance that players have overlooked an encounter that would provide valuable information.

For example, in Act 1, players who unlock the Emerald Grove Environs and reach the Grove itself will receive instructions to infiltrate the Goblin Camp and rescue Halsin the Druid. While it is tempting to simply head west towards the Blighted Village via the bridge and continue on, it is important for players to take the time to explore the immediate area. This is because they could easily miss significant scenes, such as the one involving Scratch the Dog and True Soul Edowin.

4 Don’t Skip The Environment

Larian Studios games place significant importance on the environment, evident in the captivating battles featured in Divinity: Original Sin 2. These battles become even more exhilarating when players strategically utilize interactive elements like barrels and crates. Similarly, Baldur's Gate 3 offers players a comparable experience, as numerous D&D spells allow for interaction with various environmental features.

In addition to explosive barrels and crates, players have the opportunity to drop potions and substances on the ground, resulting in thrilling reactions when targeted with spells. Utilizing surfaces such as burning candles, actual flames, and toxic substances, players can enhance their weaponry with dangerous arrow-tips and laced weapons, inflicting additional effects on their foes.

3 Don’t Ignore Storage Options

Players who enjoy looting everything they come across in their Baldur's Gate 3 playthroughs may soon realize the potential consequences of becoming encumbered, which can slow down their characters and impose various disadvantages. While selling items is a quick solution to this issue, some players may possess magic items that they are unwilling to part with easily.

Instead of selling these items, players should make use of the numerous inventory locations available in the game world. Burlap sacks, backpacks, and other storage options can be found throughout the world, allowing players to store a variety of items. Additionally, the game provides an exclusive camp storage feature that serves as a repository for items players wish to keep temporarily.

2 Don’t Hesitate Creating Rotations

While experimenting with builds and attacks can be enjoyable in Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay, players should prioritize creating effective rotations and attack patterns for their party. Even though the order of initiative may vary in each encounter, it is essential for players to have a strategy for dealing with enemies in different situations.

For example, Wizards should have a variety of attacks that can be used both in long-ranged and short-ranged combat. This could include being proficient with versatile weapons or having an emergency shortbow. Similarly, Clerics should have access to long-distance spells that can either target enemies or assist allies. The effectiveness of these spells determines their combat role in relation to the distance of their party members.

1 Don’t Hog The Inventory

To optimize gameplay in Baldur's Gate 3, it is advisable to always have the player's chosen character selected for interacting with NPCs. However, collecting items from chests can lead to a cumbersome inventory, impeding movement due to encumbrance.

A quick solution to this issue is to evenly distribute items among multiple inventories. It is recommended to assign the character with the highest strength as the main looting character, especially given that equipment tends to weigh more than other items.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now on PC and is expected to release on September 6th for PlayStation 5.