The Ultimate Guide to Baldur's Gate Games: Unveiling the Complete Chronological Order and Must-Have DLCs

Highlights

Baldur's Gate

RPGs are considered the face of

Dungeons & Dragons

video games, playing a significant role in the expansion of the genre.

The

Baldur's Gate

series includes multiple games and expansions that fit into the overall storyline of the

D&D

universe, offering players a rich and immersive experience.

The recent release of

Baldur's Gate 3

The CRPG genre has experienced a revival with the highly praised Baldur's Gate franchise, firmly establishing its position as a beloved series in the modern gaming landscape. While the Baldur's Gate RPGs are just a part of a larger universe, their immense popularity has propelled them to becoming the iconic face of Dungeons & Dragons video games. As one of the earliest adaptations of tabletop role-playing games into the digital realm, it has proven to be a valuable and worthwhile venture, especially considering the explosive growth of this form of entertainment.

The original Baldur's Gate, released in 1998, marked the beginning of the series which now culminates in the latest installment, Baldur's Gate 3. Various other games, including downloadable content and spinoffs, have been incorporated into the overarching storyline of the highly renowned Baldur's Gate setting within the Dungeons & Dragons universe.

[Updated on August 12, 2023, by Kristy Ambrose]: The recent release of the fully developed and final edition of Baldur's Gate 3 after extensive years of development has propelled CRPGs and video games based on Dungeons & Dragons once again to the forefront of popularity. The captivating narrative of the beloved city of Faerun carries on, enticing adventurers of all moral alignments to venture forth and determine their destinies, whether it be in pursuit of riches or a quest of profound ethical significance. In its various iterations, Baldur's Gate offers what every player craves.

10 Baldur's Gate (1998)

The journey began in the late 1990s with the game Baldur's Gate. While not the first CRPG to blend character development and a customizable narrative, it was one of the earliest to incorporate D&D rules, breathing new life into a long-established gaming genre.

This captivating storyline, now recognized as the Bhaalspawn Saga, gradually unveils the protagonist as a descendant of Bhaal, the deity of murder. The saga extends across multiple games, unfolding within the Sword Coast, a region within the expansive realm of Forgotten Realms, where numerous other TTRPG adventures unfold.

9 Baldur's Gate: Tales Of The Sword Coast (2001)

The initial expansion pack introduced fresh content, comprising of quests, new exploratory areas, and appealing items. Additionally, it carried forward the narrative from the original game. Introducing the ability to import characters or parties from the previous game was a novel feature, much to the satisfaction of players invested in long-term progression.

Furthermore, the expansion broadened the setting to encompass various other locales within Faerûn, such as Ulgoth's Beard and Durlag's Tower. Importantly, the overall storyline of the Bhaalspawn remained unaffected by any of the expansion's additional details.

8 Baldur's Gate: Siege Of Dragonspear (2019)

Releasing an expansion for a game two decades later may be considered quite remarkable, and Siege of Dragonspear fits this description perfectly. However, it is worth noting that this expansion is specifically designed for the Enhanced Version of Baldur's Gate, which was released in 2012, rather than the original version from 1998. Set after the defeat and demise of Saravok, the story revolves around the main character and their party as they explore the region and search for remnants of their former enemy's army.

In the culmination of the story, which takes place after the titular event at Dragonspear Castle, the character is freed and reunited with their companions, only to face an unexpected ambush. The identity of the hooded assailant remains a mystery until the beginning of the second game.

7 Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (2001)

This spinoff series is set on the Sword Coast and shares the same date and setting as the previous Baldur's Gate games. However, it introduces new characters and focuses more on hack-and-slash gameplay rather than storytelling and character creation. Instead of starting fresh, players are provided with preset characters for their adventure, offering some pre-generated options.

Although the characters are already predetermined, players have the option to choose from three different race and class combinations. The story begins in the familiar city of Baldur's Gate but later shifts to the Sunset Mountains and eventually the Marsh of Chelimber.

6 Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 (2004)

Dark Alliance 2 enhances the original game by introducing new classes, including Barbarians, Necromancers, and Monks, thus making it more captivating. The characters remain pre-generated, but there is a wider range of classes to select from.

Continuing where its predecessor left off, the story incorporates a vampire antagonist and a menacing goblin army. The game received a remaster in 2022, reigniting curiosity in this lesser-known and notably darker aspect of the franchise.

5 Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn (2000)

The main character awakens inside a cage in a mysterious location, having the opportunity to revive and reunite with their previous allies. After successfully escaping the laboratory, they find themselves in the bustling city of Athkatla. However, Imoen is taken captive by their jailor, Jon Irenicus, leading to the continuation of the Bhaalspawn's epic journey.

Set in the country of Amn, this game introduces a new and distinct location within the realm of Faerûn. Although Amn is located quite far from Baldur's Gate, it serves as the backdrop for the unfolding story. As the main character delves into the hidden lore of the deep elves, they eventually overcome Irenicus, who had dragged them and their companions into the treacherous Nine Hells. Through resurrection, everyone finds their happily ever after, at least until the next expansion.

4 Baldur's Gate 2: Throne Of Bhaal (2001)

Throne of Bhaal concludes the epic tale of the Bhaalspawn, offering players diverse possibilities for character creation and party assembly. Whether they opt to begin afresh or import their existing characters from past exploits, numerous new locations await exploration, promising beneficial equipment and opportunities to gain additional experience points.

This installment centers around an ongoing war among the remaining Bhaalspawn, with the ultimate outcome determining whether the victor assumes the mantle of the Lord of Murder or leaves it vacant. As is customary in every Dungeons & Dragons adventure, the final decision rests in the hands of the player.

3 Baldur's Gate: The Black Pits (2012)

Baldur's Gate: The Black Pits is less about role-playing and more focused on a side-activity. It revolves around the party's journey towards freedom by engaging in a series of gladiatorial matches. They must overcome increasingly challenging opponents until they finally confront their captor, Baeloth the Entertainer.

Once Baeloth is defeated, not only is the party liberated, but all the other prisoners kept in the arena are also set free. Among them is Najim, a kind and grateful djinn who was previously the Taskmaster. Recognizing their bravery, Najim opens a portal to transport the heroes out of the Black Pits.

2 Baldur's Gate: The Black Pits 2 – Gladiators Of Thay (2013)

The sequel continues right from where the previous game ended. The group enters a tavern through the portal, where they are recognized by a Bard who narrates their story. Despite the initial lighthearted atmosphere, Najim reappears to warn the main character about their safety, dampening the mood.

Soon after, they find themselves under attack yet again, this time by Dennaton, a powerful Red Wizard of Thay. Captured, they are forced into another arena, where they must fight for their lives and entertain the spectators in order to regain their freedom.

1 Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)

BG3, the latest addition to the Baldur's Gate video game library, has given the game a modern update and has been warmly received by critics and gamers. Its success has brought new life to the CRPG genre and standalone games in general.

Set 120 years after Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, BG3 still incorporates themes from the Lord of Murder and the Time of Troubles. The game begins with a thrilling descent into the Nine Hells, providing immediate backstory and setting the stage for the adventure. For those interested in further prelude, the Descent Into Avernus tabletop adventure module is available, taking place just a few months before the events of Baldur's Gate 3.