Unlock Epic Adventures: Unleashing the Secrets of Baldur's Gate 3 in the Infernal Realms of Avernus

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 has drawn attention to Dungeons and Dragons, inspiring new players to venture into the tabletop experience with a module of the same name.

Descent into Avernus, the campaign module of Baldur's Gate, establishes a direct connection with BG3 and facilitates a smooth transition from the video game to tabletop gaming. Despite its mixed reception, this prequel remains a compelling choice and, when guided by a skilled Dungeon Master, offers players a superior and delightful experience.

Baldur's Gate 3 has undergone significant refinement during its Early Access phase, resulting in a game that spans three expansive acts and delves into an Illithid invasion intricately tied to the lore of the Forgotten Realms. This installment of the franchise has garnered substantial attention, attracting both newcomers and avid Dungeons and Dragons fans who are now venturing into the tabletop realm thanks to a module inspired by the game itself.

Dungeons and Dragons’ fifth edition boasts an abundance of campaign modules, which can be overwhelming for newcomers. However, one adventure stands out for its direct connection to BG3. Released in 2019, Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus centers around the eponymous city and its role in the fall of Elturel into the first layer of the Nine Hells. While this module may not enjoy universal acclaim within the Dungeons and Dragons community, with the Dungeon Master's enhancements, it can still provide a captivating experience for players—whether they are new to the game or seasoned veterans.

How Descent into Avernus Connects to Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3's Lower City is a memorable late game area. However, Descent into Avernus takes a different approach. The campaign begins at Level 1 in Baldur's Gate, where players uncover secrets. The cultists of the Dead Three attack citizens, and the missing Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard connects to Wyll's story. Eventually, the truth about Elturel's fall into Avernus is revealed as the party ventures into the Nine Hells. Despite its engaging setting, many players and DMs feel that the Baldur's Gate section of Descent into Avernus is inconsequential. It primarily serves as exposition and leveling, leading to the main focus in Avernus. Some suggest running a modified campaign solely in Baldur's Gate due to its strong worldbuilding and atmosphere. Alternatively, parties interested in Avernus can start at Level 5 and bypass the city entirely.

Descent into Avernus Can Bring the Best out of DMs

The module's true quality lies in its titular section, Avernus, which offers an engaging adventure centered around the archdevil Zariel. Fans of BG3 may recognize Zariel's name from Karlach's emotional backstory, a soldier who suffered under the archdevil's control. Although Karlach's fate is predetermined in the game's story, the players in Descent into Avernus have significant influence over Zariel's character arc. By presenting the module in an immersive manner, highlighting its open-world nature and gripping narratives using additional resources like "The Alexandrian Remix," Descent into Avernus can stand alone and provide months of enjoyable gameplay.

While it may not have received unanimous praise from tabletop fans, Descent into Avernus still serves as an excellent introduction for BG3 players. It provides valuable context for BG3's Tiefling refugees and delves into the intricate backstories of two companions, making it a strong prequel to the story of Baldur's Gate 3 despite its flaws. When guided by a skilled Dungeon Master, Descent into Avernus has the potential to rival some of the best modules in fifth edition in terms of quality.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now for PC and PS5, with Xbox Series X/S versions also in development.