Unveiling the Ultimate Baldur's Gate 3 Experience: PS5 vs PC – The Surprising Differences Revealed!

Baldur's Gate 3 is highly anticipated RPG of the year, marking a transition from the previous console generation. In addition to its PC release, Baldur's Gate 3 will also be available on PS5, making it an unintended console exclusive.

Since Baldur's Gate 3 remains faithful to the original games' CRPG roots, the controls were primarily designed for PC players and had to be adapted for comfortable gameplay on a PS5 controller. Larian Studios is undoubtedly working to ensure a top-notch experience across all platforms, but it is important to understand the differences before deciding where to purchase the game.

Differences Between Baldur's Gate 3 on PC and PS5

The PS5 version of Baldur's Gate 3 appears visually outdated compared to the PC version, as suggested by Sony's trailers. Although this may change as the game is still in early access, it could be disappointing for console fans seeking visual consistency. The resolution at which the game will run on PS5 remains uncertain, but Sony has mentioned a target of achieving 60 FPS on the console. It is unclear whether this will be the game's default performance or if it will be offered as a separate mode. Regardless, it is evident that the console version will lack the comprehensive range of graphics options available to PC players.

The differences in gameplay between the two versions are what make it interesting. The game was initially designed for keyboard and mouse, so several adjustments had to be made for controller convenience. According to reviews of Baldur's Gate 3, the command wheel used to replace hotkeys can be a bit cumbersome since it feels like there are three separate command wheels to navigate. This is undeniably the most significant distinction between the two versions, but there are also numerous smaller changes that subtly alter the overall experience.

On PC, players control their characters in the traditional point-and-click style, which mainly involves ordering the party around rather than direct control. However, on console, the protagonist can be moved with the analog stick, providing more direct control when not in combat. This alteration is especially meaningful because Baldur's Gate 3 offers both a third-person camera and an isometric angle, allowing players to connect with their party in a different way and eliminating the potential frustration caused by unintended misclicks that result in characters going to the wrong places or performing unintended actions.

The contrasting control schemes have a significant impact on player interaction with the game world, surpassing any visual disparities. Direct control while navigating outside combat promotes a leisurely exploration pace, whereas hotkeys streamline combat and object interactions.

Regardless of the chosen platform, whether PC or PS5, Baldur's Gate 3 offers an impressive 174 hours of cutscenes, accounting for every player action. This exemplifies Larian Studios' commitment to crafting an authentic and immersive role-playing experience.

Considering that experiencing all the content of the game supposedly necessitates 18 complete playthroughs with one character, it is crucial that the game controls smoothly and offers visually pleasing graphics regardless of the platform it is being played on. With its positive reception on Steam Early Access and dedication to its origins, it is hopeful that any issues that arise in both versions will be addressed and fixed before and after the game's release. Baldur's Gate 3 will be available on PC on August 3rd and on PS5 on September 6th.