Where to Buy Baldur Gate 3
Baldur Gate 3 Gameplay Video
Baldur Gate 3 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Divinity 4.0 Engine |
| Genre | RPG, CRPG, Turn-Based Strategy, Fantasy, Adventure |
| Initial Release | 2023-08-03 (PC), 2023-09-06 (PS5), 2023-12-07 (Xbox Series X|S) |
| Developer | Larian Studios |
| Publisher | Larian Studios |
| Setting | Forgotten Realms (Faerûn - Sword Coast, Underdark, Baldur's Gate, Avernus briefly) |
| Perspective | Third-Person (Isometric-style camera, with cinematic dialogue camera) |
| Platforms | PC (Windows, macOS), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Multiplayer | Online Cooperative (Up to 4 players), Local Split-Screen Co-op (PS5/XSX - 2 players) |
| Unique Feature | Faithful D&D 5e Adaptation, Deep Player Choice & Consequence, Playable Origin Characters & Custom Character, Extensive Companion System with Relationships/Romance, Turn-Based Tactical Combat. |
Baldur Gate 3 System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low/Medium settings, ~30-60 FPS) – Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.
tune Recommended (Targets 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.
1440p
tune High (Targets 1440p, High/Ultra settings, ~60 FPS) – High/Ultra Preset, 1440p resolution (DLSS/FSR Quality recommended). Vulkan or DX11.
2160p
tune Ultra (Targets 2160p/4K, High/Ultra settings, ~60 FPS with DLSS/FSR Performance/Balanced) – High/Ultra Preset, 2160p (4K) resolution using DLSS/FSR Performance or Balanced mode. Vulkan or DX11.
Baldur Gate 3 Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 45W
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
US $1300
Model: MSI Cyborg 15 (RTX 5050 & Intel 7)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (Score: 1286)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 45W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 140W
storage 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $799
Model: HP Victus 15 (RTX 4050 & Ryzen 7)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 105W
storage 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $1699
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 with RTX 4050
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 105W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (Score: 10500)
storage RAM: 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
memory Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2)
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2299
Model: GIGABYTE AORUS Elite 16 (RTX 5070 & Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2) (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (Score: 12000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution. Vulkan or DX11.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64-Bit or Windows 11 64-Bit
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 is required.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 11 or Vulkan (Vulkan is default)
Requires a graphics card compatible with DirectX 11 or Vulkan. Vulkan is the default API. Ray tracing is not supported by the game.
- save_altStorage Note: 150 GB available space (SSD Mandatory)
An SSD with at least 150 GB of free space is mandatory for installing and running Baldur's Gate 3. Using an NVMe SSD is recommended for the best loading times and texture streaming.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). These are highly recommended for higher resolutions to maintain smooth framerates.
Key Settings: Texture Quality, Model Detail, Shadow Quality, Cloud Quality, Fog Quality, Instance Distance (NPC/object density), Anti-Aliasing, and Ambient Occlusion significantly impact performance. CPU performance is critical in dense areas, especially in Act 3. Using DLSS or FSR is advisable for 1440p and 4K.
Baldur Gate 3: Post-Launch Content / DLC
Larian Studios has released numerous significant free patches post-launch, adding new content (like an extended epilogue), quality-of-life improvements, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. They have stated that they are not currently planning major paid expansions or DLC for Baldur's Gate 3, focusing instead on patches and potentially new projects.
Baldur Gate 3: Game Editions
Available in Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition (included Divinity Bard Song Pack, Paintings from Rivellon, Adventurer's Pouch, Digital Artbook, Digital Character Sheets, Digital Soundtrack). A physical Collector's Edition included a Mind Flayer vs. Drow diorama statue, hardcover artbook, character sheets, cloth map, tadpole keyring, D20 die, Magic: The Gathering booster packs, and all Digital Deluxe content.
Baldur Gate 3: Cross-Platform / Crossplay / Cross-Progression
Baldur's Gate 3 supports cross-platform saves between PC (Steam/GOG) and PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, allowing players to continue their progress across these platforms if they own the game on them. Direct cross-platform multiplayer (e.g., PC playing with PS5) was a planned feature, with implementation status varying post-launch.
Baldur Gate 3 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Features online cooperative multiplayer for up to 4 players. Players can join a host's campaign, either creating a new custom character for that game or taking control of one of the host's unassigned origin companions. The entire story campaign can be played cooperatively. Split-screen local co-op is available on consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X|S) for 2 players.
- labelUser Interface
Features a detailed UI typical of CRPGs. Includes character sheets, inventory management (grid-based, with weight considerations), spellbooks, quest logs, a world map with waypoints and journal entries, and a turn-based combat interface with a hotbar for actions, bonus actions, spells, and items. Dialogue choices are presented clearly. Extensive tooltips provide D&D rule explanations.
- labelSound and Music
Original score composed by Borislav Slavov, featuring sweeping orchestral themes, atmospheric ambient tracks, character motifs, and memorable songs (like 'Raphael's Final Act'). The music dynamically adapts to gameplay situations (exploration, combat, dialogue). Sound design is rich, with distinct spell effects, creature vocalizations, environmental sounds, and extensive, high-quality voice acting for all characters and narration.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by Larian's Divinity 4.0 Engine, Baldur's Gate 3 showcases highly detailed environments, expressive character models with realistic animations (especially facial animations during dialogue), and spectacular spell effects. Features advanced lighting, detailed textures, and diverse biomes from lush forests and underground caverns to bustling cityscapes. The game is renowned for its cinematic presentation and visual fidelity in the CRPG genre.
- labelAccessibility Features
Offers a good range of accessibility options, including extensive subtitle and dialogue text customization (size, background, speaker color), options for colorblind modes, UI scaling, options to adjust camera shake and motion blur, customizable difficulty (Story, Explorer, Balanced, Tactician, Custom), and options for turn-based mode outside of combat for easier exploration for some.
- labelStory and Setting
Set over 120 years after the events of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, in the Forgotten Realms D&D setting. The player character and several others are abducted aboard a Nautiloid (a Mind Flayer vessel) and implanted with Illithid tadpoles, parasites that will eventually transform them into Mind Flayers. After the Nautiloid crashes, the survivors must find a way to remove the tadpoles before their transformation is complete. Their journey takes them across various regions of Faerûn, including the wilderness near Baldur's Gate, the Underdark, and the city of Baldur's Gate itself, as they become entangled in a vast conspiracy involving a new cult worshipping 'The Absolute' and the resurgence of an ancient evil. The story is heavily choice-driven with multiple branching paths and endings.
- labelMap Size and Regions (Acts)
Baldur's Gate 3 is divided into three main acts, each featuring large, distinct open-world or semi-open-world regions. Act 1 encompasses the wilderness around the Nautiloid crash site, the Emerald Grove, the Blighted Village, the Goblin Camp, and parts of the Underdark (e.g., Grymforge). Act 2 is primarily set in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, a blighted region with key locations like Last Light Inn and Moonrise Towers. Act 3 takes place in the sprawling, multi-district city of Baldur's Gate and its outskirts. The total explorable area is immense, with numerous dungeons, caves, optional areas, and verticality. A direct sq km comparison is difficult due to the varied density and structure, but it's one of the largest CRPG worlds.
- labelCharacter Creation & Progression (Classes, Races, Abilities, Spells)
Players create a highly customizable character, choosing from 11 races (Human, Elf, Drow, Tiefling, Dwarf, Halfling, Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Dragonborn, Githyanki) and 12 classes (Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard), each with multiple subclasses. Progression involves leveling up (up to level 12 in the base game), gaining new class features, spells, and feats. Ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) are key. Players can also choose to play as one of several Origin Characters with pre-defined backstories and personal quests (e.g., Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach).
- labelTop 5 Spells/Abilities (Subjective/Iconic - examples)
- 1. Fireball (Sorcerer/Wizard): Classic D&D AoE damage spell. 2. Healing Word (Cleric/Bard/Druid): Bonus action healing, crucial for party sustain. 3. Eldritch Blast (Warlock): Highly damaging and customizable cantrip. 4. Haste (Various Classes): Grants an extra action, incredibly powerful for action economy. 5. Counterspell (Sorcerer/Wizard/Bard): Reaction spell to nullify enemy spellcasting.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Turn-Based Combat (D&D 5e Adaptation): Tactical combat where each character has an Action, Bonus Action, and Movement. Utilizes dice rolls (visible or hidden) for attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks, faithfully adapting D&D 5th Edition rules. 2. Choice & Consequence / Branching Narrative: Player decisions in dialogue, quests, and actions have significant and often far-reaching consequences, shaping character relationships, world events, and leading to multiple distinct endings. 3. Environmental Interactivity & Verticality: Levels are designed with numerous interactive elements (explosive barrels, destructible terrain, high ground advantages, surfaces like fire/ice/water) and significant verticality, encouraging creative problem-solving in both exploration and combat.
Baldur Gate 3 Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline Is Baldur's Gate 3 a direct sequel to Baldur's Gate 1 & 2?Yes, Baldur's Gate 3 is set over 120 years after the events of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn and is considered a direct sequel in the series. It references past events and features some returning characters like Jaheira and Minsc, but tells a new, largely self-contained story.
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help_outline Do I need to play the previous Baldur's Gate games to understand Baldur's Gate 3?No, it is not strictly necessary. Baldur's Gate 3 is designed to be accessible to newcomers to the series and the Dungeons & Dragons setting. However, familiarity with the previous games or Forgotten Realms lore will enhance appreciation of returning characters, references, and world details.
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help_outline Is Baldur's Gate 3 based on Dungeons & Dragons rules?Yes, Baldur's Gate 3 is a faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) ruleset. Character creation, classes, spells, combat mechanics (actions, bonus actions, reactions, saving throws, advantage/disadvantage), and skill checks are all based on D&D 5e.
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help_outline How does multiplayer co-op work?Up to four players can play the entire campaign together online. Players can join an existing game or start a new one. Each player can control a custom character or an Origin companion. Decisions can be made collaboratively or individually (often with dice rolls for persuasion within the party). Local split-screen co-op for two players is also available on consoles.
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help_outline What are Origin Characters?Origin Characters are pre-made playable characters with unique backstories, personalities, personal quests, and voice acting. Players can choose to play as one of these (e.g., Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach, The Dark Urge) or create a fully custom character. If not chosen as the main character, Origin Characters can be recruited as companions.
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help_outline How important are choices in Baldur's Gate 3?Choices are extremely important and form a core part of the experience. Decisions made in dialogue, quests, and actions have significant and often far-reaching consequences, affecting character relationships (including romances), companion loyalty, quest outcomes, the state of the world, and leading to multiple distinct endings and epilogues.
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help_outline Can I respec my character?Yes, players can change their class, ability scores, and other character choices by speaking to Withers, an enigmatic undead NPC found early in the game who joins the player's camp. This service costs a moderate amount of gold.