The Game with near-endless player choices, with over 17,000 ending variations

Welcome to Baldur's Gate 3, a sprawling, Dungeons & Dragons-inspired RPG by Larian Studios that immerses you in the rich world of the Forgotten Realms. Released in August 2023, this critically acclaimed game offers a deep narrative, tactical turn-based combat, and near-endless player choice, with over 17,000 ending variations and 174 hours of cinematics. For newcomers, the game’s complexity can feel daunting—especially if you’re unfamiliar with D&D 5th Edition rules. Fear not! This beginner’s guide will walk you through the essentials to start your adventure confidently, covering character creation, combat, exploration, and key tips to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s dive into Faerûn and get you ready to face mind flayer tadpoles, goblins, and more!

Getting Started: Character Creation

Your journey begins with creating a character, a process that shapes your playstyle and story interactions. Here’s a breakdown of the key choices:

1. Choose Your Origin

You can select an Origin Character with a preset backstory (e.g., Astarion the rogue or Shadowheart the cleric) or create a Custom Character for full control. The Dark Urge is a unique custom origin with a darker narrative, best for players comfortable with moral ambiguity. For beginners, a custom character lets you experiment freely.

2. Pick a Race

Races like Humans, Elves, or Dwarves offer unique traits, such as Darkvision or extra proficiencies. While appearance and dialogue options vary, stats are flexible, so choose a race that fits your roleplay vision. For example, a High Elf’s Fey Ancestry grants advantage on saving throws against being charmed, which is great for spellcasters.

3. Select a Class

Your class defines your combat and skillset. For beginners, consider these beginner-friendly options:

• Fighter: Straightforward, high durability, and versatile with weapons. Great for melee-focused players.
• Wizard: Powerful spellcasting with versatility, though it requires learning spell management.
• Cleric: A mix of healing, support, and combat spells, ideal for team play. Each class has subclasses (unlocked at levels 2–3) that refine your role, like a Fighter’s Battle Master for tactical maneuvers. Don’t worry about locking in; you can respec your character later by visiting an NPC named Withers.

4. Ability Scores

Your six Ability Scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) determine success in actions like combat or dialogue checks. Prioritize based on your class:

• Fighters: Focus on Strength or Dexterity for attacks, Constitution for health.
• Wizards: Prioritize Intelligence for spellcasting.
• Clerics: Emphasize Wisdom for spells and Constitution for survivability. Aim for even numbers (e.g., 16 instead of 15) to maximize ability modifiers, as odd numbers don’t provide extra bonuses. A common beginner spread is 16 in your primary stat, 14 in Constitution, and 12–14 in a secondary stat.

5. Background and Skills

Your background (e.g., Acolyte, Soldier) adds flavor and grants two skill proficiencies, boosting rolls for skills like Persuasion or Stealth. Choose skills that align with your roleplay or class—Rogues benefit from Stealth, while Bards shine with Charisma-based skills like Deception. Don’t stress about perfect choices. You can respec most aspects (except race) later, so experiment and have fun!

Understanding Combat: Turn-Based Tactics

Baldur's Gate 3 uses turn-based combat rooted in D&D 5e rules, where strategy trumps button-mashing. Here’s how to master it:

1. Initiative and Turn Order

Combat begins with an Initiative roll (d20 + Dexterity modifier). Higher rolls act first, displayed at the top of the screen. Position characters before fights (e.g., place archers on high ground) to gain an edge.

2. Actions, Bonus Actions, and Reactions

Each turn, you get:

• Action: Attack, cast a spell, or use abilities like Dash (double movement).
• Bonus Action: Smaller actions like Shove, Jump, or drinking a potion. Rogues can use these for extra attacks.
• Reaction: Automatic responses, like Opportunity Attacks when enemies move away. Learn your class’s abilities—Barbarians can Rage as a Bonus Action, while Wizards might cast Shield as a Reaction.

3. Use the Environment

The battlefield is your ally. Push enemies off cliffs, ignite oil barrels, or create water puddles for lightning spells. High ground grants advantage on ranged attacks (better hit chance), so position archers or spellcasters above enemies.

4. Resting and Resource Management

• Short Rest: Restores some health and abilities (e.g., Fighter’s Second Wind). You get two per Long Rest.
• Long Rest: Fully restores health and spell slots but requires camp supplies (40 points per rest). Stock up on food from crates or vendors. Rest often to stay combat-ready, especially before tough fights. Save before battles or risky dialogue checks. The game’s autosave is sparse, and dice rolls can lead to unexpected outcomes. “Save scumming” (reloading after a failed roll) is a valid strategy for beginners.

Exploration: Uncovering Faerûn’s Secrets

1. Interact with Everything

Click on chests, barrels, or NPCs to uncover items or dialogue. Use the “Alt” key to highlight interactable objects. Some areas require jumping or spells like Disguise Self to access (e.g., turning into a small creature to fit through cracks).

2. Recruit Companions

Early in Act 1, you’ll meet companions like Lae’zel (Fighter), Gale (Wizard), and Astarion (Rogue). Recruit them to form a balanced party of four. Each has unique skills and stories, so experiment with combinations. For example, Shadowheart’s healing pairs well with Lae’zel’s tanking.

3. Take Your Time

Despite the story’s urgency (e.g., removing a mind flayer tadpole), there’s no time limit. Explore side quests, talk to NPCs, and visit campsites to deepen companion relationships, which can unlock romance options or inspiration points for rerolling failed checks. Use Perception checks (automatic when near hidden objects) to find traps or secret paths. Characters with high Wisdom excel here.

Final Thoughts

Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterpiece of choice and consequence, blending tactical combat with a rich narrative. As a beginner, focus on learning your class, experimenting with strategies, and embracing the game’s flexibility—there’s no “wrong” way to play. With a party of brave companions, a knack for saving often, and a willingness to explore, you’ll conquer the Sword Coast’s challenges and create a story uniquely yours. Ready to face the mind flayers? Gather your party, and venture forth!