How to Play Multiplayer Baldur's Gate 3: A Guide to Conquering Faerûn with Friends and a Side of Chaos
Baldur’s Gate 3, the epic RPG from Larian Studios, is not just a solo adventure—it’s a multiplayer masterpiece waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the Forgotten Realms, diving into the game with friends can elevate the experience to new heights. But how exactly do you navigate the multiplayer chaos? Let’s break it down, step by step, with a sprinkle of absurdity and a dash of strategy.
1. Assemble Your Party of Misfits
The first step to multiplayer glory is gathering your party. Baldur’s Gate 3 allows up to four players to join forces, each controlling their own character. You can either create custom characters or choose from the game’s pre-made Origin characters, each with their own backstory and quirks. Pro tip: If your friend insists on playing as a chaotic evil rogue who steals everything in sight, maybe reconsider your life choices.
2. Understand the Mechanics of Cooperation (or Lack Thereof)
Multiplayer in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a blend of teamwork and controlled chaos. While you’re all working toward the same goal, each player has the freedom to make their own decisions. This can lead to hilarious (or disastrous) outcomes. For example, while one player is negotiating with an NPC, another might decide to set the entire room on fire. Communication is key—unless you’re aiming for pure anarchy.
3. Master the Art of Turn-Based Combat
Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 is turn-based, meaning each player takes their turn to attack, cast spells, or strategically reposition. In multiplayer, this can feel like a high-stakes game of chess where your knight is a half-orc barbarian with a penchant for reckless decisions. Coordinate with your team to maximize your effectiveness, or embrace the chaos and see what happens.
4. Divide and Conquer (or Just Divide)
One of the joys of multiplayer is the ability to split up and explore different areas simultaneously. While one player is looting a dungeon, another might be charming a local merchant into giving them a discount. Just be prepared for the inevitable moment when someone triggers a trap or starts a fight they can’t finish alone.
5. Embrace the Role-Playing Element
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a role-playing game at its core, and multiplayer amplifies this aspect. Encourage your friends to fully embrace their characters’ personalities. Whether it’s a noble paladin who refuses to lie or a mischievous bard who flirts with every NPC, the role-playing opportunities are endless. Bonus points if you all stay in character during voice chat.
6. Deal with the Consequences of Your Actions
Every decision in Baldur’s Gate 3 has consequences, and multiplayer adds another layer of complexity. If one player decides to betray an NPC or steal a valuable item, the entire party will have to deal with the fallout. This can lead to heated debates, unexpected alliances, and the occasional betrayal. Remember, it’s all part of the adventure.
7. Experiment with Different Playstyles
Multiplayer is the perfect opportunity to experiment with different playstyles and strategies. Maybe one playthrough focuses on stealth and diplomacy, while another is a full-on murder spree. The beauty of Baldur’s Gate 3 is that no two playthroughs are the same, especially when you add the unpredictable element of human players.
8. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
At the end of the day, Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer is about having fun with your friends. Whether you’re saving the world or causing absolute mayhem, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. And if things go horribly wrong, just remember: it’s not a bug, it’s a feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I play Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer with strangers? A: Yes, you can join public multiplayer games, but be prepared for a wild ride. Playing with strangers can lead to unexpected and often hilarious outcomes.
Q: Can I mix single-player and multiplayer in the same campaign? A: Yes, you can switch between single-player and multiplayer modes, but be aware that any progress made in multiplayer will carry over to your single-player game.
Q: What happens if a player disconnects during a multiplayer session? A: If a player disconnects, their character will be controlled by the AI until they reconnect. Make sure to save frequently to avoid losing progress.
Q: Can I romance other players in multiplayer? A: While you can’t romance other players directly, you can pursue romantic storylines with NPCs. Just don’t let your friends interfere too much—unless you’re into that sort of thing.
Q: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer cross-platform? A: As of now, Baldur’s Gate 3 does not support cross-platform multiplayer. You’ll need to play with friends on the same platform.