How to Start a Multiplayer Game in BG3: A Guide to Unlocking the Chaos of Cooperative Play

How to Start a Multiplayer Game in BG3: A Guide to Unlocking the Chaos of Cooperative Play

Starting a multiplayer game in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is like opening a portal to a world where logic takes a backseat and chaos reigns supreme. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the Forgotten Realms, diving into BG3 with friends is an experience that blends strategy, storytelling, and the occasional accidental fireball. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of starting a multiplayer game in BG3, along with some tips to ensure your party survives long enough to enjoy the ride.


Step 1: Assemble Your Party of Misfits

Before you can embark on your epic journey, you’ll need to gather your party. BG3 supports up to four players in a single multiplayer session, so choose your companions wisely. Will you recruit your most reliable friends, or will you invite that one person who always insists on playing as a chaotic neutral rogue? The choice is yours, but remember: the fate of Faerûn depends on your ability to work together (or at least not set each other on fire).


Step 2: Launch the Game and Navigate the Main Menu

Once your party is assembled, launch BG3 and head to the main menu. Here, you’ll find the Multiplayer option. Click on it, and you’ll be presented with two choices: Host a Game or Join a Game. If you’re the one initiating the session, select Host a Game. If you’re joining someone else’s adventure, choose Join a Game and enter the host’s session details.


Step 3: Customize Your Session

As the host, you’ll have the ability to customize your multiplayer session. You can set the game to public or private, depending on whether you want random players to join or keep it exclusive to your friends. You can also adjust difficulty settings, enable or disable permadeath, and decide whether to allow players to control multiple characters. These options ensure that your multiplayer experience aligns with your group’s playstyle and preferences.


Step 4: Create or Import Your Character

One of the most exciting aspects of BG3 is the ability to create a unique character. Each player can design their own hero, choosing from a variety of races, classes, and backgrounds. Alternatively, you can import a character from a previous single-player campaign. Just make sure your party has a balanced mix of roles—having four bards might sound fun, but it won’t help much when you’re facing a horde of goblins.


Step 5: Dive into the Story

Once everyone has joined the session and created their characters, it’s time to dive into the story. BG3’s narrative is rich and immersive, with countless choices that can alter the course of your adventure. Will you work together to save the day, or will your party descend into infighting over who gets to keep the shiny loot? The possibilities are endless, and the outcomes are entirely up to you.


Tips for a Successful Multiplayer Experience

  1. Communicate Effectively: Use voice chat or text chat to coordinate your actions. Miscommunication can lead to hilarious (or disastrous) results.
  2. Respect Each Other’s Choices: BG3 is all about player agency, so let your friends make their own decisions—even if those decisions involve stealing from a dragon.
  3. Embrace the Chaos: Multiplayer games are unpredictable, and that’s part of the fun. Roll with the punches and enjoy the ride.
  4. Save Often: BG3’s autosave feature is helpful, but it’s always a good idea to save manually before making major decisions or entering dangerous areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I play BG3 multiplayer with strangers?
A: Yes, you can set your game to public and allow random players to join. However, playing with friends is generally recommended for a more cohesive experience.

Q: Can I switch between single-player and multiplayer modes?
A: Yes, you can switch between modes, but your progress in multiplayer won’t carry over to single-player and vice versa.

Q: What happens if a player disconnects during a session?
A: The disconnected player’s character will be controlled by the AI until they reconnect. If they don’t return, the host can choose to remove them from the session.

Q: Can I play BG3 multiplayer on different platforms?
A: As of now, cross-platform play is not supported. All players must be on the same platform (PC, Mac, or console).

Q: How do I deal with a player who keeps stealing all the loot?
A: Diplomacy is key. If talking doesn’t work, consider setting their character on fire—just make sure you have a good alibi.