The much-awaited Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, is about to make its grand entrance on August 3. As the release date approaches, players have been eager to know if they can preload the game to jump right into the adventure. Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding “no.”
Recent speculation and uncertainty surrounding the preload situation have left fans guessing. During a recent interview with itmeJP, Swen Vincke, the boss at Larian Studios, admitted he was uncertain about the preload arrangements. Despite the game’s significant size and changes since its early access, there were hopes for a preload option.
The Final Word: No Preloading Allowed
Regrettably, the official word from Larian Studios is that Baldur’s Gate 3 will not have a preloading option. The game will launch on August 3 at 5 pm Gent time, without any opportunity to download the files in advance.
Aspiring adventurers should brace themselves for a substantial download—approximately 122GB! The game has evolved considerably since its early access days, making it worth starting anew when it officially releases.
Vincke emphasized that early access players will need to start over when the full game launches. While a few bytes may remain the same, the overall experience will require a fresh start, effectively necessitating a full reinstall.
Preload Limitations on Steam
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The absence of preloading stems from a limitation within Steam itself. Preloading involves encrypted downloads until the official launch, but Baldur’s Gate 3’s long early access history has made this impossible. As a result, fans will have to wait until the designated release time to begin their journey.
Though not having a preload option might be a letdown for some players—especially those with slower internet connections—the excitement surrounding the game overshadows any grievances. Fans remain thrilled about immersing themselves in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, with its intriguing storyline and captivating gameplay.
Baldur’s Gate 3 will unlock in all its glory at 8 am PT/11 am ET/4 pm BST on August 3. Get ready to embark on an epic adventure filled with danger, mystery, and excitement. The vast realms of Baldur’s Gate await!
