Baldur’s Gate 3, set in the rich world of the Forgotten Realms on the continent of Faerûn, shares the same setting as its predecessors. While there might be nods to the older games, it’s essential to recognize that this installment is not a direct sequel.
Taking place over a century later and with its own unique campaign, it follows the events of Dungeons & Dragons’ official adventure, Murder in Baldur’s Gate, rather than the older games.
Distant Connections and Relevance
With Baldur’s Gate 3 set in 1492, a considerable 120 years after Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, any connections between the games are distant. Furthermore, the BioWare games are no longer part of the official Dungeons & Dragons canon. Instead, Baldur’s Gate 3 continues the storyline of the tabletop RPG, focusing on its own fresh narrative with some references to past events.
While not essential, Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus, a campaign from 2019 for Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, holds some importance. It provides context for the world and certain elements in Baldur’s Gate 3, enhancing the overall experience, but playing it is not a prerequisite to enjoy the upcoming game fully.
Different Gameplay Mechanics
Baldur’s Gate 3 takes inspiration from Larian Studios’ previous critically acclaimed title, Divinity: Original Sin II, rather than sticking closely to the mechanics of the older Baldur’s Gate games. With turn-based combat and more versatile approaches to situations, the gameplay feels fresh and engaging.
Another significant difference lies in the game mechanics’ foundation. While the older BioWare games adhered to Dungeons & Dragons 2.5 edition rules, Baldur’s Gate 3 adopts the D&D 5th edition rules with suitable modifications for a video game environment. This shift brings new possibilities and dynamics to the gameplay.
Baldur’s Gate 3 stands as a standalone adventure that newcomers can fully enjoy without playing the earlier games. However, for those interested in the rich history of the series, experiencing Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn remains a rewarding journey.
Though showing their age, the Enhanced Edition versions offer highly enjoyable experiences and a glimpse into the RPG classics that have left a lasting impact on the gaming world.
Brace yourself for a riveting journey into the famous city of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. Unravel the mind flayer plot and much more in our in-depth Review of Baldur’s Gate 3.
