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Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, is a sprawling RPG rooted in Dungeons & Dragons mechanics, offering countless paths, characters, and outcomes. Whether you're a new adventurer or a seasoned RPG veteran, understanding the mechanics, choices, and strategies can dramatically improve your experience. In this guide, we walk you through how to master Baldur’s Gate 3 from the character creation screen to endgame strategy. Let’s dive into Faerûn!
1. How to Create the Best Character for Your Playstyle
Character creation is the foundation of your journey in Baldur’s Gate 3. The decisions you make here influence combat style, dialogue choices, and how the world reacts to you. Choose from races like Elf, Tiefling, or Drow, and classes such as Rogue, Wizard, or Paladin.
Key Considerations
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Race: Racial bonuses affect stats like Dexterity or Charisma.
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Class: Choose based on your desired playstyle—ranged, melee, or magic.
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Background: Backgrounds provide additional proficiencies and dialogue options.
Pro Tip:
Use the "custom" origin to build a character exactly as you like, rather than starting as a pre-defined companion.
2. How to Build a Balanced Party
Once your main character is ready, the next step is building a team that complements your strengths and covers your weaknesses. Each companion in BG3 has a unique background and skillset.
Recommended Team Setup
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Tank: Lae'zel (Fighter) or a custom Paladin
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Healer: Shadowheart (Cleric)
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DPS: Astarion (Rogue) or Gale (Wizard)
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Support: Wyll (Warlock) or any Bard
Pro Tip:
Always have at least one character with high Sleight of Hand for traps and locked chests.
3. How to Master Turn-Based Combat
Baldur's Gate 3 uses a turn-based combat system influenced by D&D 5e rules. Positioning, initiative, and environment matter greatly.
Combat Tips
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Use elevation: Gain bonus to hit from high ground.
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Take cover: Use barrels, walls, or terrain to your advantage.
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Focus fire: Concentrate attacks to quickly reduce enemy numbers.
Bonus:
Use the "Help" action to revive downed allies or remove status effects like burning or bleeding.
4. How to Use Stealth and Dialogue Effectively
Not every obstacle requires brute force. Stealth and dialogue offer alternate paths and solutions that might even save lives—or ruin relationships.
Tips for Stealth
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Use shadows and crouch mode to stay hidden.
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Split your party to move a rogue ahead for scouting.
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Disarm traps or pickpocket enemies without starting combat.
Dialogue Tactics:
Invest in Charisma-based classes for better Persuasion and Deception checks. Backgrounds and race can also unlock unique dialogue options.
5. How to Explore and Navigate the World
The Forgotten Realms are filled with secrets, hidden paths, and valuable loot. Exploration rewards players with powerful gear, lore, and experience.
Exploration Guidelines
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Use Alt: Holding down the "Alt" key reveals interactive objects.
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Long rest often: Replenish spells and health while progressing camp stories.
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Check for secrets: Perception rolls reveal traps, switches, and secret doors.
Helpful Tip:
Interact with your environment—push enemies off cliffs, throw items, or shoot down suspended crates.
6. How to Manage Your Inventory and Equipment
Loot is abundant in Baldur’s Gate 3, but managing it well can be a challenge. Proper gear allocation and weight distribution can make or break an encounter.
Inventory Tips
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Use "Send to Camp" for items you want to save but don’t need immediately.
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Sort by weight, type, or value to find important gear fast.
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Distribute potions, scrolls, and arrows to relevant party members.
Gear Strategy:
Match weapons and armor to characters' proficiencies to avoid penalties. Don’t forget to equip magical gear and read item descriptions for hidden perks.
7. How to Build Relationships with Companions
Your party members are more than just tools for combat—they’re complex individuals with unique personalities, desires, and moral alignments.
Building Affinity
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Make choices that align with their values.
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Complete their personal quests.
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Talk to them during camp rests to unlock personal scenes.
Romance Mechanics:
Companions will open up romantically if your approval is high enough. Different events and dialogue unlock unique romantic paths.
8. How to Handle Moral Choices and Consequences
Baldur’s Gate 3 is rich with moral dilemmas that shape your story. From saving innocents to siding with dark forces, every choice matters.
Impact of Decisions
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Entire questlines may open or close.
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Characters might leave your party or betray you.
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Factions and towns react differently based on your actions.
Tip:
Use quick saves before major decisions so you can explore different outcomes without committing blindly.
9. How to Make the Most of Camp Life
Camp is where your team rests, converses, and plans. It’s also essential for progressing relationships, story arcs, and managing resources.
Camp Activities
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Trigger companion-specific scenes and backstory reveals.
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Craft and organize items via the stash.
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Prepare spells and swap party members.
Rituals and Long Rest:
Use a long rest to advance time, regain resources, and trigger major narrative beats. Keep food in your inventory to avoid long rest penalties.
10. How to Prepare for the Endgame
As you near the final acts, preparation becomes key. Battles become harder, choices more significant, and your legacy in Faerûn becomes cemented.
Final Steps
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Max out your companions’ gear and level.
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Revisit earlier areas for missed content or upgrades.
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Backup save before major quests or confrontations.
Endgame Advice:
Build a strategy for final battles, align your team for optimal synergy, and ensure your story arcs are complete for a satisfying ending.
Conclusion
Mastering Baldur's Gate 3 is a rewarding journey filled with deep systems, rich characters, and unforgettable decisions. From your first step in character creation to the climactic endgame, strategic planning, party synergy, and roleplaying finesse will elevate your adventure. Follow this guide to unlock the full potential of your playthrough and experience everything this fantasy epic has to offer.
