If you’re stepping into Larian Studios’ massive RPG for the first time, this beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 is crafted just for you. Whether you want to master turn-based combat, understand ability scores, or get a grip on dice rolls, this guide will walk you through everything you need to begin confidently in the land of Faerûn.
What Is Baldur’s Gate 3?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a story-rich, tactical RPG based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5e ruleset. Unlike traditional action RPGs, the game uses a turn-based system, where each move counts and even dialogue choices are impacted by dice rolls.
Every character decision, from class and race to inventory and dialogue, affects your path. That’s why starting with a solid beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 can make your entire experience more immersive and rewarding.
Character Creation: Choose Wisely
Character creation is your first major step. This process shapes everything: your combat style, dialogue skills, and even how the world reacts to you.
Pick a Race and Class
Your character’s race gives passive bonuses. For example, Elves may have better Dexterity, while Githyanki offer combat advantages. Choosing the right class, like Fighter, Rogue, or Wizard, defines your abilities in battle.
This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 suggests picking a class that suits your style. For those new to RPGs, simpler classes like Fighter or Ranger can ease the learning curve.
Understand Ability Scores
There are six core ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. These influence how your character performs in specific actions:
- Dexterity helps with stealth and ranged combat
- Charisma boosts your influence in dialogue
- Constitution affects your health and stamina
Each score plays a vital role in ability checks. If your character is proficient in a skill, you’ll get an extra proficiency bonus when that skill is tested.
Turn-Based Combat: Plan Every Move
Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 is turn-based, allowing time for calculated strategies. Rather than chaotic clicking, every encounter is a sequence of thoughtful turns where tactics win battles.
Actions, Bonus Actions, and Movement
Each character’s turn includes:
- One action (such as attack or spellcasting)
- One bonus action (like shove, dash, or special class moves)
- Movement based on your speed attribute
Use bonus actions wisely, they can help escape danger, reposition, or gain a combat advantage. This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 advises checking each class’s unique bonus action options to fully utilize your turn.
Mastering Dice Rolls and Ability Checks
The game simulates traditional tabletop mechanics using dice rolls, especially the d20 (20-sided die). Whether you’re persuading an NPC, leaping across gaps, or disarming traps, outcomes often rely on these rolls.
What Are Ability Checks?
Ability checks are triggered whenever your character attempts a skill-based task. A high Intelligence may help read ancient texts, while Athletics might let you climb over rubble. If your character is proficient in that skill, you’ll roll with a higher success chance.
This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 encourages players to learn which stats influence which checks, knowing this can prevent failure in critical moments.
Explore the World Boldly
Exploration is at the heart of Baldur’s Gate. Every area hides secrets, and much of your success depends on curiosity. Look for hidden passageways, listen for NPC whispers, and examine every corner of a room.
Many discoveries are tied to passive Perception, meaning your character might notice traps or clues just by being nearby. This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 urges players to explore thoroughly, some of the best gear and story moments are off the beaten path.
Build the Right Party
As you progress, you’ll meet companions who can join your adventure. Each one has distinct skills, classes, and personalities. Party balance is crucial, especially in a turn-based game.
A well-rounded party typically includes:
- A frontliner (Fighter, Paladin)
- A healer (Cleric, Druid)
- A damage dealer (Rogue, Warlock)
- A magic user (Wizard, Sorcerer)
This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 recommends experimenting with different combinations to handle everything from traps to difficult boss fights.
Choices Matter: Dialogue and Morality
Dialogue in Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just flavor, it’s gameplay. NPCs react differently based on your responses, and ability checks often appear mid-conversation.
For example, you might get a Persuasion option to avoid combat, but a failed dice roll could trigger a fight. That’s why understanding your character’s Charisma and proficiencies is important.
Choices can lead to lasting consequences, altering the world, relationships, and even your ending. This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 reminds you: every word counts.
Manage Gear, Loot, and Inventory
Gear management in Baldur’s Gate 3 can impact combat as much as character stats. Weapons, armor, and accessories often come with special effects, some adding fire damage, others granting extra dice rolls.
- Use potions and scrolls as bonus actions during battle
- Equip only what you’re proficient with to avoid penalties
- Keep an eye on encumbrance, exceeding it slows your movement
Don’t hoard everything. Sell unused loot to merchants and upgrade your inventory frequently. This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 suggests maintaining clean, optimized loadouts to avoid clutter and boost efficiency.
Save Often, Experiment Freely
One of the best parts of Baldur’s Gate 3 is its flexibility. You can try multiple approaches to any challenge. Can’t convince a guard? Sneak around. Failed a Strength check? Use magic instead.
This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 recommends saving before important moments, dialogue, battles, or big decisions. You’re free to fail, learn, and try again.
Use the Environment to Win Fights
Your surroundings are tools. Push enemies off cliffs, use barrels to explode fire traps, or lure enemies into icy surfaces. These tactics turn seemingly tough battles into manageable ones.
- Shove can be used as a bonus action to knock foes down
- Create Water and Lightning make powerful combos
- Use High Ground for better ranged attacks
This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 encourages creative use of terrain to outsmart stronger enemies.
Conclusion: Make Your Story Legendary
With everything from dice rolls and ability checks to character builds and party dynamics, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a complex yet incredibly rewarding RPG. This beginners guide to Baldur’s Gate 3 has given you the tools to succeed, but your choices will shape the journey.
Explore bravely. Fight cleverly. Choose boldly. The world of Baldur’s Gate is waiting for your story.
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