Summary
- Magic items impact combat and character builds in Baldur's Gate 3.
- Specific magical items may limit player experimentation and force undesired character builds.
- Larian Studios faces a dilemma regarding whether to keep build-specific magic items or make them universal.
Developed by Larian Studios, Baldur's Gate 3 gained critical acclaim for its intricate depiction of an immersive DnD game. The choices players can make are seemingly limitless, giving the game great replayability and the opportunity to make creative moves. From the first few minutes of the game, players are free to create the character they please with strengths and weaknesses that mesh with one's play style.
Magic items are one of the important aspects of combat and, when used correctly, they allow a player to dominate a battle. However, using magic items to their full potential requires the right build, which can be hard to pull off. Future Baldur's Gate 3 sequels have a tough choice to make regarding how they handle magic items and player builds.
Baldur's Gate 3: Weapons You Can Only Craft
Similar to other RPGs, players of Baldur’s Gate 3 have the opportunity to create a wide variety of items to use in their playthroughs.
Magic Items and Character Builds in Baldur's Gate 3
In Baldur's Gate 3, magic items can impact how a player approaches combat and thus the build of their character. This can be seen, for example, with Absolute-themed magic items, which offer advantages for players who know how to use them correctly. They require the player to receive the Brand of the Absolute, which in turn allows for the use of Absolute-themed items for great benefits.
To receive the Brand of the Absolute, players have to agree to let a character be branded by Gut in the Goblin Camp. With a little creativity, a character built around Absolute-themed items can be incredibly powerful. For example, a Cleric who aligns with the Absolute might receive boosts to healing spells or unique defensive abilities that make them an integral part of their party.
There are Downsides to Magic Items Requiring Specific Character Builds in Baldur's Gate 3
One of the biggest downsides is that magic items such as the Absolute-themed items may be nearly useless to players who aren't dedicated enough to stick to a suitable build. For instance, players focusing on a Sorcerer or Druid build might find valuable gear that is tailored for Warriors or Rogues, but they won't be able to take full advantage of these items. This could lead to a sense of disappointment and dissuade players from experimenting with different magical items.
When magic items require specific builds, it also locks players into that same character build that they may not have been planning on using. This can be frustrating in a game like Baldur's Gate 3, where expert character-building requires a long-term strategy. It could also 'force' a player to abandon their initial vision for their character, though no actual pressure is exerted.
The Next Baldur's Gate 3 Game Has a Tough Choice to Make
With the next Baldur's Gate 3 game, Larian Studios will have to make important choices regarding magic items. The easiest move would be to retain build-specific magic items. It would be something players are used to already, reducing the need to introduce new mechanics. It's also worth noting that build-specific items encourage players to experiment with builds they may not have considered, which is positive if players end up creating a character they sync well with.
On the other hand, making magic items more universal allows players to be more creative with their character builds. Instead of aiming for a specific build just to take full advantage of a magic item, players can use magic items regardless of what build they are working with. This will ensure that all players can utilize magic items independent of their character builds.
Baldur's Gate 3's magic item design has an interesting effect on the overall game. It leads players to specific builds which can be fulfilling if it entails trying strategies they would not normally think of. However, it can also prevent players from making the most of magic items if they have the wrong build. It will be up to Baldur's Gate 4's developers to determine what's the best move to make to please players while ensuring magic items still feel special.
Baldur's Gate 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full cross-platform play.
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.
THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCE
Choose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.
A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPIC
Forged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian's next-generation RPG engine.
- Cross Save
- Full cross-platform progression.
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 100+ Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
