BG3: Do I need to Play Baldur's Gate 1 and 2? Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough

Is the game friendly for newcomer? Our guide explains whether you need to play BG1 or BG2, and whether BG3 has options to make gameplay easier for new players.

Last update: 03 August 2023

Before playing BG3, you may be asking yourself whether knowing Baldurs Gate 1 and Baldurs Gate 2 is necessary to understand the plot and the premises of the world of Forgotten Realms better. From this page of our guide, you'll learn whether Baldurs Gate 3's plot is friendly to newcomers and people that don't have the knowledge of the rules of paperback Dungeons & Dragons or aren't acquainted with turn-based role-playing games.

• Is knowledge of the plot of BG1 and BG2 required?
• Do I need to be well-versed in turn-based games mechanics and the DnD system?

Is knowledge of the plot of BG1 and BG2 required?

1. The action of Baldur's Gate 3 starts about a hundred years after the events of the previous installment of the series, specifically the Throne of Bhaal expansion to the game Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. We are once again taken to the world of Forgotten Realms with its crown city of Baldur's Gate.
2. The story presented in BG3 is a completely new story and there is no need to know or recall the events from the previous installments of the series. The new plot focuses on the invasion of the Ilithids (Mind Flayers), in which the main protagonist will be entangled.
3. Nevertheless, you can encounter several characters known from previous installments of Baldur's Gate (this is due, for example, due to their unnatural lifespan or being resurrected), and encounter various references to people or significant events from the past.

But, in case you want to know the full story, we have what you need - from this page of our BG3 guide, you can access detailed summaries of all the previous parts of the series.

1. "Baldur's Gate Saga" - This is a condensed summary of the two previous BG installments along with their expansions.
2. Baldur's Gate 1 - on this page you can find descriptions and rundowns of all chapters of the first installment of the BG series, including Tales from Sword Coast and Siege of Dragonspear expansions.
3. Baldur's Gate 2 Shadows of Amn - on this page, you can find a rundown of all Chapters of the second installment of the Baldur's Gate series
4. "Baldur's Gate 2 Throne of Bhaal" - the final page of the chapter describes the plot of a major expansion to BG2 which continues the events from the base game.

Do I need to be well-versed in turn-based games mechanics and the DnD system?

1. All of the main gameplay mechanics in BG3 are based on the pen-and-paper RPG system Dungeons & Dragons, which affects, among other things, character stats and the way damage is dealt and received. Familiarity with the current DnD rules is not mandatory, although it may facilitate character development and the creation of optimal builds or creating an effective party.
2. Baldur's Gate 3 uses a turn-based system for combat which places a lot of emphasis on the correct use of abilities, attacks, or spells, as well as right approach to encountered dangers (e.g. opponents with unique attacks or resistances). Fortunately, understanding the basics of this system is quite easy. Not being familiar with turn-based RPGs doesn't have to be an obstacle, nor does it have to be a huge disadvantage if you preferred the combat system from BG1 and BG2. Over time, you should perform better and get used to new mechanics.
3. In BG3, you have a choice of various difficulty levels, from the lowest, "Story" which allows for much easier victories in combat, freeing you to focus more on the plot and exploration. In the game, you have access to numerous tutorials that explain statistics or certain mechanics, as well as can modify the difficulty level even in the middle of a playthrough.
4. As your knowledge of the game grows, you can start an approach to more complex topics, such as multiclass heroes or unique combinations of abilities or spells. Less experienced players should however stick to simpler, proven techniques. An additional convenience is the ability to reset the character so you can create it from scratch again. This eliminates the risk of creating a completely ineffective build. Moreover, you can do so without interrupting the course of the current campaign.

For more information and insight regarding the world of BG3, you can visit the Universe chapter of our guide.

1. Introduction - a good place for information regarding the setting and main elements of the plot of BG3.
2. What is DnD and Forgotten Realms? - on this page we describe the assumptions of the pen-and-paper RPG system and introduce you to the world of Faerun.
3. World of the game - from this page, you can learn more about Sword Coast and Amn regions.
4. Gods, Factions, and Heroes - here you can find more information about the Gods of the world, Factions, and important people from Baldur's Gate.