Baldur's Gate 3: Do You Need to Play Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 Before?

Vignesh Raghuram
Updated On: 
<div class="paragraphs"><p>Baldur's Gate 3</p></div>
Baldur's Gate 3

Cover-Credits: 

Larian Studios | Baldur's Gate 3

Highlights
Baldur's Gate 3 can be enjoyed without playing its predecessors, Baldur's Gate 1 and Baldur's Gate 2, as the newer game stands as a standalone adventure with its own unique gameplay mechanics and narrative set a century later.
Baldur's Gate 1 and Baldur's Gate 2 form a captivating saga, taking players on a journey from a 1st level orphan in Candlekeep to a formidable protagonist with a destiny shaped by momentous decisions in BG2's expansion, Throne of Bhaal.
For those looking to improve their skills before diving into Baldur's Gate 3, Divinity 2: Original Sin offers an ideal training ground, providing similar UI and gameplay elements and a tutorial that explains the physics engine and 3D world interactions.

Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most anticipated games of 2023 as the franchise has captured the hearts of gamers for decades with its rich storytelling and immersive gameplay in the past. With Baldur's Gate 3 confirmed to arrive on August 3rd for PC gamers, many enthusiasts are wondering whether they should venture into the world of its predecessors, Baldur's Gate 1 and Baldur's Gate 2, to enhance their experience. However, as exciting as those earlier games are, players can embark on their journey in Baldur's Gate 3 without playing any of the previous games.

The Story of Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2

Baldur's Gate 1

Baldur's Gate 1

Baldur's Gate 1 | Larian Studios

In the first installment, the protagonist, known as the Bhaalspawn, discovers their true heritage as the offspring of the god Bhaal, who had numerous mortal children. The story revolves around the protagonist's journey to unravel the mystery of their divine heritage while navigating political intrigue and treachery in the city of Baldur's Gate. Alongside a diverse group of companions, the Bhaalspawn confronts the iron grip of the iron throne and the threat of a sinister figure known as Sarevok, who seeks to unleash chaos and destruction. The quest takes them across the Sword Coast, battling hordes of enemies and ultimately culminating in a climactic showdown against Sarevok and the machinations of dark forces.

Baldur's Gate 2

Baldur's Gate 2

Baldur's Gate 2 | Larian Studios

Picking up from the events of the first game, the protagonist awakens in captivity, captured by a powerful sorceress named Jon Irenicus. The story unfolds as the Bhaalspawn seeks to uncover Irenicus's motives while attempting to escape his clutches. During the journey, the protagonist reunites with familiar companions and gathers new ones, forging powerful alliances. Their quest leads them through a web of personal trials, epic battles, and complex moral decisions. Along the way, they confront adversaries both old and new, including a formidable figure from their past. As the story progresses, the Bhaalspawn confronts their divine legacy, culminating in an epic battle against Irenicus and the realization of their true potential as a child of Bhaal. The choices made throughout the adventure influence the outcome of the tale and the protagonist's destiny.

However, this tale culminates with that installment, leaving no direct impact on Baldur's Gate 3's narrative, which takes place a century later and introduces an entirely new cast of characters.

Baldur’s Gate 3, despite its connection to the same world, will stand as a standalone adventure with its own distinct gameplay mechanics. Previous knowledge of Baldur’s Gate 1 and Baldur’s Gate 2 will hardly affect the way players engage with Baldur’s Gate 3, save for occasional nods or historical references

However, for those eager to sharpen their skills in preparation for Baldur's Gate 3, another title steps forward as an ideal training ground: Divinity 2: Original Sin. This game shares fundamental similarities with BG3, sporting a similar user interface and camera interface. 


Published On: 
author profile picture
Vignesh has been covering the esports industry for nearly 5 years starting with the early days of the DPC. His industry expertise includes experience in Dota 2, CS:GO and Mobile Esports coverage.