Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3is mere days away after nearly three years in Early Access, but some players may have to wait just a little longer on launch day itself. Developer Larian Studios spent July revealing and clarifying much about just how expansiveBaldur’s Gate 3is and has shed more light on the transition from Early Access to full release.
Thanks to an unforeseen but potentially wise release date change,Baldur’sGate 3will be fully playable nearly an entire month before its initial scheduled launch. Recent marketing for the highly anticipated RPG has claimed that not only would a standard playthrough take at least 70 hours,but that Baldur’s Gate 3 includes 174 hours of cinematics. Given thatStarfield, another highly anticipated, narrative-driven RPG, is due to release in mid-September, it makes sense that Larian would want as much as possible for its project to shine. But unlikeStarfield, which is currently able to preload,Baldur’s Gate 3will require a significant download on launch day.
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A Community Update published on Steam confirms that there will beno preloading ofBaldur’s Gate 3before the official release timeon August 3. The following paragraph states the full release to be approximately 122 GB and reaffirms that Early Access save games will be incompatible. AnyBaldur’s Gate 3purchase made through Steam/GOG includes both PC and Mac access and cross-save compatibility is available at launch. When the PlayStation 5 version arrives on September 6, players will be able to seamlessly continue their adventure on the console but note that a PS5 copy is sold separately.
Larian also notes that it is working to haveBaldur’s Gate 3’Steam Deck Verified' for launch asSteam considers the game ‘Playable’ on the Deckat the time of writing. However, for those with desktops and more expensive rigs,Baldur’s Gate 3is confirmed to be playable in 4K and on ultrawide monitors. A “good CPU and a GeForce 3060” would allegedly allow for 1440p at 60 FPS, with GeForce 4080/90 recommended for a 4K display, though using NVIDIA’s DLSS will likely enable less powerful setups to push beyond their usual limits.
What is probably the final Community Update before release goes on to discuss elements ofBaldur’s Gate 3that have been previously alluded to or left fans asking questions. A skill tree boasting twenty-five mind-flayer-inspired abilities is there for players to indulge in or not, irrespective of the class chosen during character creation. And if prior character choices are not performing as well as expected, players will be able torespec their entire party inBaldur’s Gate 3. However, Larian does offer a caveat, drawing attention to the fact that an Origin story and their class are deeply intertwined. Nonetheless, in the interest of roleplaying, the option is there.
Baldur’s Gate 3is set to release on June 16, 2025, for PC and July 03, 2025, for PS5.
