Baldur’s Gate 3could have easily been a major game of the year contender in 2020. However, instead of fully launchingBaldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios decided to release it in Early Access. Patches would then roll out month to month, expanding the game’s story and features. Such is the case for December, as Larian’s now released its Community Update 11 which details plans for Patch 3. The patch details major feature changes, as well as more typical bug fixes and balance changes.
The first big change is perfect for players who may approachBaldur’s Gate 3trying to actively avoid combat, an increasingly popular approach toDungeons & Dragons. According to Larian, early feedback made it clear that players didn’t feel appropriately rewarded for managing to avoid combat in, or forced into combat to properly handle a situation. Larian now says that “pacifists will be able to carve out a journey more true to your character’s identity” in Patch 3. The Larian team also cites an early encounter with goblins where 56% of players avoided combat.
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Second up is another issue that’s important toimmersion withinBaldur’s Gate 3. Larian says that player feedback persuaded them that companions were being too negative and nitpicky with the player. In Patch 3, these characters will start “focusing more on the bigger picture” and will become more tolerant. This includes a more balanced attitude where they key in on things they do like in balance with things they don’t. They’ll still have strong personalities, but hopefully won’t feel like brewing villains in training.
The last big change thatBaldur’s Gate 3players will notice as they’re progressing has to do withdialogue checks. Specifically, dialogue checks that may end up locking the player out of content. Due to feedback, Larian’s decided it’s been a bit too harsh with how a single roll in a dialogue check can lock players out of content. As such, Larian is making these checks easier to succeed. That doesn’t mean players won’t be locked out of things, won’t fail certain checks. It means that when they do, they’ll really deserve it.
A bunch of smaller but meaningfulPatch 3 changeshave also been made. For example, when doing a successful gymnastics check, the party will automatically follow rather than having to be moved individually, passing their own checks. An extra short rest will also be provided, so adventuring will be smoother and require fewer long rests. Next, Larian buffed “true” spells that have finite uses, so that they’re better balanced compared to reusable cantrips.
There are plenty of other changes, including big additions like cross-saves. Larian is moving hard and fast to expand and growBaldur’s Gate 3. It may still be inEarly Access, but perhaps it’ll be complete enough in Larian’s eyes to be up for Game of the Year in 2021.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available now on PC and Stadia.
