Summary
With the variation that’s possible within a given playthrough, the differing interactions available as a consequence ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s extensive character creation have served as a major strength of the modern take on a CRPG. Despite the depth of choice that can be found in this system, however, one area of customization falls short when compared to how it’s handled in tabletop and other similar video games. The deities of the Forgotten Realms have been a fundamental part of its world-building from the very beginning, butBaldur’s Gate 3severely limits the impact that a player’s faith can have outside just one class.
The companion Shadowheart is likely to have made an impact on many players through her devout faith in the goddess Shar, but those who don’t choose to be Clerics alongside her may be under the impression that the importance of her religion is exclusive to her and few other characters. With even Paladins only able to choose between different oaths instead of explicit gods, playing as aCleric inBaldur’s Gate 3is the only way to solidly choose a deity to worship. Considering the ultimately niche nature of the unique dialogue options that this choice affects, restricting this feature to such a small portion of the player base may have been a wasted opportunity.
Deity Selection Adds Another Layer of Depth to RPG Character Creation
The Influence of the Gods of the Forgotten Realms
Receiving divine powers courtesy of a given god is a crucial aspect ofDungeons and Dragons' Clerics, but this sort of devotion is not limited to just one class in the greaterDnDlore. Gods play a significant role in the daily lives of many residents of the FR setting, capable of representing a character’s values and affecting their interactions with others of varying faiths. In a world where these beings have a tangible presence that is documented and informs the flow of magic itself, they affect far more than just one class.
How Other CRPGs Handle Deities
Through systems found in titles within the same genre, like the acclaimedPathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous' Deities and Alignments, these decisions have been completely separated from class. While having a similar effect on dialogue options and their outcomes to how this dynamic is handled inBG3, the bigger presence of the gods inWotRmakes it possible for these conversations to have much more weight and lasting consequences.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Characters Apart from Clerics Should Be Able to Acknowledge Their Faith
On top of the immersion already provided through NPC interactions and environmental storytelling, the roleplaying experience of interacting withgods inBaldur’s Gate 3could be further enhanced by allowing all character classes to choose a god to worship. There are greater political or cultural implications to having faith in an evil god outside of just being a Cleric. For example, a Drow’s relationship with Lolth should have a significant impact on their life no matter what route they take.
The Gods Are Underrepresented in General
Deities in the Forgotten Realmsare diverse enough to correspond to traits that are valuable to every playstyle, such as Mask’s complementing of Rogues or Mystra’s omnipotence over arcane magic. It could even be argued that being a Wizard with faith in the goddess of magic makes more sense than being a Cleric of Mystra, but only the latter can be chosen inBaldur’s Gate 3. While it may have made huge strides in aligning itself withDnDtradition, the subtle yet vast lore of the gods has been far from properly reflected in most playthroughs.
Baldur’s Gate 3
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 EXPERIENCEChoose 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 EPICForged 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.
