Summary
The breakout success ofBaldur’s Gate 3has fans clamoring for a sequel already, even with the game being shy of its first anniversary. When the continuation ofBaldur’s Gate 3does eventually come, there’s one iconic antagonist that should play a role.
Little is known about what shapethe sequel toBaldur’s Gate 3will take, and understandably so. Though massively popular already, Larian’s addition to the long history ofD&Dis still quite young;Baldur’s Gate 3has plenty of longevity left, with no signs of its appeal petering out yet. However, fans have been made aware by Hasbro that there will be aBaldur’s Gate 4— but that it won’t be helmed by Larian. While this will definitely open the series up to even more changes, Larian’s directional shifts and new iconography will likely remain intact, considering how its game brought bothD&DandBaldur’s Gateto new heights of fame.
Vecna Should Make An Appearance In Baldur’s Gate 4
One thing many fans want from such a sequel would be new entries inBaldur’s Gate 3’s pantheon of bosses. In particular, a great shout for such a game would be the inclusion of more iconicD&Dfoes, such as the vampire Count Strahd or demon prince Orcus. However, there’s one evil that stands above all others in the TTRPG’s history, one that’s been especially popular in recent years. Vecna, the lich-turned-god master of evil secrets, has been making the rounds after media likeStranger ThingsandCritical Rolemade him a household name. With his own new module and a cameo inDead by Daylight, making Vecna a villain inBaldur’s Gate 4is a natural next step.
Vecna Is One Of D&D’s Biggest Mascots Now
The Netflix hitStranger Thingsand live-play showCritical Roleare the two biggest factors behindD&D 5e’s outrageous success, and both have featured Vecna as a major antagonist. Moreover, the Whispering One was already a powerhouse in the TTRPG. His adjacent magic items, the Hand and Eye of Vecna, have been in the game since 1976, just two years after its inception. Massive modules likeVecna Lives!andDie Vecna Die!were also landmarks inD&D’s history, setting the groundwork formodern modules likeVecna: Eve of Ruin.
With this in mind, it would be a big win for fans if WOTC letBaldur’s Gate 4players face off with Vecna. However, there is an argument that, now that Vecna has his own fifth edition moduleandDead by Daylightcameo, overexposure could be a concern. WOTC seemingly wants Vecna to beD&D’s Thanos, but there are other villains (like Tiamat or Asmodeus) that are at risk of falling by the wayside. On the other hand, withEve of Ruinand Vecna’s fifth edition statblock seeing a mixed reception, it might be worth taking another stab at the combat stats behind the dark god.
Vecna Encapsulates D&D Villainy
In terms of Vecna’s own appeal, there are many reasons why he is so beloved. One is his ties to the game’s folklore. His name is an anagram of Jack Vance, a fantasy author who inspiredD&D’s magic system — while the Hand and Eye of Vecna were inspired by the Hand of Kwll and the Eye of Rhynn from the works of Michael Moorcock. Vecna is interwoven within the very fabric ofD&D’s roots and history, and he will continue to be so.
More pressingly, Vecna is the god of evil secrets; he is the epitome of a cunning BBEG.Any goodD&Dcampaignthat features Vecna will have him lead the players down a wild goose chase, one filled with red herrings and magical misdirection. Every dirty DM trick — every unprompted roll or traitorous NPC — is encapsulated within Vecna. The Whispering One is a threat that will always have the upper hand, at least until the players finally outwit him and turn the tables.
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.
