Baldur’s Gate 3is one of the biggest video game successes in the last few years, and that’s all thanks to the massive efforts of Larian Studios, faithfully recreating the world ofDungeons & Dragonsand continually improving on gameplay. Yet a natural part of transforming a TTRPG into a video game is considering what to leave behind and what to change. Here, oneBaldur’s Gate 3element stands out.
The key toD&Dis its combat system, but there are several complex parts that make up a good battle. InBG3, the environment takes its toll, far more than is implemented inD&D5e. Whatever comes ofD&Dnext, new rules could take inspiration from Larian.
BG3’s Environment Would be Suitable for an Immersive D&D Game
Environmental Hazards are Abundant and Effective in BG3
Everyencounter inBaldur’s Gate 3has the potential for environmental damage—and for players to take advantage of it themselves. Grease and oil can be used to engulf the map in flames (or oil barrels for explosions), or water can be turned into electrifying lightning or crippling ice. Poison can, well, poison, and acid can reduce a character’s Armor Class. Each effect has clearly written rules, butD&Dhasn’t actually codified them.
Aside from their basic impacts, including environmental conditions can teach players to be strategic in their combat. Mud and entanglements severely reduce movement speed, and several ofBG3’s Druid spells, for instance, create similar difficult terrain. For new players especially, being subject to the environment teaches them firsthand how useful their own spells can be against enemies.
Perhaps these elements are effective because it’s also not the first time Larian has played around with them.Divinity: Original Sin’s environmental hazardsare a major part of its combat, which made the game stand out at the time of release. It seemsBaldur’s Gate 3was the dev team’s way of refining that mechanic—and it certainly pays off.
DMs Could Learn Something From BG3’s Combat
This isn’t the only case ofBG3offering a valuable lesson toD&Ddungeon masters, from loot distribution to theStrange Ox’s storytelling potential. That is,Baldur’s Gate 3is successful in part for its ability to make tabletop gaming accessible. There’s no doubtD&Dis a complicated game, soBG3had to make that digestible and enjoyable, resulting in elements that might even work better if applied back to the table.
Baldur’s Gate’s combat environmentsare just one facet of a strategically exciting game, and half of a DM’s struggle is consistently presenting interesting challenges to their players. While individual DMs could make this more or less intense depending on player preference, environmental mechanics could add immersion and realism to the game.
As often seen inBG3, it can also convey a certain setting or provide easy trap fodder, for example. Grease on the floor is made deadly with fiery releases, as inthe Dank Crypt, or a flooded room that shocks the players with lightning, both of which create a sense of urgency and encourage problem-solving. A party traveling through a swamp is, because of the difficult terrain, going to do so at a much slower pace, or maybe visibility is reduced due to desert sandstorms.
All said, the fact thatD&Dhasn’t officially codified environmental effects is a missed opportunity, butBaldur’s Gate 3essentially proves why that should be the TTRPG’s next step.D&Dcan also explore many places thatBG3did not, meaning there’s more unexplored potential for environmental immersion—ultimately creating betterD&Dgames.
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.
