How to Play Multiplayer Baldur's Gate 3: A Guide to Conquering the Forgotten Realms with Friends and a Dash of Chaos

How to Play Multiplayer Baldur's Gate 3: A Guide to Conquering the Forgotten Realms with Friends and a Dash of Chaos

Baldur’s Gate 3, the highly anticipated RPG from Larian Studios, offers players a rich, immersive experience in the Forgotten Realms. While the single-player campaign is a masterpiece in its own right, the multiplayer mode adds a whole new layer of excitement, strategy, and, let’s face it, chaos. Whether you’re a seasoned Dungeons & Dragons veteran or a newcomer to the world of Faerûn, playing Baldur’s Gate 3 with friends can be an unforgettable adventure. But how do you navigate the complexities of multiplayer mode? And what happens when your rogue decides to pickpocket the party’s healer mid-battle? Let’s dive into the intricacies of multiplayer Baldur’s Gate 3 and explore how to make the most of your co-op experience.

1. Setting Up Your Multiplayer Session

Before you can embark on your journey through the Forgotten Realms with your friends, you’ll need to set up your multiplayer session. Baldur’s Gate 3 offers both online and local co-op options, so you can choose the method that best suits your group.

Online Multiplayer

To play online, you’ll need to create a lobby and invite your friends. Here’s how:

  1. Launch the Game: Start Baldur’s Gate 3 and select “Multiplayer” from the main menu.
  2. Create a Lobby: Choose “Create Lobby” and set your preferences, such as the number of players (up to 4) and whether you want to allow drop-in/drop-out play.
  3. Invite Friends: Once your lobby is set up, you can invite friends via Steam, GOG, or other platforms. You can also share a lobby code for easy access.
  4. Start the Game: Once everyone has joined, the host can start the game, and you’ll all be transported to the character creation screen.

Local Co-Op

For those who prefer couch co-op, Baldur’s Gate 3 supports local multiplayer with split-screen functionality. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Connect Controllers: Ensure that all players have their controllers connected to the same PC or console.
  2. Start the Game: Launch Baldur’s Gate 3 and select “Multiplayer” from the main menu.
  3. Join the Game: The second player can join by pressing the appropriate button on their controller. The game will automatically split the screen, allowing both players to explore the world simultaneously.

2. Character Creation and Party Composition

One of the most exciting aspects of Baldur’s Gate 3 is the deep character customization. In multiplayer, each player creates their own character, which means you’ll need to coordinate with your friends to ensure a balanced party.

Choosing Your Class

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a variety of classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Here are some tips for choosing your class in a multiplayer setting:

  • Fighter: A versatile melee class that can deal and absorb damage. Great for players who enjoy being on the front lines.
  • Wizard: A spellcaster with a wide range of magical abilities. Perfect for players who love strategic thinking and controlling the battlefield.
  • Rogue: A stealthy class that excels in sneaking, lockpicking, and dealing high burst damage. Ideal for players who enjoy a more tactical approach.
  • Cleric: A support class that can heal and buff allies while also dealing damage. Essential for keeping the party alive during tough battles.
  • Ranger: A ranged combat specialist with a focus on survival and exploration. Great for players who enjoy a mix of combat and utility.

Balancing Your Party

While it’s tempting to have everyone play their favorite class, it’s important to ensure that your party is well-rounded. A balanced party typically includes:

  • Tank: A character with high health and armor who can absorb damage and protect the rest of the party.
  • Damage Dealer: A character who can deal high amounts of damage, either through melee or ranged attacks.
  • Support: A character who can heal, buff, and debuff, ensuring the party stays in fighting shape.
  • Utility: A character who can handle exploration, lockpicking, and other non-combat tasks.

Coordinating Abilities

In multiplayer, communication is key. Make sure to discuss your characters’ abilities and how they can complement each other. For example, a rogue’s sneak attack can be devastating when combined with a fighter’s ability to hold enemies in place. Similarly, a wizard’s area-of-effect spells can be even more effective when the party coordinates to group enemies together.

3. Navigating the World Together

Baldur’s Gate 3’s world is vast and filled with secrets, quests, and dangers. In multiplayer, you’ll need to work together to explore, solve puzzles, and overcome challenges.

Exploration

While exploring, it’s important to stick together, but also to divide tasks efficiently. For example, one player can focus on searching for hidden items while another scouts ahead for enemies. However, be cautious—splitting up too much can lead to unexpected encounters that the party may not be prepared for.

Dialogue and Decision-Making

In multiplayer, dialogue choices are shared, and the party must decide together how to respond. This can lead to some hilarious (or tense) moments, especially if your group has differing opinions on how to handle a situation. Remember, the game’s story can change dramatically based on your choices, so choose wisely—or not, depending on how chaotic your group wants to be.

Combat

Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 is turn-based, which means each player takes their turn to move, attack, or use abilities. In multiplayer, coordination is crucial. Here are some tips for successful combat:

  • Positioning: Make sure your party is positioned effectively. Tanks should be in the front, while ranged characters and spellcasters should stay back.
  • Focus Fire: Coordinate your attacks to focus on one enemy at a time. This will help you take down threats more quickly.
  • Use the Environment: Baldur’s Gate 3’s combat system allows you to use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can push enemies off cliffs, set oil spills on fire, or use height to gain a tactical advantage.
  • Revive Fallen Allies: If a party member falls in battle, make sure to revive them as soon as possible. A cleric’s healing spells or a scroll of revivify can bring them back into the fight.

4. Dealing with Chaos and Conflict

Let’s face it—playing Baldur’s Gate 3 with friends can be chaotic. Whether it’s a rogue stealing from the party, a wizard accidentally setting the entire group on fire, or a heated debate over which dialogue option to choose, multiplayer can be unpredictable. Here are some tips for dealing with the chaos:

  • Embrace the Chaos: Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from unexpected events. If your rogue decides to pickpocket the party’s healer mid-battle, roll with it and see where the story takes you.
  • Set Ground Rules: Before starting the game, it can be helpful to set some ground rules. For example, agree not to steal from each other or to discuss major decisions before making them.
  • Communication is Key: Keep the lines of communication open. If something is bothering you, speak up. A little communication can go a long way in preventing conflicts.
  • Have Fun: At the end of the day, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game, and the goal is to have fun. Don’t take things too seriously, and enjoy the ride.

5. Advanced Tips for Multiplayer Success

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are some advanced strategies you can use to take your multiplayer experience to the next level.

Synergize Abilities

Some abilities and spells work particularly well together. For example, a wizard’s “Grease” spell can create a slippery surface that slows enemies, while a fighter’s “Shove” ability can push enemies into the grease, causing them to fall prone. Experiment with different combinations to find powerful synergies.

Use Stealth to Your Advantage

Stealth can be a powerful tool in Baldur’s Gate 3, especially in multiplayer. A rogue can sneak ahead to scout out enemies, set traps, or even pick off isolated foes before the rest of the party engages. Just make sure the rest of the party is ready to back them up if things go south.

Manage Resources Wisely

In Baldur’s Gate 3, resources like spell slots, health potions, and ammunition are limited. Make sure to manage these resources carefully, especially during long dungeon crawls. It’s often a good idea to rest and replenish your resources before taking on a major boss or encounter.

Adapt to Your Party’s Playstyle

Every group is different, and what works for one party might not work for another. Pay attention to how your friends like to play and adapt your strategy accordingly. If your group prefers a more cautious approach, take your time and plan your moves carefully. If they enjoy a more chaotic, improvisational style, embrace the unpredictability and see where the story takes you.

6. Conclusion: The Joy of Multiplayer Baldur’s Gate 3

Playing Baldur’s Gate 3 in multiplayer is a unique and rewarding experience. It allows you to share the joys, challenges, and surprises of the game with friends, creating memories that will last long after the final boss has been defeated. Whether you’re coordinating your attacks in a tense battle, debating the moral implications of your choices, or simply laughing at the absurdity of your rogue’s antics, multiplayer Baldur’s Gate 3 offers something for everyone.

So gather your party, venture forth, and may your adventures in the Forgotten Realms be filled with glory, laughter, and just a little bit of chaos.


Q: Can I play Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer with more than 4 players? A: No, Baldur’s Gate 3 currently supports up to 4 players in multiplayer mode.

Q: Can I join a multiplayer game if I haven’t played the single-player campaign? A: Yes, you can join a multiplayer game without having played the single-player campaign. However, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics and story before jumping into multiplayer.

Q: Can I switch between single-player and multiplayer modes? A: Yes, you can switch between single-player and multiplayer modes, but your progress in each mode is separate. You’ll need to create a new character for multiplayer if you want to play with friends.

Q: What happens if a player disconnects during a multiplayer session? A: If a player disconnects, they can rejoin the game as long as the host doesn’t close the lobby. Their character will be controlled by the AI until they return.

Q: Can I play Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer on different platforms? A: Currently, Baldur’s Gate 3 does not support cross-platform play. You’ll need to play with friends on the same platform (PC, Mac, or Stadia).