Today, developer Larian Studios revealed the early access release date for their highly anticipated sequel, Baldur’s Gate 3. The announcement was made during the developer’s Panel from Hell livestream, which also included a closer look at some of the game’s early access content. You can watch the full livestream in all of its hellish glory below.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Panel from Hell
Baldur’s Gate 3 will enter early access on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 on Steam and Google Stadia. Players will get a chance to experience Baldur’s Gate 3’s first act during early access.
During today’s Panel from Hell, Larian Studios Creative Director Swen Vincke (who certainly dressed for the occasion) explored the choice-driven dialogue options players will encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3. Vincke also put the scope of the game into perspective by comparing the size of Baldur’s Gate 3’s first act to that of Divinity: Original Sin 2, Larian’s most recently released RPG. Here is how the two games stack up:
- Number of combat encounters: 22 in DOS2 EA vs. 80 in BG3 EA
- Number of English dialogue lines: 17,600 in DOS2 EA vs. 45,980 in BG3 EA
- Number of characters: 142 in DOS2 EA vs. 596 in BG3 EA
- Number of spells/actions: 69 in DOS2 EA vs. 146 in BG3 EA
Although the full roster of races and classes will become available closer to launch, Larian has confirmed that players will have five Origin characters to choose from in early access. Here they are:
- Astarion (Elf/Vampire Rogue)
- Gale (Human Wizard)
- Lae’zel (Githyanki Warrior)
- Shadowheart (Half-Elf Cleric)
- Wyll (Human Warlock)
Larian had previously aimed for Baldur’s Gate 3 to enter early access in August. However, the team needed a bit more time. Hopefully the September launch date sticks so that fans can dive into Avernus sooner rather than later. Be sure to check back here for more Baldur’s Gate 3 news and updates.