Summary
- Dark Urge is a customizable Origin character in Baldur's Gate 3 with a unique background and history.
- The relationship between Dark Urge and Orin, a major antagonist, is underdeveloped and could benefit from more screen time and interaction.
- More opportunities to explore Orin and Dark Urge's backstory through flashbacks and conversations could have improved their character development and relationships.
The Dark Urge is one of the seven Origin characters available in Baldur's Gate 3. Unlike the other Origin characters, the Dark Urge's class and appearance are fully customizable but stand apart from a custom character in that they have an established background and history that's tied to the main plot of Baldur's Gate 3. The Dark Urge's history is a mystery in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3 but is slowly revealed as they progress through the story, where all becomes clear in Act 3.
This article contains spoilers for Act 3 of the Dark Urge's story of Baldur's Gate 3.
One of the ways in which the Dark Urge stands out from a custom character is that they have multiple connections to the major antagonists of Act 3, namely Orin and Gortash. Orin, in particular, is the Dark Urge's closest relative. Unfortunately, the relationship between Orin and the Dark Urge is only introduced in Act 3 thanks to the necessity of the plot, but even then it's not explored to the extent that it could have been.
All Baldur's Gate 3 Bosses (BG3 Boss List)
Those hoping to complete every potential boss fight in Baldur's Gate 3 are going to have their work cut out for them, as there are around 50 in total.
Orin Needs More Screentime as an Antagonist in Baldur's Gate 3
Orin's betrayal of the Dark Urge is what sets off the chain of events that begins Baldur's Gate 3. The relationship between the two lies at the heart of the story, but the Dark Urge barely interacts with Orin any more than any of the other Origin characters or a custom Tav does, aside from a few different lines. The biggest key difference is the duel between the Dark Urge and Orin, but a single cutscene with narration that summarizes information that the player already knows, that the Dark Urge was the leader of the Bhaalist cult and Orin betrayed them, doesn't encapsulate the depth of the betrayal.
Instead, the player has to extrapolate based on comments from Sceleritas Fel and Sarevok. Sceleritas comments that killing Orin is "sororicide", implying Orin is a sister to the Dark Urge, while Sarevok gives a more complete and detached overview of the Dark Urge's life in the Bhaal Temple, where Orin grew up, and the Dark Urge joined later in their childhood.
How Baldur's Gate 3 Could Have Established The Dark Urge and Orin's Past
What was needed was an opportunity to establish what the Dark Urge and Orin's relationship was like before the betrayal, and how the Dark Urge felt about Orin as their sister after returning, possibly through a conversation that didn't have to do with the Netherstones, or even by discussing Orin with their companions in a way that went beyond her role as the story's villain. Orin and Gortash both suffer the same problem where they fall short of Ketheric as antagonists in Act 3 because Ketheric is humanized more thanks to his story with Isobel.
Gortash and Orin's backstories are more tragic than Ketheric's, and both of them are products of abuse. Unfortunately, both of their stories are told through letters and comments from NPCs that are easily overlooked or hard to find. For a character like Orin, who plays such a fundamental role in the Dark Urge's life, that's a missed opportunity.
The Dark Urge has two possible major flashbacks, one if they eat the Noblestalk, and another if they are Healed at Level 12. Another flashback such as this, along with a conversation discussing the flashback with Orin or a party member, would have gone a long way in humanizing both Orin and the Dark Urge, and it would have been a great opportunity for roleplaying what life was like in the Bhaal temple.
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
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 EXPERIENCE
Choose 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 EPIC
Forged 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.
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 100+ Hours
- Metascore
- 96
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
