Summary
- Baldur's Gate 3 introduces original spells, enhancing the lore and world-building beyond D&D standards.
- The game offers a depth of magic options for spellcasters, with exclusive spells that tie into the game's unique scenario.
- The sequel could expand on spellcasting by introducing new thematically-relevant spells to complement the evolving themes of the game.
Baldur's Gate 3 has garnered notable acclaim for its take on the Dungeons and Dragons 5e ruleset, largely remaining true to much of the tabletop format while making the transition to the medium of video games. Now that anticipation is building for a sequel, however, several standout aspects of Baldur's Gate 3 which are original to its adaptation could end up being a boon to the next installment. Apart from locations and characters that were created just for the game, the lineup of new spells it introduced has set the tone for one of the most meaningful contributions that the next Baldur's Gate could bring.
There's no shortage of magic for the player to choose from when building a spellcaster in BG3, as the game includes an unprecedented depth of options considering its high-fidelity presentation. Larian Studios also went beyond just adapting from Dungeons and Dragons, providing original spells that complement the unique scenario that the developer built the title upon. If the follow-up to BG3 hopes to capture a similar feeling within its own setting, repeating this approach would be effective in further highlighting the series' innovative nature.
Baldur's Gate 3's Original Spells Largely Serve to Support Its Lore and World-Building
It takes place in the pre-existing context of the Forgotten Realms, but BG3 also has a sense of originality that its original spells are just one example of. While most of the spells available through level progression are likely to be familiar sights to tabletop players, there are also many omissions from the source material due to the limits of a video game's scale. Regardless of this, these exclusive spells are typically found through magic artifacts and investigating secret locations.
Some new spells in BG3 include:
- Dethrone - 30-80 Necrotic damage on failed save
- Curriculum of Strategy: Artistry of War - A more powerful version of Baldur's Gate 3's Magic Missile
- Howl of the Dead - Inflicts Numbed status on nearby creatures
- Paralyzing Ray - Inflicts Paralysed status on a failed save
- Kereska's Favour - Grants one of six Elemental buffs
- Selune's Dream - Heals 1-8 HP, but possibly causes Sleep
Besides the impressive visuals and strength of some of these spells, they tend to serve to relate to lore concepts in meaningful ways. While Dethrone, Artistry of War, and Kereska's Favor all emphasize the magical esoteric power of Sorcerous Sundries and Lorroakan, the likes of Paralyzing Ray is a spell exclusive to Dungeons and Dragons' Beholder monsters only able to be used through an enchanted item. Gaining Illithid powers through consuming tadpoles may have gotten the most care in their implementation, as the likes of Mind Sanctuary can be one of the most game-breaking options as a reward for the sacrifice.
Novel Options Can Expand on Spellcasting in the Next Baldur's Gate
A sequel to Baldur's Gate 3 would offer the opportunity to introduce an entire set of original spells that are made to align with the game's new theme. It could build upon the Mind Flayer abilities in a post-Illithid crisis version of the titular city, but it could also find equally appropriate spells to pair with a spotlight on the Nine Hells, or cosmic conflicts in Planescape. Whether they are associated with the fires employed by devils or the psionic capabilities of more obscure races like the Githzerai, these thematically-relevant spells could serve to help flesh out the world and set the tone for its power scaling.
On top of the lore-related prospects, there are existing magic systems with the potential to expand upon. Sorcerer Metamagic in Baldur's Gate 3 has unexplored variations on modifying all sorts of spells, while Druids could have even more applications for their versatile Wild Shape charges. With even the unique spell slot types of classes such as Warlock and Bard leaving room open to explore whatever direction best suits the next Baldur's Gate, not creating some original spells for it might feel like a waste.
Baldur's Gate 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full cross-platform play.
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.
- Cross Save
- Full cross-platform progression.
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 100+ Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
