Larian Studios may not be developing Baldur’s Gate 4, but any potential successor to Baldur’s Gate 3 will need to push immersion further to stand out. One underutilized aspect of Dungeons & Dragons that could help achieve this is language. In Baldur’s Gate 3, nearly all NPCs, regardless of background, speak Common, making communication a non-issue. This simplifies interactions but misses an opportunity to deepen the roleplaying experience.
A future Baldur’s Gate game could take inspiration from how Dungeons & Dragons uses languages to shape encounters and exploration. In tabletop campaigns, a character's linguistic abilities can alter a scenario dramatically. A party member fluent in Goblin might overhear enemy plans, while a scholar of ancient tongues could decipher forgotten texts. Expanding language mechanics in Baldur’s Gate 4 would introduce new layers of decision-making, roleplay, and worldbuilding.
Dungeons and Dragons Needs Updated Rules for an Area Where Baldur's Gate 3 Excelled
Baldur's Gate 3 has a simply yet incredibly useful mechanic that could inspire a new set of ideas for Dungeons & Dragons to work with.
Baldur’s Gate 4 Could Expand Language Barriers
While Baldur’s Gate 3 occasionally acknowledges language differences—such as the need to roll intelligence checks to decipher symbols on the Nautiloid—these moments are rare. Most factions, from goblins to mind flayers, speak Common fluently. However, in a more immersive RPG, language could become a meaningful gameplay feature rather than an afterthought.
For example, goblins in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3 could have primarily spoken Goblin, requiring a party member with the right proficiency to translate their dialogue. Players without a fluent companion could have relied on persuasion, body language, or magical solutions like Comprehend Languages.
Additionally, some NPCs could have mixed linguistic abilities. A merchant might understand Common but be more willing to negotiate in their native tongue. A deep gnome fleeing the Underdark might only speak Undercommon, creating tension if no one in the party understands them. These small touches could make Baldur’s Gate 4 feel more like a living world where language matters.
A Language System Inspired by No Man’s Sky
One modern game that successfully implements language as a mechanic is No Man’s Sky. In that game, players gradually learn alien languages by discovering words, allowing for more meaningful interactions over time. A similar system could work in Baldur’s Gate 4, where characters gain linguistic knowledge through quests, books, or extended exposure to a culture.
For instance, if a player frequently interacts with Githyanki, they might begin recognizing key phrases in their speech. A bard or scholar character might be able to learn new languages faster, while spells like Tongues could offer temporary understanding at a cost. This would make linguistic skills more than just a passive stat and instead an evolving part of roleplay.
Furthermore, the game could tie languages into background choices. A high elf character might naturally know Elvish but have to work to understand Dwarvish. A rogue might have access to Thieves’ Cant, unlocking hidden messages among criminal factions.
Baldur’s Gate 4 Could Add New Roleplaying Depth
Introducing language barriers would also impact storytelling. Certain lore-rich areas could have inscriptions in lost languages, requiring specific skills to decipher. An ancient ruin might have Celestial script that only a Cleric or Paladin can understand. Conversely, Infernal markings could hint at hidden dangers, but only a Warlock with the right background would recognize the warnings.
Language could also play a role in diplomacy and conflict resolution. A party that can communicate in Orcish might avoid a violent confrontation, while a misunderstanding due to a language barrier could lead to unintended hostilities.
While Baldur’s Gate 3 succeeded in creating an immersive world, it avoided one of Dungeons & Dragons’ core mechanics. By expanding how languages impact gameplay, Baldur’s Gate 4 could elevate roleplaying possibilities and make exploration feel even more dynamic. Whether through faction-specific speech, progressive language learning, or background-tied linguistic skills, adding this feature would deepen immersion and provide fresh storytelling opportunities.
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
- Genre(s)
- RPG
