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Quick Info
Mods available?	Yes
Year released	1998
Available from	Steam GoG
Category	Rpg
Time to Beat	30.5 Hours
Played?	Yes
Game length provided by HowLongToBeat

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Baldurs Gate was released in 1998 by Bioware, as the second game created by the developer. Set in the Forgotten Realms and using D&D 2nd Edition rules, it is one of the games that brought visibility to the Dungeons and Dragons universe and started to popularize point-click-pause style of computer role-playing game. The game was loved by both critics and players alike, winning many awards during it's release year.

Table of Contents

Why should this game be played?

This game is a must play for anyone wanting to experience the birth (or rebirth) of the computer role playing game. The game occurs from a top-down isometric perspective, across beautifully prerendered backgrounds. Locations throughout the game are varied and extensive, allowing players to pursue the main quest, find side quests or just explore the locations available throughout the Sword Coast. There are even some very special random encounters and cameos of characters from the Forgotten Realms for fans of the lore!

Starting the game, players are able to create a character from the ground up, following D&D 2nd edition rules. There are a good selection of class kits available, providing lots of opportunity for roleplaying. Throughout the story up to five companions can join the players party, with many companions being found throughout the game.

The game is a great introduction into the world of the Forgotten Realms or for those already familiar with the world and wanting to explore the lore from a different perspective. As one of the CRPGs that helped to revive the genre in the 90's, it's a great starting point for experiencing RPGs.

Where to get the game

The game is available on both Steam and Gog for around $20 USD and goes on sale every few months for up to 75% off.

• Steam
• GoG


• Steam DB price history
• GoG DB price history

Original vs Enhanced Edition

In 2012, developer Beamdog released an Enhanced Edition for Baldurs Gate, which includes one of it's expansions - Tales of the Sword Coast. For anyone looking to play the game on modern systems, this is the version to go with. Beamdog has even released enhanced versions of the Infinity Engine games across multiple other platforms, such as: Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Andriod and IoS. The games can be a little difficult to play on a phone or tablet with touch controls, but its a neat option for those who prefer playing on a more mobile device.

The Enhanced Edition allows the game to run on modern systems much smoother and also includes:

• Remastered music
• Some QoL, like autoloot and better zoom
• Upgraded graphics

Introduction to D&D 2nd Edition Terminology

Dungeons and Dragons 2nd edition ruleset comes with it's own lingo and series of terms that players should learn about. Below is a quick rundown of some of the more impactful things that you will come across while playing. More general terms used across many RPGs such as CC, AoE, etc... have been left out.

D&D 2nd Edition Terms

Reading Materials

Being set in the Forgotten Realms universe, there is tons of reading materials that will reference Baldurs Gate, if not be set directly within the regions that are covered in the game. If you want to read novels specific to the story of the game, that is available as well.

Beyond the fictional stuff, there are a few great books covering the design of the games and the history of Black Isle Studios as well.

Additional Resources

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