Hey there! If you’re a newcomer to Dungeons and Dragons or just feeling overwhelmed by Baldur’s Gate 3, this article is here to help. In the first couple of hours, the game throws a lot at you, and you might miss out on some important items, moments, and characters in the opening area. So, here are 10 things you need to do when you start the game. From finding key party members who are crucial to your gameplay experience, to obtaining powerful weapons like the Everburn Sword by defeating Commander Zeke, and even speaking with animals for alternative solutions to quests, this article covers it all. Don’t worry, it also includes light spoilers for act one, so you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Baldur’s Gate 3.
Key party members in the opening area
In the opening area of the game, you will come across various characters who can potentially join your party and become valuable allies. These party members can be found in different locations throughout the area, and each of them brings unique skills and abilities to the table.
Locations to find companions
To find potential companions, you can explore places like the local tavern, a hidden cave, or even encounter them while completing certain quests. For example, you might meet Gale, a knowledgeable wizard, in the tavern as he seeks a way to control his magical powers. Another possible companion is Astarion, a rogue who can be found imprisoned in a hidden cave.
Importance of finding companions
Finding companions is crucial to your journey as they will enhance your overall strength and provide invaluable assistance in battles and quests. Each party member has their own specific skills and abilities, which can complement your playstyle and make you a more formidable force against enemies. Moreover, these companions will also have their own personal quests and storylines, adding depth to the overall narrative of the game. So, be sure to seek out and recruit these party members to maximize your chances of success and make your adventure even more enjoyable.
Obtaining the Everburn Sword
One of the early game highlights is acquiring the Everburn Sword, a powerful weapon that can greatly enhance your combat capabilities. But obtaining this weapon won’t be a walk in the park.
Killing Commander Zeke
To obtain the Everburn Sword, you must first face off against Commander Zeke, a formidable enemy who guards the weapon. Prepare yourself for a challenging battle, and make sure to strategize and use your party members’ abilities effectively. Defeating Commander Zeke will grant you access to the Everburn Sword, a weapon that packs considerable fire-based damage.
Powerful weapon for early stages
The Everburn Sword is a game-changer in the early stages of your journey. Its fire-based damage can be devastating to enemies vulnerable to fire, making it an excellent choice for dealing with certain types of creatures. With the Everburn Sword in your possession, you will have a powerful tool at your disposal that can turn the tides of battle and help you overcome challenging encounters.
Importance of Shadowheart
Shadowheart, one of the possible companions you can recruit, holds significant narrative and gameplay significance in the game.
Narrative and gameplay significance
Shadowheart is not just any ordinary party member. Her presence in your party opens up new avenues for storytelling and character development. Additionally, her background and personal quest offer intriguing mysteries to unravel. As you journey with Shadowheart, you will uncover secrets and delve into her enigmatic past, adding depth and intrigue to the overall narrative of your adventure.
Access to healing spells
One of the key advantages of having Shadowheart in your party is her proficiency in healing spells. As a cleric, she possesses the ability to mend wounds, cure ailments, and bring your party members back from the brink of death. In the midst of intense battles, her healing spells can be a true lifesaver, ensuring that your party can withstand the challenges ahead. Shadowheart’s healing abilities make her an invaluable asset, and having her in your group can greatly increase your chances of survival.
Choosing the right background
When creating your character, choosing the right background is an important decision that can have lasting effects throughout the game.
Bonuses and benefits throughout the game
Each background option in the game offers unique bonuses and benefits that can impact your character’s abilities and interactions with the world. For example, selecting the Noble background might grant you better persuasion skills and open up certain dialogue options with NPCs of higher social status. On the other hand, choosing the Urchin background may enhance your stealth capabilities and provide you with a network of underworld contacts.
Consider your preferred playstyle and desired character development when selecting your background. Think about how the bonuses and benefits can synergize with your chosen class and race, and choose the background that aligns best with your desired character progression.
Regularly returning to camp
In the game, it is vital to regularly return to your camp for a variety of reasons that will aid you on your journey.
Importance of resting
Resting at your camp allows your party members to recover health, spell slots, and other resources, ensuring that they are always ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Without proper rest, your party’s effectiveness in battles may be greatly diminished, making encounters much more difficult. So, make it a habit to return to camp whenever your party’s resources are running low to rejuvenate and prepare for the next adventure.
Conversations with party members
Returning to camp also provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations with your party members. These conversations can reveal more about their backgrounds, motivations, and personal quests. By taking the time to talk and connect with your companions, you can deepen your understanding of their personalities and develop stronger relationships within the group. These interactions can also lead to new quests or provide insights that can influence your decision-making throughout the game.
Exploring the ancient door and ruins
As you venture further into the game, you may come across an intriguing ancient door and the ruins surrounding it.
Valuable loot
Exploring the ancient door and ruins can yield valuable loot, including powerful weapons, rare artifacts, and useful consumables. Some of these items may prove instrumental in your quest, providing you with a significant advantage in battles or unlocking new possibilities in the game. So, be sure to thoroughly search the area and investigate every nook and cranny to ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable treasures.
Conversations with friendly skeleton
While exploring the ruins, you may encounter a friendly skeleton named Mort, who has valuable information to share. Engaging in conversations with Mort can provide you with insights into the history and lore of the area, as well as potential hints about nearby secrets or hidden paths. Mort’s unique perspective as an ancient being adds depth to the game’s narrative and enriches your overall experience.
Speaking with animals
Having the ability to speak with animals can grant you access to alternative solutions and unique situations that add an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.
Alternative solutions and unique situations
The ability to communicate with animals opens up opportunities for alternative solutions to quests and puzzles. Animals might hold vital information or possess a different perspective that can help you progress or uncover hidden paths. Deciphering their messages and forming alliances with them can unlock distinct outcomes and interesting storylines that you wouldn’t experience without this ability.
Classes and races with access to this ability
Certain classes and races, such as druids or those with the “Speak with Animals” spell, can access this ability. Consider choosing a race or class that grants you the power to converse with animals if you wish to explore this unique aspect of the game. By doing so, you will be able to engage with the natural world in a truly captivating way and witness the impact it has on your journey.
Finding and using a shovel
As you progress through the game, you’ll discover that a humble shovel can hold the key to uncovering hidden treasures.
Digging up treasure
Digging up treasure with a shovel is a rewarding activity that can yield valuable loot and hidden rewards. Buried artifacts, long-forgotten caches, and hidden stashes of gold can be unearthed by diligently using your trusty shovel. Keep an eye out for telltale signs or hidden clues that indicate the presence of buried treasure, and don’t hesitate to get your hands dirty to increase your wealth and arsenal.
Treasure locations
Treasures can be found in various locations throughout the game, including marked locations on maps, crypts, ancient burial grounds, and even the occasional X marks the spot. Keep your shovel at the ready as you explore these areas, and be prepared for exciting discoveries that can greatly enhance your character’s power and resources.
Navigating Emerald Grove
Emerald Grove is a location filled with tension and conflict, making it a challenging area to navigate.
Tensions between Druids and tieflings
In Emerald Grove, you will encounter tensions between the local druidic community and tiefling refugees seeking sanctuary. The clashing ideologies and political tensions create a volatile environment where conflicts can easily erupt. Your choices and actions within this community will have consequences, shaping the course of events and potentially determining the fate of the grove.
Avoiding conflicts
Understanding the factions and motives at play can help you navigate this complex web of tensions. Avoiding conflicts where possible, using diplomacy to mediate disputes, and demonstrating empathy and understanding can lead to more peaceful resolutions. Finding common ground and forging alliances can also present unique opportunities for quests and rewards, influencing your future path in the game.
Completing the main quest
The main quest serves as the driving force behind your adventure, and completing it requires careful decision-making and strategic planning.
Alternate paths if town is destroyed
Depending on your choices and actions, it is possible for the town integral to the main quest to be destroyed. This opens up alternate paths and consequences for the remainder of the game. Navigation becomes more treacherous, finding allies and pursuing different storylines becomes imperative, and the stakes are raised even higher. Embrace the challenges and embrace the opportunity to shape the destiny of your character and the world around you.
Completing the main quest is a culmination of your journey, showcasing the consequences of your decisions and the impact of your actions on the world. It is a satisfying and rewarding conclusion that offers closure to your character’s arc while leaving room for future adventures and further exploration of the game’s intricately crafted universe.
By understanding the key party members in the opening area, obtaining powerful weapons, utilizing companions effectively, making informed choices, and embracing the diverse opportunities present in the game, you will be well on your way to a captivating and fulfilling experience in this rich and immersive world. So, dive in, embrace the adventure, and let the story unfold as you make your mark on this epic journey.
Baldur’s Gate 3 can be overwhelming if you’re new to Dungeons and Dragons. If you’re unsure of where to begin, this video is perfect for you.
The game throws a lot at you in the opening hours, and it’s easy to miss important items, moments, and characters in the starting area. To help you out, here are 10 essential things you should do when you first start playing. Be aware that there will be some minor spoilers for act one. Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on PC and will be released on PlayStation 5 next month.
