Baldur’s Gate 3 Acts – How many Acts are there in BG3?

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How many acts are there in Baldur’s Gate 3? The brand-new RPG from Larian Studios has taken the world by storm. It has been breaking Steam records thanks to its sheer depth and captivating storyline.

Considering how long the first act is, players have been wondering about how many more acts are in store for them. Gamers on PlayStation are working their way through the game as PC players had a headstart owing to an earlier release date. Head of Larian, Swen Vincke, noted that Act 2 is the largest part of the game.

Even if you can weave through challenges like the Dank Crypt puzzle, it’s a pretty long game. And if you’ve started with a class that isn’t to your liking, you can always respec in Baldur’s Gate 3. Baldur’s Gate 3 cheats can come in handy if you’re looking to power through the game. Instead, you could consider our best Sorcerer build guide for some sweet metamagic powers.

Baldur's Gate 3 Acts: A Mind Flayer fights Commander Zhalk in the Nautiloid ship during the first act of the game.

All Baldur’s Gate 3 acts

There are three acts in Baldur’s Gate 3: the opening act, the middle act, and the finale act. This excludes the game’s prologue. Here’s what happens in each of BG3 Acts:

  • Act 1 – 20-25 hours. Your first 20 hours or so will focus on you dealing with the Illithoid tadpole in your head as you investigate Ketheric Thorm. You’ll also learn more about the Mind Flayers and their powerful psionic abilities. Think of it as an extended tutorial, an opening act that introduces the main characters you’ll be working with like Shadowheart and Gale at Druid’s Grove. Don’t hesitate to finish side quests in areas like the Goblin Camp. Later acts won’t be as forgiving.
  • Act 2 – 30-50 hours. This act kicks off once you cross the Mountain Pass or reach the Shadow-cursed lands via the Underdark. This also involves clearing the Gauntlet of Shar. As you uncover the major threat of the game, you’ll need to find three Netherstones for a chance at success. The second act is the largest act in the game, with new locations and hours of cutscenes that will take a while to finish. Expect new characters with the potential to be interesting partners in the titular city of Baldur’s Gate 3.
  • Act 3 – 10-20 hours. The dramatic final act is pretty much a showdown between you and your companions against the game’s major antagonists. Brace yourself for some of the toughest BG3 combat sequences. You’ll also learn more about the Guardian. It’s shorter than Act 1 and will take a couple of hours if you aren’t distracted by side quests. But if you choose to work through optional content, it can take a while.
  • Epilogue – The Epilogue is a final goodbye to your companions that takes place six months after the events of Baldur’s Gate 3, giving you a nice conclusion to your story.
Baldur's Gate 3 Acts: An image of the player and their party in the Shadow lands of the game.

Baldur’s Gate 3 quests in each Act

If you’re looking to avoid spoilers, I’d suggest skipping over this list. But if you’re wondering what the world of Faerun has in store, read on. The first act introduces you to characters like Karlach and Shadowheart. And if you prefer a rogue, Astarion is a good pick. You can opt for hirelings instead if you want more choices. These are all the quests and main missions in BG3 that you’ll encounter in the main campaign.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Prologue quests

Here’s a list of all the main quests in BG3’s prologue:

  • Escape the Nautiloid
  • Rescue the Illithid’s Captive

Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1 quests

Here’s a list of all the main Act 1 quests in BG3:

  • Find a Cure
  • Ask the Goblin Priestess for Help
  • Find the Githyanki Crèche
  • Get Help from Auntie Ethel
  • Get Help from Healer Nettie (at the Druid Grove)
  • Help Omeluum Investigate the Parasite
  • Rescue the Druid Halsin (Goblin Camp/Shattered Sanctum)
  • Travel to Moonrise Towers
  • Travel through the Mountain Pass (Githyanki Creche)
  • Travel through the Underdark (Grymforge and the Adamantine Forge)
Baldur's Gate 3 Acts: An image of Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, the game's main antagonists.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 2 quests

Here’s a list of all the main Act 2 quests in BG3:

  • Defeat Ketheric Thorm
  • Infiltrate Moonrise Towers
  • Capture Isobel the Selunite Cleric
  • Find Ketheric Thorm’s Relic
  • Follow the Convoy
  • Resolve the Abduction
  • Seek Protection from the Shadow Curse

Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 3 quests

Here are all the main Act 3 quests in BG3:

  • Confront the Elder Brain
  • Control the Elder Brain
  • Destroy the Elder Brain
  • Get Gortash’s Netherstone
  • Consider Gortash’s Bargain
  • Disable the Steel Watch
  • Get Orin’s Netherstone
  • Investigate the Murders
  • Impress the Murder Tribunal
  • Rescue Orin’s Victim
  • Gather Your Allies

That’s everything you need to know about Baldur’s Gate 3 acts. Set in the D&D Forgotten Realms setting, Baldur’s Gate 3 is ripe with opportunities to roleplay on your own terms. With unique dialogue and combat options that depend on your choices, it’s got an incredible amount of flexibility as well. Companions like Minthara and Wyll can either join or leave your party based on your decisions. You’ll also meet other characters like Cazador who tie into companion quests outside the main story.

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Did you know?

There are countless ways that you can interect with the different NPCs of Baldur’s Gate 3. This leads to scenarious that can each time you play through the main quests. Try out every class, race, and gender to see the differences.

The game bears the Dungeons & Dragons legacy with respect and I’m glad the Divinity: Original Sin 2 devs had the time to polish BG3 in Early Access before its full release. Potential DLC could increase the size of this game and its script even further. Here’s more information on the odds of a Baldur’s Gate 3 expansion.

If the game’s odds and enemies are wrecking your party, consider changing Baldur’s Gate 3 difficulty settings. Here are some Baldur’s Gate 3 tips to get used to its underlying systems. The three acts across the world of Faerun is a long adventure. It’s got plenty of Baldur’s Gate 3 romance options for players. Don’t worry about it and engage with side activities to make the most of your time in Baldur’s Gate 3. Read more about the game in our Baldur’s Gate 3 review.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Acts – FAQ

How many chapters are in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The game’s chapters are called acts and Baldur’s Gate 3 has three of them.

How long is Act 2 Baldurs Gate 3?

Expect Act 2 in Baldur’s Gate 3 to take 40 hours.

About the Author

Antony Terence

Antony Terence is a Guides Writer for VideoGamer. While he is particularly fond of city-builders, shooters, and strategy titles, he won’t turn down a good JRPG or a turn-based roguelike.

Baldur’s Gate 3

  • Platform(s): macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
  • Genre(s): Adventure, RPG, Strategy
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