Is Baldur’s Gate 3 turn-based?

Is Baldur’s Gate 3 turn-based? After the first two Baldur’s Gate games featured real-time combat, fans have been wondering if the sequel would stick to its past. But considering the pedigree of Larian Studios with respect to the Divinity Sin franchise, it’s understandable why fans think Baldur’s Gate 3 could be turn-based.

A turn-based experience slows the pace of the game but enables players to make tactical decisions with limited moves. It also constrains their ability to get out of sticky situations, asking them to think out of the box to survive. Baldur’s Gate 3 classes enhance this sense of strategy with an incredible array of spells and unique perks. And as the Baldur’s Gate 3 release date nears, let’s check on whether the game offers a turn-based experience.

Is Baldur’s Gate 3 turn-based?

Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 features turn-based combat. While some players might consider this a limitation, there are plenty of players that are excited about turning time into a currency. This slower pace was already a core component of the Divinity Sin games so the developer isn’t alienating its fanbase. During each character’s turn, they can use action points to perform one of three actions in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Move Action – move up to their total speed (can be modified by actions).
• Standard Action – perform an attack, use an item, cast a spell, or interact with an object.
• Bonus Action – usually class-specific, this can be performed in addition to regular actions.

Mixing these three actions gives characters a ton of flexibility. Each of them can influence the other in unique ways. For instance, a height advantage paired with coating a weapon grants two attack bonuses to a character’s main action. This applies to your Baldur’s Gate 3 companions, too. The right decisions can mean the difference between a tactical victory and a return to the last save file. It’s a natural fit for a game set in Dungeons & Dragons’ Forgotten Realms setting.

You can enter turn-based mode outside of combat, too. This is helpful when you need to spot traps or hidden loot. You can only exit turn-based mode outside combat encounters. Turn-based gameplay also ensures that every fight feels momentous and not a waste of time. The right D&D rolls can turn even a weak enemy into an annoying threat. The game’s depth and complexity get a solid boost from this deliberate approach to combat.

And that covers everything you need to know about Baldur’s Gate 3 and its turn-based combat. Returning players from the Divinity Original Sin 2 RPG will enjoy the ability to pause and plan with a turn-based combat system. Baldur’s Gate 3 races like the Dragonborn and Half-elf offer players incredible flexibility when it comes to customization. Pair them with Baldur’s Gate 3 backgrounds that augment these decisions and you’ll have a good adventure in Faerun when the game leaves Early Access.