Baldur's Gate
BioWare · Interplay Productions
This page covers the original Baldur's Gate, the 1998 role-playing game by BioWare, published by Interplay. It is not Baldur's Gate 3, the 2023 game by Larian Studios, although both are set in the same Dungeons & Dragons world. If you have played Baldur's Gate 3 and want to see where the story started, this is the place.
Cafe guide
- 01
Baldur's Gate is set on the Sword Coast of the Forgotten Realms.
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You create a character raised in the fortress library of Candlekeep, and after your foster father is murdered, you set out to discover the truth about your mysterious origins. Along the way, you recruit a party of companions, each with their own personality.
- 02
It uses the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition rules, with real-time combat that can be paused at any moment to give orders to your party.
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This "real-time with pause" system became a standard for RPGs. The game is famous for its writing, memorable companions and huge world.
- 03
Today, most people play the Enhanced Edition by Beamdog, released in 2012, which updates the interface and adds new content.
- 04
Why book it at a cafe
Baldur's Gate is a single-player PC game.
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It is a slower, more thoughtful experience, so it is best for players who want to explore a classic.
- 05
Hardware
PC with a mouse and keyboard.
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It runs on anything. Rated T.
- 06
Getting started
Pause often to plan in combat.
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Build a balanced party with a fighter, a healer, a thief and a mage. Save often; the game can be unforgiving. Rest to recover spells and health. Talk to everyone; side quests are everywhere.
- 07
How long to book
The main story takes 40 hours or more.
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A two-hour session covers the opening chapter and Candlekeep.
- 08
Is it for you?
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Fans of classic RPGs, Baldur's Gate 3 players curious about the series' history, and Dungeons & Dragons fans.
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Data from RAWG