Unleash the Adventure: Top Things to Do in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is the highly anticipated sequel to the iconic Baldur’s Gate franchise, which first debuted in 1998. Developed by Larian Studios, the game takes place in the Forgotten Realms, a popular Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting. Known for its deep storytelling, immersive world, and strategic combat, the Baldur’s Gate series has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has been in development since 2016 and was officially announced in June 2019. The game is being developed for PC and Google Stadia and is set to release in early access on October 6, 2020. The early access version will include Act 1 of the game, allowing players to explore a portion of the world and experience the main storyline and side quests.

Key Takeaways

• Baldur’s Gate 3 is a highly anticipated RPG game with a rich storyline and immersive gameplay.
• Act 1 of the game offers a vast world to explore, with various side missions and hidden gems to discover.
• Recruiting allies is crucial to your success in the game, and each companion has unique abilities and personalities.
• Questing in Act 1 involves both the main storyline and side missions, which offer valuable rewards and opportunities for character development.
• Combat and strategy are essential to surviving battles, and players should utilize their resources wisely to gain an advantage.

Exploring the World of Act 1

Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place in the city of Baldur’s Gate and its surrounding areas. The game features a vast and detailed world filled with diverse environments, including forests, swamps, caves, and ancient ruins. Each area is meticulously crafted with stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design, creating an immersive experience for players.

In Act 1, players will have the opportunity to explore various locations within Baldur’s Gate and its outskirts. These locations include the city itself, where players can interact with NPCs, join factions, and uncover secrets; the Blighted Village, a once-thriving community now plagued by a mysterious illness; and the Goblin Camp, home to a tribe of goblins who play a significant role in the main storyline.

Meeting the Companions: A Guide to Recruiting Allies

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a robust companion system that allows players to recruit and build relationships with various characters throughout their journey. These companions have their own unique personalities, backstories, and abilities, adding depth and complexity to the game.

There are several companions available in Act 1, each with their own motivations and goals. Some of the companions players can encounter include Shadowheart, a mysterious cleric with a dark past; Gale, a charming wizard seeking to rid himself of a dangerous artifact; and Wyll, a charismatic warlock with a thirst for adventure.

To recruit companions, players must engage in dialogue and make choices that align with the companion’s interests and values. Building relationships with companions is crucial, as it can unlock additional quests, dialogue options, and even romance options. It is important to note that companions may have conflicting interests, so players must carefully navigate their relationships to maintain harmony within the party.

Questing in Act 1: Main Storyline and Side Missions

Quest Name	Completion Rate	Average Time to Complete	Side Mission or Main Storyline
The Wounded Coast	85%	30 minutes	Side Mission
The Deep Roads Expedition	70%	2 hours	Main Storyline
The Bone Pit	60%	45 minutes	Side Mission
The Arishok	90%	1 hour	Main Storyline

The main storyline in Act 1 revolves around a mind flayer invasion and the player’s quest to find a cure for the tadpole parasite implanted in their brain. As players progress through the main storyline, they will encounter various factions, make important choices that shape the world around them, and uncover the truth behind the mind flayer invasion.

In addition to the main storyline, Act 1 also features a variety of side missions that players can undertake. These side missions offer additional opportunities for exploration, character development, and rewards. Some side missions may be tied to specific companions or factions, providing further depth to the game’s narrative.

To complete quests efficiently in Baldur’s Gate 3, players must carefully manage their time and resources. Some quests may have time limits or consequences for failure, so prioritizing tasks and making strategic decisions is crucial. Additionally, thorough exploration and thorough investigation of the environment can often lead to hidden quests or alternative solutions to problems.

Combat and Strategy: Tips for Surviving Battles

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a turn-based combat system that emphasizes strategy and tactical decision-making. Players control a party of characters, each with their own unique abilities and roles in combat. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each character and utilizing their abilities effectively is key to surviving battles.

Building a strong party is essential for success in combat. Players should consider the different classes and abilities of their companions and choose a balanced party composition that covers a variety of roles, such as tank, damage dealer, healer, and crowd control. Experimenting with different party compositions and strategies can help players find the optimal approach for each battle.

During combat, players must also take advantage of the environment and terrain to gain an edge over their enemies. Positioning characters strategically, utilizing cover, and exploiting environmental hazards can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Additionally, using crowd control abilities, such as stuns or immobilization spells, can help neutralize powerful enemies and give your party an advantage.

Crafting and Inventory Management: How to Make the Most of Your Resources

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a robust crafting system that allows players to create powerful items and equipment using resources found throughout the game world. Crafting can be a valuable tool for enhancing your party’s capabilities and overcoming challenges.

To make the most of your resources, it is important to manage your inventory effectively. This includes regularly organizing your items, selling or discarding unnecessary items, and prioritizing valuable resources for crafting. Additionally, keeping an eye out for rare or unique materials can lead to the creation of powerful and unique items.

When crafting, players should consider the strengths and weaknesses of their party members and tailor their creations to complement their abilities. For example, crafting weapons with elemental damage can be useful for characters with high damage output, while crafting armor with resistance to specific types of damage can help protect more vulnerable characters.

Interacting with NPCs: Dialogue Choices and Consequences

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a dynamic dialogue system that allows players to engage in meaningful conversations with NPCs. Dialogue choices can have significant consequences, shaping the world and influencing the attitudes of NPCs towards the player.

When engaging in dialogue, players should carefully consider their options and the potential consequences of their choices. Some choices may lead to immediate rewards or punishments, while others may have long-term effects on the game’s narrative or relationships with NPCs. Building positive relationships with NPCs can unlock additional quests, information, and even potential allies.

It is important to note that not all dialogue choices are black and white. Baldur’s Gate 3 often presents players with morally ambiguous situations, forcing them to make difficult decisions with no clear right or wrong answer. These choices can have far-reaching consequences and may challenge players’ own values and beliefs.

Secrets and Easter Eggs: Hidden Gems of Act 1

Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with hidden secrets and Easter eggs for players to discover. These hidden gems can range from hidden areas and treasure chests to references to other games or pop culture.

Exploration is key to uncovering these secrets. Players should thoroughly explore each area, interact with objects in the environment, and pay attention to details such as hidden switches or clues. Additionally, engaging in dialogue with NPCs and completing certain quests may also reveal hidden secrets or unlock access to previously inaccessible areas.

Some of the most interesting and rewarding secrets in Act 1 include hidden treasure caches, secret passages, and unique encounters with powerful enemies or friendly NPCs. These secrets not only provide valuable rewards but also add depth and richness to the game world, rewarding players for their curiosity and thorough exploration.

Leveling Up and Character Progression: Building Your Ideal Hero

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a deep leveling and character progression system that allows players to customize their characters and build them according to their preferred playstyle. As characters level up, they gain access to new abilities, spells, and talents, allowing for greater versatility and power in combat.

When leveling up, players should consider their character’s strengths and weaknesses and choose abilities that complement their playstyle. For example, a melee-focused character may want to invest in abilities that increase their damage output or improve their survivability, while a spellcaster may prioritize abilities that enhance their spellcasting capabilities.

It is also important to consider the synergy between different party members when choosing abilities. Some abilities may have synergistic effects when used in combination with other characters’ abilities, allowing for powerful combo attacks or strategic maneuvers.

Conclusion and Next Steps: What to Expect in Act 2 and Beyond

In conclusion, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a rich and immersive gaming experience with its deep storytelling, strategic combat, and detailed world. Act 1 provides players with a taste of the game’s world and mechanics, setting the stage for an epic adventure to come.

As players progress through Act 1 and beyond, they can expect to encounter new locations, characters, and challenges. The choices made in Act 1 will have far-reaching consequences that will shape the course of the game’s narrative and the relationships between characters.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that rewards exploration, strategic thinking, and careful decision-making. With its vast world, diverse cast of characters, and deep gameplay systems, it offers countless hours of immersive gameplay for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of Baldur’s Gate, Baldur’s Gate 3 is sure to provide an unforgettable gaming experience.

FAQs

What is Act 1 in BG3?

Act 1 is the first chapter of the main story in Baldur’s Gate 3. It takes place in the region of Faerun, where the player’s character is stranded after a mind flayer attack.

What are some things to do in Act 1 of BG3?

There are several things to do in Act 1 of BG3, including exploring the environment, completing quests, interacting with NPCs, and engaging in combat. Some specific activities include finding a way to remove the tadpole from the player’s head, investigating the ruins of an ancient temple, and battling goblins and other enemies.

How do I progress through Act 1 in BG3?

To progress through Act 1 in BG3, players must complete various quests and objectives. These can be obtained by speaking with NPCs, exploring the environment, and interacting with objects. Some quests may require the player to make choices that affect the outcome of the story.

What are some tips for playing through Act 1 of BG3?

Some tips for playing through Act 1 of BG3 include exploring the environment thoroughly, talking to NPCs to gain information and quests, using a variety of tactics in combat, and making choices that align with the player’s character and goals. It is also important to manage resources such as health, spells, and equipment effectively.

How long does it take to complete Act 1 in BG3?

The length of time it takes to complete Act 1 in BG3 can vary depending on the player’s playstyle and the choices they make. Some players may be able to complete it in a few hours, while others may take several sessions to finish.