Do I need to know D&D before playing Baldur’s Gate 3?

Anyone who’s a fan of video game RPGs needs to try out Baldur’s Gate 3, or at least keep their eyes on it. By Larian Studios, the latest Baldur’s Gate title is based off of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules, and set in the Forgotten Realms world. But what if you’ve never touched D&D in your life, would you need to know how to play the TTRPG before playing Baldur’s Gate 3? We’ll answer this question below.

Should I know Dungeons & Dragons to play Baldur’s Gate 3?

Although Baldur’s Gate 3 is primarily based upon the D&D rulebook and set in its main world, luckily you do not need to know anything about D&D before you play Baldur’s Gate 3. As complicated as the beloved TTRPG can be, Larian Studios does a great job guiding new players. The world of new and familiar fantasy races can be confusing, but the narrative guides you through its world building, while also rewarding players who know D&D from the back of their hands.

There are plenty of in-depth tutorial bubbles that pop up, if you choose to keep them on. Any video game lover who adores RPG games will have a good time with this. Not only are there helpful tutorials, but a detailed inspection option. While you’re playing Baldur’s Gate 3, there are areas where words may be underlined. If you hover your mouse over most underlined words, a pop-up will appear explaining what exactly it means.

Screenshot via Larian Studios

For example, when I’m reading the information bubble for a pair of gloves my character is wearing, I can press the ‘T’ key to Inspect it. Now, I can hover my mouse over underlined words like ‘Saving Throws’, which is a D&D and Baldur’s Gate 3 mechanic. Another bubble will pop up, explaining to me what Saving Throws are. While most rules like Saving Throws are word-for-word just like D&D 5e, old rules bend to fit their video game format.

For players who are D&D fans, your experience with Baldur’s Gate 3 will also be just as important. There are plenty of new mechanics, and nods to the lore. Anyone who has enjoyed D&D will feel like they’re seeing a tabletop game visualized in front of them in all its spectacle.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Steam.