
Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is a game that thrives on complexity, storytelling, and the unpredictable nature of Dungeons & Dragons. While the single-player experience is immersive, the multiplayer mode takes the chaos to a whole new level. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or strangers, multiplayer BG3 offers a unique blend of strategy, role-playing, and hilarious misadventures. Here’s how to dive into the multiplayer madness and make the most of your cooperative journey.
1. Setting Up Multiplayer: The Basics
Before you can embark on your multiplayer adventure, you need to set up your game. BG3 allows for up to four players in a single session, and the process is relatively straightforward:
- Invite Friends: From the main menu, select “Multiplayer” and create a lobby. You can invite friends via Steam, GOG, or Larian accounts. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also open your lobby to the public and let strangers join.
- Character Creation: Each player creates their own character. This is where the fun begins—discuss your party composition with your teammates. Will you have a balanced team with a tank, healer, and damage dealers? Or will you all roll bards and see how far you can get with charisma and musical instruments?
- Save Files: Multiplayer games are saved separately from single-player campaigns. Make sure everyone is on the same page about when to save and continue.
2. Communication is Key
In multiplayer BG3, communication can mean the difference between a triumphant victory and a catastrophic failure. Here are some tips:
- Voice Chat: Use Discord or in-game voice chat to coordinate your actions. Talking in real-time helps with strategizing and reacting to unexpected events.
- Text Chat: If voice chat isn’t an option, the in-game text chat is a decent alternative. Just be prepared for delays and potential misunderstandings.
- Role-Playing: Embrace the role-playing aspect of the game. Assign roles to each player, like the “face” of the party (the one who talks to NPCs) or the “loot goblin” (the one who picks up everything not nailed down).
3. Embrace the Chaos
Multiplayer BG3 is inherently chaotic. Here’s why that’s a good thing:
- Divergent Choices: Each player can make their own decisions, leading to unpredictable outcomes. One player might decide to negotiate with a goblin, while another might attack on sight. These conflicting choices can lead to hilarious or disastrous results.
- Split the Party: Unlike single-player, where you control the entire party, multiplayer allows players to split up and explore different areas. This can lead to simultaneous discoveries—or one player accidentally triggering a trap that wipes out the entire group.
- Creative Problem-Solving: With multiple minds at work, you can come up with creative solutions to problems. For example, one player might distract a guard while another sneaks past, or you might use a combination of spells and environmental objects to defeat a tough enemy.
4. Managing Conflicts
With multiple players, conflicts are inevitable. Here’s how to handle them:
- Respect Each Other’s Choices: If someone wants to play as a chaotic evil character, let them—but be prepared for the consequences. Similarly, if someone insists on looting every crate and barrel, try to be patient.
- Vote on Major Decisions: For big story decisions, consider holding a vote. This ensures everyone has a say and reduces the chances of resentment.
- Know When to Compromise: Sometimes, you’ll need to compromise to keep the group together. If one player wants to romance Astarion and another wants to romance Shadowheart, you might need to take turns in different playthroughs.
5. Advanced Tips for Multiplayer Success
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some advanced tips to elevate your multiplayer experience:
- Synergize Abilities: Coordinate your characters’ abilities for maximum effectiveness. For example, a wizard can cast Grease to create a slippery surface, while a fighter shoves enemies into it.
- Share Resources: Pool your gold, potions, and scrolls to ensure everyone has what they need. A well-stocked party is a successful party.
- Experiment with Mods: If you’re playing on PC, consider using mods to enhance your multiplayer experience. There are mods for everything from additional classes to quality-of-life improvements.
6. The Joy of Shared Stories
At its core, multiplayer BG3 is about creating shared stories. Whether you’re laughing at a failed stealth attempt or mourning the loss of a beloved NPC, these moments become memories that you and your friends will cherish. So don’t stress too much about winning or losing—focus on the journey and the bonds you’re building along the way.
FAQs
Q: Can I play multiplayer BG3 with random players? A: Yes, you can open your lobby to the public and allow strangers to join. However, be prepared for unpredictable behavior and potential conflicts.
Q: Can I switch between single-player and multiplayer with the same character? A: No, multiplayer and single-player campaigns are separate. You’ll need to create a new character for multiplayer.
Q: What happens if a player disconnects during a session? A: The game will pause, and the disconnected player’s character will be controlled by the AI until they reconnect.
Q: Can I play multiplayer BG3 on different platforms? A: As of now, cross-platform play is not supported. You’ll need to play with others on the same platform (PC, Mac, or eventually consoles).
Q: How do I handle loot distribution in multiplayer? A: Discuss loot distribution with your group beforehand. Some groups prefer to divide loot equally, while others let players keep what they find. Communication is key to avoiding conflicts.