Baldur’s Gate 3 – How Many Acts?

Learn about the number of acts in the upcoming RPG, Baldur's Gate 3 and how long it might take to complete.
Baldur's Gate 3 key art
Image: Larian Studios

Hey there, fellow adventurers! You know, one of the things I love most about Baldur’s Gate 3 is its epic journey; it’s like a rich novel filled with suspense, surprises, and deep, intricate stories. So, let’s tackle the big question – just how many acts does this grand adventure have? Buckle up and grab your dice; we’re about to find out!

How many acts are in Baldur’s Gate 3

The number of acts in Baldur’s Gate 3 is divided into three. Thanks to Early Access, the first Act, already in our grasp, kicks off our adventure in the shadowy Underdark. As for the following two Acts? We’re kept on our toes. However, thanks to some eagle-eyed fans on Reddit sharing a collector’s edition map, they’ve speculated on the settings:

  • Act 2 is rumored to take us on an adventure through the scenic Sword Coast, the doorstep to our ultimate destination. And it is meant to be the biggest Act out of the three!
  • Act 3, fans predict, will unravel in the iconic Baldur’s Gate itself.

Remember, though, these are educated guesses based on shared maps and the collective brain power of the Baldur’s Gate 3 community. The thrill of speculation adds to the whole experience of the game.

No matter the location, each Act promises to pull back the curtain a bit more on the riveting story we’re all eagerly waiting to explore.

How long is Baldur’s Gate 3?

So, you may wonder how long Baldur’s Gate 3 takes to complete. That’s like asking how long is a piece of string. It all boils down to how you play and your chosen difficulty.

  • If you’re the type who beelines through the main quests, ignoring the call of side quests and the allure of exploration, you might finish on an easier difficulty in a little over 40 hours.
  • For those who are enamored by the intricacies and rich detail of this game, those who want to soak in every pixel, your journey through Baldur’s Gate 3 could be a grand saga stretching between 75 to 100 hours. No, I’m not pulling your leg – this nugget of truth comes directly from Swen Vincke, the big boss at Larian himself, in a candid interview with IGN.
  • And for the completionists out there who want to see, do, and conquer every single thing Baldur’s Gate 3 throws at them? Double that 100 hours and add a cherry on top. You’re in for the long haul, friends, so maybe put those other game purchases on hold!

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Countdown – Release Time & Date

What is the story of Baldur’s Gate 3?

Baldur’s Gate 3 story kicks off with something that feels straight out of a cosmic horror story. Picture this: you, our plucky hero, find yourself in a bit of a sticky situation, possessed by none other than a Mind Flayer parasite. Talk about a bad day, right?

From the shadowy depths of the Underdark, you’re catapulted into a quest to save yourself and potentially the entire Forgotten Realms. Along the way, you’ll run into a diverse group of companions, each carrying their own intriguing stories, secrets, and motivations.

Pro tip from personal experience: make sure you take the time to really engage with these companions. Their stories add a whole other layer of richness to the main plot.

What are the companions in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Astarion from Baldur's Gate 3 looking very unhappy
Image: Larian Studios

Companionship makes every journey better, and in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’re far from alone. There’s an ensemble cast of 10 recruitable companions to meet, each one a bundle of quirks, charms, and intriguing backstories. It’s like having your very own D&D party, just filled with Mind Flayer parasites!

Just a quick heads-up, the companions you decide to take with you will have a huge impact on how the game unfolds. They’re not just luggage-hauling NPCs, like Lydia from Skyrim; they are characters who can and will interact with the world around them. You may not like them all, and some may even be locked due to the choices you’ve made in your journey. But embrace what you’ve done and stick with it!

Oh, and a bit of personal advice: these companions will remember the choices you make. Trust me, that can have a ripple effect on your game in ways you might not foresee. Companion will remember this.

Remember, every party member you pick adds their own flair to your epic tale. From the stoic Lae’zel to the enigmatic Astarion, these companions will form the beating heart of your Baldur’s Gate 3 experience.

How does gameplay work in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay is more than just moving your character from point A to B and slaying a few monsters. It’s a grand tapestry of storytelling, exploration, and tactical combat that demands you bring your A-game. You’ll make choices that shape your character and influence the world around you, and as I like to say, it’s a D&D campaign on digital steroids!

Now, if you’re a fan of turn-based combat and not real-time combat, Baldur’s Gate 3 will be right up your alley. During battle, it’s a dance where you and your enemies take turns to pull off attacks, spells, and special abilities. However, chance plays a massive part in if you succeed, and trying to gain dice modifiers like Advantage and Disadvantage will help you. It’s like a lethal game of chess where you’re always planning two steps ahead.

Speaking from experience, don’t forget to soak in the environment and interact with the many objects scattered around. Some can give you a tactical edge in combat or even lead to hidden treasures.

And there you have it! The lowdown on Baldur’s Gate 3, in three intriguing Acts, bursting with pals to recruit and paths to explore. Whether you’re navigating dicey dungeons or chilling with your crew, this game is a rollercoaster from start to finish. Just remember, with up to 200 hours of gameplay, take your time. This isn’t your weekend side-scrolling sprint – it’s a journey.

Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter is the Managing Editor at Try Hard Guides, and main guide writer. With over five years of experience in games media, including almost three years as an Assigning Editor for Pro Game Guides, and before that a Staff Writer.

His writing and game guide work has also been featured on platforms such as Metro UK and Game Rant, along with other smaller publications. He has been a devoted gamer since the days of Amiga, with a journey spanning roughly 31 years.

Mark's future goals are to grow the Try Hard Guides network as much as possible while helping gamers everywhere with gaming guide content. When not immersed in gaming, Mark enjoys delving into the worlds of D&D (Dungeons & Dragons), strumming his guitar, and indulging in a good read. His heart belongs to RPGs, the Final Fantasy series, and The Legend of Zelda. Moreover, he has a keen affection for dogs.

Contact: mark@tryhardguides.com

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