“Why Larian, why?”: 1 Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 2 Oversight is Proving Troublesome, Even 1 Year On

Exploring Baldur's Gate 3 Act 2’s missed opportunity for immersion

Baldur’s Gate

SUMMARY

  • Baldur’s Gate 3 captivates with customization, combat, and storytelling.
  • Act 2's camp setup frustrates players with illogical companion placements.
  • Improving campsite design could enhance immersion and player experience.
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Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 has truly captivated gamers around the world. Its combination of extensive character customization, strategic combat, and immersive storytelling has raised the bar for RPGs.

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The game’s impressive performance reflects Larian’s careful focus on detail and dedication to player satisfaction. Nevertheless, even in a game as extensive and intricate as Baldur’s Gate 3, areas could still be enhanced.

Act 2’s Camp Placement Problems Causes Frustration

Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 almost singlehandedly revived the singleplayer RPG genre. Image Source: Larian Studios

Following its initial launch, Baldur’s Gate 3 has been updated multiple times, bringing in fresh content, improving gameplay mechanics, and addressing various bugs. These updates have significantly improved the overall gameplay, showcasing Larian’s commitment to its player base.

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However, there is a persistent issue in Act 2 that frustrates players: the unconventional placement of tents involving Halsin and Minthara. The issue is centered around the positioning of party members in the player’s camp in Act 2. Specifically, Halsin and Minthara, both potentially significant companions, are positioned in an illogical manner.

Opinion: Halsin and Minthara need their own tents
byu/Green_Stranger94 inBaldursGate3

It’s unusual to see Thaniel, a seemingly unimportant character, sharing a tent with the formidable Minthara, while the beloved druid Halsin is placed in a solitary corner. Furthermore, there is occasionally a problem with the way Halsin interacts with the tent, as if the game is uncertain about who should occupy it.

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Larian’s Missed Opportunities in World-Building

Larian Studios has taken a hands-on approach to addressing bugs and gameplay issues in BG3, and there's no reason to believe the camp issue wont be handled in an upcoming update.
The developer has not shied away from addressing BG3 bugs in the past. Image Source: Larian Studios

This oversight becomes even more confusing when you consider the potential for recruiting both Halsin and Minthara. The game’s mechanics imply that these characters can coexist within the party, indicating some level of cooperation or at least tolerance between them. Nonetheless, the camp arrangement presents a conflicting image, as if the two are sworn enemies compelled to share limited space.

The tent situation is not just a minor inconvenience; it represents a missed opportunity to enrich the game’s immersive quality. Player choices carry significant consequences and the camp should mirror the party’s dynamics and relationships. A thoughtfully designed campsite could deepen the player’s bond with their companions, nurturing a sense of camaraderie and shared goals.

By enabling players to personalize their campsite, the studio could have introduced another layer of complexity and replay value. Just imagine the potential: players could opt to create a harmonious camp where all members feel included, or a tense environment reflecting the party’s internal conflicts. Such choices would have greatly enhanced the overall gameplay experience.

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Although the tent issue may appear insignificant in the larger scope of Baldur’s Gate 3, it highlights a broader concern: the possibility of inconsistencies in world-building and character interactions. The studio has demonstrated its willingness to address player feedback and implement substantial changes. There is optimism that a future update will address the campsite situation and deliver the immersive experience that players deserve.

What are your thoughts on the camp situation in the game? Share them in the comments below!

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Written by Chad Glapion

Articles Published: 30

Chad Glapion is an avid gamer since the mid-'90s, with a passion for narrative-focused and grand strategy games. He's also a pet dog and reptile enthusiast and a writer of speculative fiction. Personal favorite games include the original Mass Effect trilogy & the Crusader Kings series.