If there is one element of Baldur’s Gate III that is the most impressive, it is sense of player agency and freedom. You have so many options for making a custom character, plus the ability to pick a predetermined Origin character. The most mysterious and unknown of them all is The Dark Urge in Baldur’s Gate III. That said, it does harken back to the original Baldur’s Gate games in an interesting way.
So who is The Dark Urge in Baldur’s Gate III?
The Dark Urge is so vastly different from the other Origin characters. You can fully customize the appearance and class of this character, unlike the others who are permanently preset in both situations. By default, they appear like a Dragonborn, but you can make them whatever you like.
The game simply describes The Dark Urge as someone who knows nothing about their past and simply walk towards blood and unspeakable acts. They are clearly a dark person, who is driven by some unforeseen force. It should be noted, however, that this specific Origin does play homage to the first two Baldur’s Gate games, and that player character’s connection to Bhaal, the Lord of Murder. (This is evident when watching the special cinematic that accompanies each unique Origin. Just look at the pedestal they’re standing on as it plays!)
There is a canon Dark Urge NPC you meet throughout the story if you don’t pick to play as them, but they don’t appear to be someone you can recruit to your party unlike the other Origin characters.
Should You Play as The Dark Urge in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The fact of the matter remains; should you play as The Dark Urge in Baldur’s Gate III? From my time playing as this Origin character, I would say that you should definitely consider it. I would say that I am not a huge fan of Origin characters in this game.
Sure, it is nice to play as someone like Asterion or Shadowheart, but I feel they work best as a companion. However, that is not the case with The Dark Urge. They are basically a custom character, but with a uniquely written and dedicated storyline.
Your background is permanently set as Haunted One, which leads to unique cutscenes, interactions, and choices you won’t see otherwise. If I were to recommend an Origin character, this is the one. It is like playing a custom one with all of the perks like freedom and romance, but with even more story content.
That said, The Dark Urge is a heavy and twisted storyline. There are moments where the narrator notes how you see a corpse and remember of the pleasure of that sight. Though you can resist these disturbing thoughts and choices, they are right in front of you the whole time.
For most players, I would suggest starting your own custom character and then picking The Dark Urge on a second playthrough, especially if you want to be a little evil.
Baldur’s Gate III is available for PCs and will release for the PS5 on September 6, 2023.
