One of the best features about Baldur’s Gate III is the option to play through the entire game from start to finish with a party of up to four real players. It is almost like a high-budget digital D&D session, but there are some quirks about using co-op multiplayer in Baldur’s Gate III that you need to know.
Everything You Need to Know About Co-Op Multiplayer in Baldur’s Gate III
First and foremost, co-op multiplayer in Baldur’s Gate III allows up to four players to play together online or two players locally through splitscreen multiplayer. When you get to the main menu, what you do from here depends on whether or not you want to start or join an online game.
If you want to start one, simply load up an existing save or create a new game session. Make sure that your online settings are turned on so other players can see your lobby. For players trying to join an existing online session, choose “Multiplayer” from the main menu.
This will list every open online multiplayer lobby available and you should be able to search for your friend there. If you wish to play with someone locally, you’ll want to tab over to the LAN side for local options.
When it comes to multiplayer, there are few restrictions within the game itself. However, there are some notable issues. For one, if you wish to play as an Origin character—also known as one of the core companions—you’ll have to start with someone in a fresh save.
If you join someone whose save already exists without you, your only option will be to create a new custom character. In addition, if you create a custom character in someone else’s game and then later leave it, that character will remain in the game and the host will have the option to control your character when you aren’t around.
This allows you to freely join and leave multiplayer sessions without too much stress about always needing to play together. While in multiplayer sessions, there are almost no restrictions on how far off you can run from your party members.
You can chat with NPCs, view cutscenes, trade, make decisions, visit the campsite, and even fight without needing the other members around. Just note that whoever starts a cutscene or chat will be the one to ultimately confirm what choices and dialogue options are selected.
Baldur’s Gate III is available for PCs and will release for the PS5 on September 6, 2023.
Published: Aug 3, 2023 03:05 am