Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to take control of its rich Origin characters, each with compelling backstories and distinct personalities. However, this creative freedom comes at a cost: staying true to these characters’ personalities can be challenging, and deviating from their intended arcs may create a disconnect between the player’s choices and the character’s narrative. While the game is designed to be flexible, some decisions feel distinctly out of place when measured against the Baldur’s Gate 3 Origin characters’ established traits.
This disconnect becomes particularly noticeable with certain Baldur’s Gate 3 Origin characters whose storylines push them toward specific alignments or values. Players can, of course, take them in entirely new directions, but doing so risks portraying a version of the character that feels inconsistent with the events they would logically experience as the protagonist.
Related
Baldur’s Gate 3: 10 Ways To Shake Up A New Playthrough
With several ways to play Baldur’s Gate 3, what’s the best way for players to keep each new playthrough fresh?
Wyll’s Noble Heart Contrasts with Evil Choices
Wyll’s story revolves around honor, redemption, and his complicated relationship with his father. His righteous demeanor and willingness to sacrifice himself to help others make him a quintessential hero. However, the game allows players to make Wyll take a darker path, such as manipulating or intimidating his father into submission. This choice, while possible, undermines Wyll’s core identity as someone trying to mend the broken bonds in his life. The addition of new evil paths in recent patches exacerbates this challenge, giving players the freedom to steer Wyll far from his heroic trajectory in ways that feel distinctly off-brand.
Astarion’s Morality Often Feels Misaligned
Astarion, a vampire spawn with a flair for cunning and self-preservation, has a sharp edge that defines his character. While players can soften Astarion through specific choices, leaning too heavily into altruism may feel dissonant. Early in the game, Astarion openly disapproves of selfless actions, such as aiding refugees or sacrificing personal gain for the benefit of others. Yet, as a protagonist, he can be played as a virtuous do-gooder, creating a version of Astarion that starkly contrasts with his established personality. This flexibility, while freeing, can make it harder to reconcile player actions with his character arc.
Lae’zel’s Devotion Makes Some Choices Awkward
Lae’zel is defined by her devout faith in Vlaakith and her commitment to Githyanki traditions. As a zealous warrior, her loyalty to her people is central to her identity, and she often challenges actions that go against her rigid beliefs. However, Baldur’s Gate 3 permits players to diverge drastically from this path, allowing Lae’zel to cleanse a monastery of Githyanki or even reject Vlaakith’s teachings entirely. While these choices unlock compelling storylines, they can feel incongruous with the character’s deeply ingrained devotion, raising questions about how faithfully players are portraying her if she is the protagonist.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Creative Freedom Versus Narrative Consistency
Larian Studios has made it clear that Baldur’s Gate 3 is a creative playground, encouraging players to shape the narrative however they see fit. This flexibility is bolstered by updates and mods that continually expand the game’s possibilities. While this approach gives players the ability to create wildly divergent paths for the Origin characters, it also makes it harder to capture the essence of these characters as they were designed. For players who enjoy role-playing with narrative fidelity, this can be a double-edged sword, as choices that deviate too far from the characters’ core traits may feel unnatural.
Ultimately, Baldur’s Gate 3 excels in letting players craft their own stories, even if it means sacrificing some narrative consistency. For fans who embrace this freedom, the game offers nearly limitless possibilities. However, for those who prefer to role-play within the confines of established character arcs, Origin playthroughs can sometimes feel like a compromise between creative expression and narrative authenticity.
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.
THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCE
Choose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.
A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPIC
Forged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
Leave a Reply