How to Play Multiplayer BG3: A Guide to Unlocking the Chaos of Cooperative Adventure

Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is not just a game; it’s an experience. And when you add multiplayer into the mix, it becomes a chaotic, hilarious, and sometimes frustrating journey that you and your friends will never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the world of Faerûn, playing BG3 in multiplayer mode can be both rewarding and challenging. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to dive into the multiplayer madness of BG3, along with some tips to ensure your party doesn’t end up in a TPK (Total Party Kill) situation.

1. Setting Up Your Multiplayer Session

Before you can embark on your epic adventure, you need to set up your multiplayer session. Here’s how:

• Create or Join a Lobby: BG3 allows you to either host a game or join an existing one. If you’re hosting, you can invite friends via Steam, GOG, or other platforms. If you’re joining, make sure you have the correct game version and mods (if any) to avoid compatibility issues.
• Character Creation: Each player creates their own character. You can choose from the pre-made Origin characters or create a custom one. Pro tip: Discuss your party composition beforehand to ensure a balanced team (e.g., don’t have four wizards unless you’re aiming for chaos).
• Party Size: BG3 supports up to four players in a single session. However, you can also play with fewer players and control multiple characters if you prefer.

2. Communication is Key

Multiplayer BG3 is all about teamwork, and communication is crucial. Here’s how to stay on the same page:

• Voice Chat: Use Discord, Steam Chat, or any other voice communication tool to coordinate your actions. Trust me, typing in the in-game chat while a goblin is shooting arrows at you is not ideal.
• Plan Your Moves: Discuss your strategies before engaging in combat. Who’s going to tank? Who’s going to heal? Who’s going to accidentally set the entire forest on fire? (Looking at you, wizard.)
• Respect Each Other’s Choices: BG3 is a role-playing game, and everyone has their own playstyle. If your friend wants to pickpocket every NPC they see, let them—just be ready to bail them out when things go south.

3. Embrace the Chaos

One of the best things about multiplayer BG3 is the unpredictability. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Split the Party: Unlike the classic D&D advice, splitting the party in BG3 can lead to hilarious and unexpected outcomes. While one group is negotiating with a dragon, the other might be starting a bar fight in the tavern.
• Experiment with Dialogue: Each player can interact with NPCs independently, leading to unique and often conflicting outcomes. Who knows? Your rogue’s sarcastic comment might just save the day—or doom you all.
• Be Prepared for Betrayal: Multiplayer BG3 is the perfect environment for friendly (or not-so-friendly) betrayal. Maybe your paladin decides to side with the goblins, or your bard seduces the BBEG (Big Bad Evil Guy). Roll with it and enjoy the story that unfolds.

4. Combat Tips for Multiplayer

Combat in BG3 can be challenging, especially when you’re coordinating with other players. Here are some tips to keep your party alive:

• Turn-Based Coordination: BG3 uses a turn-based combat system, so take your time to plan your moves. Discuss who’s going to attack whom and when to use your abilities.
• Positioning Matters: Make sure your squishy characters (like wizards and rogues) are not in the front line. Use terrain to your advantage, such as high ground for ranged attacks or chokepoints for melee fighters.
• Revive Your Fallen Comrades: If a party member goes down, don’t panic. Use healing spells, potions, or scrolls to revive them. And if all else fails, there’s always the option to reload a save—unless you’re playing Ironman mode, in which case, good luck.

5. Managing Loot and Resources

Loot is a big part of BG3, and in multiplayer, it can lead to some heated discussions. Here’s how to handle it:

• Share the Wealth: Decide early on how you’re going to divide loot. Will you split gold equally? Who gets the shiny new sword? A little generosity goes a long way in keeping the peace.
• Inventory Management: Keep an eye on your inventory space. Some items are heavy, and you don’t want to be over-encumbered in the middle of a dungeon.
• Crafting and Alchemy: If your party has a character skilled in crafting or alchemy, make sure they have the resources they need to create potions, bombs, and other useful items.

6. Dealing with Conflicts

Multiplayer BG3 can sometimes lead to disagreements, whether it’s over loot, dialogue choices, or combat strategies. Here’s how to handle them:

• Stay Calm: Remember, it’s just a game. If things get heated, take a break and come back later.
• Compromise: If you can’t agree on a decision, try to find a middle ground. Maybe you don’t have to kill that NPC—maybe you can just intimidate them instead.
• Laugh It Off: Sometimes, the best way to deal with a bad situation is to laugh about it. So what if your cleric accidentally healed the enemy? It’s all part of the adventure.

7. Mods and Customization

If you want to take your multiplayer experience to the next level, consider using mods. Here are some popular ones:

• Party Size Mods: Want to play with more than four players? There are mods that allow you to increase the party size.
• Cosmetic Mods: Change the appearance of your characters with new outfits, hairstyles, and more.
• Gameplay Tweaks: From increased difficulty to quality-of-life improvements, there’s a mod for almost everything.

8. Final Thoughts

Playing BG3 in multiplayer is a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a game that rewards creativity, teamwork, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. So gather your friends, create your characters, and dive into the world of Faerûn. Just remember: no matter what happens, it’s all about having fun.

FAQs

Q: Can I play BG3 multiplayer with strangers? A: Yes, you can join public lobbies or use forums and Discord servers to find other players. However, playing with friends is generally more enjoyable.

Q: What happens if a player disconnects during a session? A: The game will pause, and the disconnected player’s character will be controlled by the AI until they reconnect.

Q: Can I switch between single-player and multiplayer? A: Yes, you can continue your multiplayer save in single-player mode and vice versa. Just be aware that any decisions made in one mode will carry over to the other.

Q: Are there any restrictions on mods in multiplayer? A: All players in a multiplayer session must have the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues. Make sure everyone is on the same page before starting the game.

Q: Can I romance other players in multiplayer? A: While you can’t romance other players directly, you can pursue romantic storylines with NPCs. Just be prepared for some awkward moments if your friend’s character is also trying to woo the same NPC.