4 Games Like Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is probably one of the greatest games in the RPG genre and a fan favorite. But if you already did a few playthroughs, you may be looking for something else — similar, but different. Because while playing BG3 is never exactly the same on each playthrough, the side quests and quests largely are, and you can get bored.
I’m still deep in the trenches of a BG3 addiction, but I thought having a game at the ready whenever I get bored of it would be good. And sure, there are tons of games that look like BG3 or have some elements of it, but I found 4 that will truly fill that hole Baldur’s Gate 3 left behind.
Keep in mind that other than these games, you can also try the previous Baldur’s Gate titles, but I haven’t included them here because they’re older (and that’s not for everyone), and not that great on console. They also follow different D&D rules, which I’m told aren’t great either. But if you’re into classics, go for it!
1. Best Overall: Divinity: Original Sin 2
Where to Play: PlayStation, PC, xBox, Nintendo Switch
Released: September 2017
Developer: Larian Studios
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is probably the closest you’ll get to Baldur’s Gate 3. Not only is it developed by the same studio (always a good sign), but it covers most if not all of the elements of BG3 that are universally loved.
The combat is not based on D&D rules, but it’s turn-based and equally creative and fun. Larian Studios allows you to use the environment during battles (like spilling grease and lighting it on fire, etc.), be strategic (splitting the party and sneaking up on the enemy), and more.
In addition to that, Divinity: Original Sin 2 has excellent storytelling and a compelling cast of characters you can romance or influence. You can create your own character, and all of the choices you make throughout the game matter.
It’s moddable, allows co-op, and has a fantastic sense of humor too. The world is big, open, and allows you to explore to your heart’s content. It even has a Game Master mode where you can create your own stories or download stories from other players.
Length-wise, it’s also similar to BG3, offering about 60 hours to gamers focused on the main quests and about 153 hours to players who love to explore and do all of the side quests. So, you won’t get tired of it soon.
2. Best for the Characters: Dragon Age: Origins
Where to Play: PC, PlayStation, xBox
Released: 2009
Developer: BioWare
There are quite a few Dragon Age games you can play, but I’d recommend Dragon Age: Origins. It has the best cast of characters, a great story and fantastic game mechanics. For a while, it was even considered a spiritual successor of the original Baldur’s Gate games. Though it’s not the most recent DA game, it’s definitely the best in the franchise.
The characters are definitely where this game shines. Set against a pretty grim backdrop, DA characters are funny, bright and excellent to banter with. Coupled with some great storytelling and an option to romance them, you won’t be bored or feel alone while playing Dragon Age: Origins.
The fantasy world is different, true, and the combat isn’t turn-based (or based on D&D rules) — so be prepared for that. But you can create your own character, choose your race and class, and romance 4 companions (no matter the gender you play). There’s also an option to download or create fan-generated content so you’ll probably have plenty to do.
In terms of length, it’s slightly shorter than Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 — to complete the main quests, you’d need about 40 hours, and if you prefer exploring and side-quests, you’ll get about 80 hours of gameplay.
3. Best for the Romance: Mass Effect
Where to Play: PC, PlayStation, xBox
Released: 2007 — 2017
Developer: BioWare
Okay, saying that Mass Effect is good for the romance alone is a bit of an understatement, because it’s a fantastic game franchise overall. Unlike the previous two, it’s set in space rather than a medieval-ish fantasy realm, but it contains a lot of the elements that make Baldur’s Gate 3 great.
There are four games in this franchise and one yet to be released, and all of them are equally worth playing. You’ll play the role of Commander Shepard, who is completely customizable — looks, gender, leadership styles, personality and more. All of the choices that you make throughout the game have an effect on the ending, so it’s pretty similar to BG3 in that.
Keep in mind that it’s a third-person shooter game so the combat will be a bit different than in BG3. The setting is obviously also different, but if you don’t mind a bit of Sci-Fi, it’s a great game.
Mass Effect is universally loved for its storytelling and characters. In the first part, you have the option to romance three of your squad and it’s meant to be mostly heterosexual, though there’s a workaround. The romance can continue in part 2 and 3 if you import the character from part 1, though you can cheat (and it will have negative consequences later). You can also create a new Shepard in each part and get new romance options.
The best part of the romance aspect is that you get a lot of intensity and character work with it — it’s not just about randomly choosing partners, but developing life-like relationships.
Individual Mass Effect games are on the shorter side, with about 20-40 hours, depending on your play style, but if you decide to play all of them, you’ll have hundreds of hours of content. Considering that your choices truly matter, you’ll probably give it a few playthroughs as well.
4. Best for the Storytelling: Pillars of Eternity
Where to Play: PC, xBox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation
Released: 2015; 2018
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
If you liked the lore and the story of Baldur’s Gate 3 but want more (much more) of it — choose Pillars of Eternity (either the original or its sequel, Deadfire). It’s not the best experience for anyone who doesn’t much care for reading, but if you do, this is definitely a game for you.
The aesthetics and the setting is similar to Baldur’s Gate 3. The difference is that you don’t get to create your own character. Instead, you have to choose one of the origin characters, each with a unique background, story, skills, etc. The combat is also different, though slightly tricky so there’s a bit of a learning curve.
There are a few companions and they have their own stories that unravel and make an impact on the plot of the game. There is an option to romance them, but it’s not a very strong element of this game, so don’t expect heartfelt or spicy scenes that much.
But if the character storylines is what you’re after, you’ll be happy to know that they continue in part 2, so you’ll get to enjoy them longer. Deadfire is also set on a pirate ship, which sets it apart from other games in the genre.
When it comes to length, Pillars of Eternity is about 33 hours long for just the main quests and with a bit more exploration, for 108 hours. Deadfire is a bit longer, with 41 hours to complete the main quests and 131 to explore and finish all the side quests.
Games Like Baldur’s Gate 3: Final Thoughts
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most unique games out there and it definitely set a new standard for RPGs and cRPGs. However, if you can part with it and enjoy certain elements of it in other games, this list is for you.
If you’re just starting out with BG3, check out my Beginner’s Guide or my review for more info.
