Baldur's Gate 3 could last you the rest of the year if you really want it to, as Larian Studios has announced a playthrough that touches all the content in the game might last up to 200 hours. A standard, more mainline approach is supposed to last 75 to 100 hours, but in an interview with IGN, boss Swen Vincke said "the ones who want to do everything" will likely take 200 hours to roll credits.
Such a long playtime would fall in line with previous RPGs from Larian Studios, with Divinity: Original Sin 2 tagged at a 152-hour playthrough for completionists on How Long to Beat. Although, Baldur's Gate 3 is structured in a way where you don't need to commit to playing from start to finish all at once. The game is based on large-scale acts — the first of which you'll get three days of early access to if you pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition — which provide a good spotting point. Vincke added: "There will be moments where you can say, 'you know what? I'll stop here and try something else', and then I'll pick it up again. It's big enough."
Larian Studios has recently spoke of just how big Baldur's Gate 3 is set to be, saying it has "three times more cinematic dialogue than all three The Lord of the Rings novels combined" and "174 hours of cinematics, making it more than twice the length of every season of Game of Thrones combined".
What's more, the developer is touting the game will have a high amount of replay value thanks to the amount of classes you can choose. Vincke said: "I think people will re-roll a lot. We have this insane amount of classes, sub-classes, races, sub-races. This is not a small game you're going to be done with in a month. You will be playing it in bits and chunks. Maybe you will drop in with a friend in multiplayer — we have drop-in/drop-out multiplayer also. There are so many ways of playing it." The team has confirmed there'll be 12 classes to choose from at launch, which branch out into a further 46 sub-classes.
On top of that, the PS5 launch in September will just be the beginning for Larian Studios. While no DLC plans have been confirmed, the developer's past two titles have been updated for free after release with enhanced and updates versions, bringing new features to the experience. It's probably fair to say then Baldur's Gate 3 could keep you entertained beyond 2023 — and that's just based on what's there on day one.
Is this something that increases your interest in a game, or does it turn you away? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[source ign.com]
Comments 28
174 hours of cinematica but only a 200 hour game. Somethings got to give in these stats.
@bemaniac they could be different characters cinematics or if you make a different choice you get a different cinematic
Real time with pause, thanks
It sounds amazing, but being realistic I don't know if I have the time for this.
I'm still playing FF XVI and TotK, and I expect to be playing both for months. Plus, I wanted to get in to Nier Automata finally.
Granblue Fantasy is approaching too.
Then FF VII Rebirth.
I need to get back to my W.T.L.A.P.G.A.D plan.
(Win the Lotto and play games all day)
@PoochieTamzarian real time with pause easily just becomes a bit of a mess on console. I don’t mind it, and preferred it in POE2 versus the “afterthought” turn-based combat option, but when a game is designed with turn-based in mind it blows real time with pause out the water IMO.
I’ll be skipping this one in that case. There’s just too many other games coming out this year that I want to experience. 75-200 hours is sort of insane to have on the docket, given the amount of solid releases this year. But that’s great for people that are able to stick to one game and really get absorbed in it, I suppose.
So long as it's good content then that's great. I'm a big lover of Larian Turn Based Combat. I still haven't played BG1 and 2 because of how much I hate real time with pause.
Probably going to take me a good hour or 2, just to get past the character customisation screen...
@Shepherd_Tallon Ah, a man with a refined plan, I see.
You and me both, brother...
If only it wasn't turn based. I hate turn-based combat.
N.i.c.e. larian studio divinity original sin enhanced edition and divinity original sin 2 are 2 of the best games ever made.and 2 long games also.baldurs gate 3 looks like a really good games also and another long games also.word up son
@J2theEzzo I'm convinced that if I just believe in it, I will win one day.
Right? That's how it works?
🙃
I'll buy it cuz the hype but I'm really over these overly long games.
Is a bit over long, but like he said I can drop out and come back later. I did that with DOS2 and Pathfinder Wraith of the Righteous. It's easier to drop out and come back with these games as turned based gives you time to relearn and use different strategies. Glad I'm not a trophy hunter though. That would be a huge time sink. Still super excited for this game.
Holy character classes Batman, that’s a lot of game!
Absolutely loved Divinity Original Sin 2 so I reckon this will be a classic and I may play it one day. But I'm with you lot, I just don't have the time to play it.
@kyleforrester87 It’s honestly a mess on PC too. DnD is meant to be played turn based, one person at a time. I really don’t understand people who defends the awkward rigging of the DnD rules for real time with pause. I play actual DnD too.
I mean let’s be real. In OG BG, combat was clearly as afterthought.
Ehhh, between not having a physical edition and being so long... I might have to pass on this one. At least for now, I just don't have the time.
I loved long RPGs when I was working (took me 8 months to beat FF7 back then), & now that I'm retired, they're much appreciated & still loved! Big fan of Larian's - thoroughly enjoyed both Original Sins, so I've been looking forward to this for some time. My only disappointment is that they're forgoing a PS5 physical release.
@Jaz007 I generally agree but having not played many of these games on PC for years now, I thought I would give it the benefit of the doubt as my memory is hazy.
For Pillars of Eternity on console, if the combat scenario was even remotely complex, I’d be slowing the combat speed right down so “real time with pause” is actually a misnomer.. “1/4 speed with pause” is more accurate.
BG1 and 2 are probably two of my favorite games of all time, but.....this runtime sounds extreme. 174 hours of cinematics?? I thought XVI jumped the shark with 15 hours of movie in their video game. 174 hours of movies?! This jumps 10 sharks, an inflatable shark, An oil tanker, a cruise ship and then another 3 inflatable sharks.
Yum yum ,yes please ,I also don't have the time ,and I suppose I could use my spare time for something a bit more constructive, but cigarette in my mouth,nice glass of single malt and staying up till 4am ,playing a massive rpg is my happy place.
Sounds good! It’s about the journey, not the end (if you ever get there, lol).
Actually have started to get interested in this. I recall loving dragon age origins and this seems to be somewhat like it, but bigger.
Gaming is how I spend most of my time, so I’m happy that this is so long. Nothing like immersing yourself in a massive RPG. I just finished Final Fantasy XVI after 62 hours of playtime and don’t even ask how many hours I’ve spent playing The Elder Scrolls Online.
@kyleforrester87 perhaps, but each combat event grinds to a halt. DA:Inquisition did it well enough. There's definitely scope to do it. Larian clearly just wanted to stick with what they know
Doubtful many gamers will finish this given Starfield comes out a few weeks later.
@Shepherd_Tallon I'll keep my fingers crossed for the both of us!
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