#baldur's gate 3 strategy guide

[pixeldiaries]

BG3 Honour Mode Act 1 Route

I am currently playing Honour Mode in Baldur's Gate 3 and I wanted to start adding notes/guides to help others through it if they need it. Honour Mode is the new difficulty in Baldur's Gate 3 that's just above Tactician, and you only get one save file. So if you TPK (total party kill) it really is game over.

I haven't completed it yet, but I'm finding it surprisingly not difficult. However, I did a lot of planning. The first act is supposedly the most difficult. I'll add and update with more encounters as I go along.

I'm playing a custom character (Tav), as a moon druid. This is a guide for a Good/neutral aligned run.

Continue reading for the Level 1 to 4 Guide. FULL SPOILERS ahead.

Nautiloid:

pick up all the cartilogenous chests in the first room

rescue US

Free Shadowheart

kill the cultist thralls (for XP), either use the console or fight them

loot everything (you will need the gold)

there is a pink nautiloid explody vat by Shadowheart. Pick this up.

prepare the Command spell on Shadowheart before the Cambion encounter. I replaced Shield of Faith.

drop the chests you picked up in the door way right before the last sphincter. If you can't move past them, neither can the extra cambions. This will buy you time to kill things and loot the place

collect all the nautiloid explosive vats and the void bulbs

use command on Commander Zhalk. Save your spell slots for command. If you can't get him to drop it, you will have to kill him for the sword.

if he drops it or if he is dead, loot the sword right away and beeline for the helm. Go into party view and MAKE SURE THIS SWORD IS IN TAV'S INVENTORY RIGHT AWAY (just in case you lose your companions at anypoint)

The Crash Site

Save Shadowheart

loot everything. You need at least one set of thieves tools. Disarm kit is a bonus.

skip the intellect devourers by scaling the cliffs on the right.

Save Gale

Save Lae'zel

go back to the ship and kill the Intellect Devourers (xp!)

go find the Harper chest by the beach where Astarion is hanging out

go get ganked by Astarion

get some rest if needed. Switch in Astarion.

go to the Ruined refectory

intimidate or persuade the bandits there. No one gets any cheese.

Do not go into the refectory here. Go around the back, find the hatch to the crypt

read the Book of the Dead to give you inspiration.

fight the dead monks

go get Withers.

go the other crypt and open the trapped sarcophagus. If you don't have a disarm kit, keep 3 of your party outside, position 1 by the sarcophagus, turn on Turn-Based mode, loot the sarcophagus and dash out before the trap goes off. It's a nice spear.

Important tips:

long rest when your health and spell slots are low. Try to be at every major encounter fully rested

loot everything. Find every chest. Sell everything. If you fail survival checks, start digging anyway. You need all the gold.

COLLECT ALL THE EXPLOSIVE things. Put them in your camp traveller chest but loot them. I don't care if you think Barrelmancy is an exploit, this is Honour Mode.

The Emerald Grove

get some rest if needed

kill the rest of the bandits in the refectory for XP. Remember to have an escape route if things go south.

Tip: you can use the door to block attacks, and this way you can concentrate on any enemies that ran into the room.

go to the Emerald Grove, help Aradin, Wyll and Zevlor fight the goblins

do all the Emerald grove stuff

add Wyll to your group

talk to Ethel. Do NOT tell her about your tadpole. She will stay at the Grove and everytime you long rest, her stock replenishes. Suggested purchases: health potions, elixir of hill giant strength

only use gold on potions. Resist the temptation to buy all the dyes like I do

talk to Kagha. DO NOT USE FRIENDS ON KAGHA. Unless you want to trigger the tiefling massacre.

rescue Arabella

talk to Nettie. Loot all the scripts in the library.

Go talk to Alfira. Tell her you will help her write her song, so you get proficiency with a musical instrument. It's a bonus if you don't have a bard in the group, but distracting people will be very helpful.

don't fight the harpies just yet

Go find Sazza and free her (she will make it easier to get past the a goblin checkpoint).

DO NOT GO OUT the Emerald grove. Take the passageway behind the prison, and kill the goblins there for XP. Make sure to keep Sazza hidden in the back.

before you heal/wakeup the unconscious halfling druid there, pickpocket him for a +1 Nature head piece.

get out of the secret passageway. Go scale the cliffs in front of the Emerald Gold entrance. At the top, loot a skeleton for a Guidance neckpiece.

find the spider hole and grab he spider egg sac.

continue down the road and talk to the Absolute cultists. This is important: Try not to fight them. Have them "get revenge" on the owlbear instead.

it's up to you if you want to use the tadpoles or not. Tadpole powers make things a bit easier, but not necessary. Personally I have been resisting them.

go get Scratch

DO NOT talk to the Absolute siblings yet. Wait until you are level 4 for the Owlbear encounter

Blighted Village/Waukeen's Rest

persuade the goblins in Blighted Village to let you pass without a fight.

Rescue Barcus Wroot. Gnomes can't fly well.

If you trigger a fight, focus fire on the head goblin Fezzerk first. Once his health is low, he will beg for his life instead.

Talk to the ogres if you are confident in your persuasion skills or if you are sure you can beat them. At level 3, it's doable but a bit more difficult. You will want to kill them for Lump's intellect headpiece, but you may want them to fight for you instead.

You can find the cellar in the Apothacary shop, loot all the potions and herbs there

optional but tricky depending on your rolls and positioning: go kill the skeletons and talk to the mirror. Go find the Necromancy of Thay. Tav should probably read the book.

head north out of Blighted Village

find an uncommon (green) dagger stuck in some roasting mystery meat.

interrupt the bugbear and ogre in love if you want. It will be a bit of a challenging fight at level 3.

Go below the bridge, to avoid the hyenas/gnolls

Go to the tollhouse and talk to the paladins. Do not fight them.

If you collected the nautiloid explosive vats like I told you to do in the Nautiloid ship, start decorating around the Paladins with them. Two of them beside his desk should do. Do not fight them.

Go get Karlach

go to Waukeen's rest and do all the quests there. You can visit the Zhentarim hideout but be careful, if you fail with the guy keeping guard, he will blow you up. I recommend maybe keeping someone waiting outside.

Goblin Camp/Shattered Sanctum

go talk to the goblins. You can walk around if you are able to persuade the goblins at the first checkpoint

go talk to Volo.

go talk to Crusher. "Persuade" him to kiss your foot. He will go away and sulk alone on the bridge to the entrance

go inside the Shattered Sanctum.

talk to Priestess Gut. She will wait for you in her chambers

Rescue Volo

Rescue Liam

optional: talk to the Priest of Loviatar, Abdirak and get beaten by him. You get a buff.

I do not recommend talking to Dror Ragzlin or Minthara at this point, or attempting to rescue Halsin. If the talks go bad, you will have to fight.

if you still need more XP, you can fight the newborn gnolls on the Risen Road. They should be easy, but be prepared to kill the hyena runner fast, or deal with gnoll adds.

with Lae'zel in your party, you can also visit the Githyanki patrol and talk to Voss. Convince Lae'zel to play along and tell Voss that we'll help them find the "weapon" they seek. You DO NOT want to fight this patrol. They will murder you.

at some point after all this you should hit Level 4.

Owlbear

go to the Owlbear cave and head inside with the siblings

I'd recommend opening the Selune chest first to get the neck piece

go fight the Owlbear. In Honour mode, the Owlbear legendary action is that she will summon her mate so now you get to fight TWO full grown owlbears with the same HP and abilitlies AND the cub.

the siblings will distract the 2nd owlbear ideally.

Stay by the creek, it's a narrow section and doesn't let the owlbears maneouver very well

focus fire one, then the other.

make sure to pick up the owlbear egg and don't kill the cub.

Tip:

always kill one at a time if you can. This will knock enemies off the board, less chances for them to attack you. Even at 1 HP, enemies can cause trouble.

At Level Four you should be ready for most of the more trickier fights. I would recommend being at Level 5 to kill the Spider Matriarch, but all the other boss encounters in the area should be manageable. I'll write up my strat guide for the next post.

[haplogamingchef]

Best Illusion Wizard Build in Baldur's Gate 3: Complete Guide

Best Illusion Wizard Build in Baldur's Gate 3: Complete Guide

Introduction

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Illusion Wizard offers a unique way to manipulate the battlefield through deceptive magic and stealth-driven gameplay. For players who prefer subtlety over brute force, this class combines effective utility, defensive capabilities, and battlefield control. In this guide, we explore a specialized Baldur's Gate 3 Illusion Wizard build that integrates a BG3 Ranger Wizard multiclass to maximize both infiltration potential and survivability.

This build emphasizes high Dexterity, making it ideal for players seeking BG3 stealth magic tactics while maintaining the flexibility of a Wizard’s spellbook. Whether you're aiming to scout dangerous terrain solo or create distractions during combat, this hybrid setup delivers both strategic depth and strong performance.

Core Concept: A Stealth-Oriented Spellcaster

This Illusion Wizard build revolves around misdirection and agility rather than raw magical power. Unlike traditional Wizards that prioritize Intelligence for offensive spells, this variant focuses on Dexterity to dodge attacks, land consistent weapon strikes, and execute infiltration tasks. The synergy with the Ranger subclass enhances mobility and exploration while adding dual-wielding capability for physical combat.

By emphasizing Dexterity over Intelligence, you shift the character’s focus from spell-based damage to survivability and battlefield utility. This design allows the build to function as a scout, trap disarmer, and even a frontliner under the right conditions, depending on spell usage.

Subclass Overview: Illusion School Features

The Illusion School provides distinct tools tailored for tactical deception. At level 2, Wizards who specialize in Illusion gain Improved Minor Illusion, converting the cantrip into a bonus action, allowing simultaneous use of utility and movement. This feature is highly effective when distracting enemies or creating space in turn-based mode.

At level 6, See Invisibility becomes a free class action exclusive to Illusion Wizards, offering permanent magical detection without consuming spell slots or preparation space. At level 10, Illusory Self becomes available — a one-time-per-short-rest reaction that causes an attack to automatically miss. This acts as a major survivability mechanism in tense combat situations.

Stat Allocation and Build Priorities

For this build, Dexterity is the cornerstone. Start by pushing Dexterity to 17 during character creation, aiming for a final score of 20 by level 8. This maximizes your AC, finesse weapon damage, initiative, and stealth-related checks — all crucial for survival and effectiveness in this build. Secondary stats should be split between Intelligence and Wisdom, each set at 14. Intelligence allows for more prepared spells, while Wisdom improves perception and resistance to common control spells.

Strength is minimized, and Constitution is kept neutral at 10. As a dodge-oriented caster who avoids damage rather than absorbing it, high Constitution is unnecessary. Charisma is bumped to 12 for slight improvements in conversational encounters, especially useful when paired with the Friends cantrip.

Early Game Progression: Levels 1–4

Begin as a Wizard to secure access to Mage Armor and other key spells. At level 2, select the Illusion School and gain Improved Minor Illusion. Learn utility-focused cantrips such as Mage Hand, Light, and Friends. Prioritize non-combat ritual spells like Feather Fall, Longstrider, and Enhance Leap, which offer exploration benefits without consuming slots.

At level 3, unlock Blur, a vital defense spell that imposes disadvantage on incoming attacks. At level 4, take the Weapon Master feat to raise Dexterity to 18 and gain proficiency with key finesse weapons such as Rapiers, Shortswords, and Daggers. Add Knock and Misty Step to your arsenal for advanced mobility and lock-breaking utility.

Mid-Game Strategy: Levels 5–8

By level 5, your spellbook begins to offer serious control options. Counterspell becomes available, allowing you to shut down enemy casters. This spell is particularly valuable in boss encounters or any situation involving crowd control. At this level, consider adding a versatile utility spell like Enlarge/Reduce to expand your options in both exploration and combat.

At level 6, you unlock See Invisibility as a class action — a major benefit that distinguishes Illusion Wizards from others. This version does not require a spell slot or preparation, granting you constant awareness of hidden threats. At level 7, your toolkit expands with Greater Invisibility, a core spell for stealth-based combat. Cast this on yourself to move unseen and attack with advantage, making it ideal for ambushes or disengaging from threats.

Upon reaching level 8, use the Ability Score Improvement feat to raise Dexterity to 20. This is a pivotal milestone for the build, cementing your AC and attack bonuses. With maximum Dexterity and consistent stealth capability, your Illusion Wizard becomes one of the most evasive and resourceful characters in any BG3 party.

Multiclass Synergy: Ranger Levels 9–10

At this stage, you multiclass into Ranger for two levels, enhancing your stealth and combat versatility. Choose the Bounty Hunter favored enemy subclass for proficiency in Investigation, and select Urban Tracker as your terrain specialization to gain Sleight of Hand and lockpicking skills. Add Perception as a proficiency to improve your environmental awareness.

At level 10, pick Two-Weapon Fighting as your fighting style, allowing you to add your Dexterity modifier to your off-hand attacks — effectively increasing your damage output when dual-wielding. As a Ranger, you’ll also gain access to spells like Speak with Animals, expanding your information-gathering capabilities in exploration scenarios.

Final Wizard Levels: 11–12

After benefiting from the Ranger dip, return to Wizard for the final two levels. At level 11, add Conjure Elemental to your spell list. This powerful summon brings a durable companion to the battlefield, improving your party’s action economy. Whether used for frontline support or as a distraction during infiltration missions, the elemental adds flexibility to your strategy.

At level 12, you unlock Illusory Self, one of the most important survivability tools in your kit. This ability allows you to avoid a hit completely as a reaction, usable once per short rest. Whether you're caught off guard or taking a calculated risk, this failsafe significantly extends your durability in high-threat scenarios.

Together with Blur and Greater Invisibility, this capstone feature makes you one of the most elusive characters in Baldur’s Gate 3. You’ll have several layers of defense without needing heavy armor or Constitution investment, fully embracing the strengths of the Baldur's Gate 3 Illusion Wizard build.

Combat Tactics and Role in Party

In battle, your first move each turn is often to buff yourself — either with Blur if engaging enemies head-on, or with Greater Invisibility if you're supporting from range or ambushing. Follow this up by coating your weapons using the bonus action system, which applies poison or status effects to both main and off-hand weapons. Because you’re dual-wielding, you trigger these coatings twice per round, maximizing the impact of debuffs.

You’re not a traditional damage-dealing mage, so avoid relying on high-damage spells unless necessary. Instead, conserve spell slots for control, defense, and utility. Use illusion magic to obscure enemy vision, create diversions, or safely relocate. In tight encounters, Shield and Counterspell keep you in the fight while illusions manipulate enemy behavior.

Exploration Utility: Making the Most of Stealth and Spells

Outside of combat, this build shines as one of the best exploration specialists in the game. Your high Dexterity enables effortless stealth checks, helping you sneak past guards, traps, and enemies. Ritual spells like Feather Fall, Enhance Leap, and Longstrider allow the party to bypass vertical and distance-based obstacles, enhancing your ability to access hidden areas without spending spell slots.

Disguise Self becomes an essential exploration tool, letting you assume different identities to bypass racial barriers or social checkpoints. In Baldur's Gate 3, this spell changes your actual model, enabling a gnome disguise to physically access small tunnels otherwise inaccessible to medium-sized characters. Although purists from D&D 5e may note this diverges from the tabletop rules, it offers practical advantages for players focused on comprehensive exploration.

Activating turn-based mode when infiltrating hostile areas maximizes your movement precision and spell timing, ensuring distractions or concealments are applied optimally. Minor Illusion, improved to a bonus action, lets you mislead enemies into exposing openings or vacating guarded zones.

Rogue Replacement Functions: A Better Stealth Specialist

With this build, you can fulfill every rogue’s role in the party — without investing in Rogue levels. Your proficiencies from Ranger levels provide excellent bonuses to Sleight of Hand, Perception, and Investigation. When locks are too difficult to pick manually, Knock gives you a reliable backup, ensuring no chest or door remains closed for long.

You also surpass a typical Rogue in versatility:

Mage Hand allows manipulation of levers, keys, or objects from a distance.

Find Familiar offers additional scouting potential and can even trigger traps safely.

Greater Invisibility lets you move unseen without relying on environmental cover.

Feather Fall and Enhance Leap grant mobility advantages Rogues can’t match.

Thanks to the Wizard’s flexible preparation system, you can adapt your spell loadout based on the day's challenges — something Rogues, limited by static abilities, cannot do.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Build

Strengths:

Exceptional Survivability: High Dexterity combined with spells like Blur and Greater Invisibility makes you extremely hard to hit.

Unmatched Stealth Utility: Ritual spells and high stealth checks allow you to explore, scout, and infiltrate without alerting enemies.

Combat Flexibility: You can pivot between being a frontline dodge tank or a hidden damage-dealer depending on battle needs.

Expanded Toolkit: Access to both Ranger and Wizard spells provides a broad range of exploration, combat, and utility options.

Resource Efficiency: Many abilities and spells do not require concentration or spell slots if cast out of combat.

Weaknesses:

Limited Magical Damage: Physical damage from dual-wielding replaces offensive spellcasting, leaving a gap against enemies resistant to nonmagical attacks.

Reliance on Buffs: Your effectiveness heavily depends on maintaining key buffs. Dispel effects or control spells that prevent reactions (like Illusory Self) can severely impact survivability.

Single-Target Focus: Lacks area-of-effect (AoE) damage, making encounters against multiple enemies slower compared to traditional Wizards.

Low Constitution: Being a dodge-tank rather than a health-tank means mistakes or bad luck can lead to quick defeats without defensive spells active.

Final Thoughts: Why Play the Illusion Wizard Spy Build

If you seek a distinctive playstyle that values cunning, stealth, and tactical flexibility over brute magical force, this Baldur's Gate 3 Illusion Wizard build offers a refreshing experience. It breaks from the classic Wizard mold, providing a hybrid character capable of replacing a rogue while offering many wizard advantages. Whether sneaking through enemy lines, sabotaging foes, or dodging through chaotic battles, this build rewards creative players who enjoy versatile, strategy-driven gameplay.

Additionally, the BG3 Ranger Wizard multiclass approach seamlessly enhances infiltration, making it one of the most dynamic stealth magic builds available. Mastering BG3 stealth magic tactics with this hybrid design can turn challenging encounters into controlled, surgical operations, making every infiltration mission an opportunity to showcase strategic prowess.

Conclusion

The Illusion Wizard spy build in Baldur’s Gate 3 transforms traditional Wizard gameplay into a dynamic and highly mobile experience. Combining high Dexterity, strategic spell use, and the utility of a multiclass Ranger, this setup offers stealth, resilience, and adaptability rarely seen in other builds. By mastering this Baldur's Gate 3 Illusion Wizard build, you can infiltrate, mislead, and outmaneuver your enemies while remaining one step ahead in both combat and exploration.

Players who enjoy planning, positioning, and creative problem-solving will find this build particularly satisfying. With the right tactics, you become an unstoppable force in stealth-based missions and a critical asset to any adventuring party.

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[selunite-emiri]

feelings about camp buffs and the blood puddles of Warding Bonds

Practical Guide to Camp Casting

[divorcedwife]

What rpgs have u liked/played and how did u like them? :) i saw that your fave is pillars 1 and i love the setting n story so much (i just loooooathe real time with pause combat unfortunately. This also has soured da origins to me a lot. Do action pls or even better turn based but not that) also u have a lot of amazing anders art <3

pillars 1 my beloved!! maybe you already know but i must mention it just in case - did you see that pillars 2 deadfire has turn by turn combat? i don't think it's as good as the first in terms of writing, but when they introduced turn by turn, it became one of my favorites just for that. it made me so violent because combat went from a necessary evil to my favorite part of the game, so i was just going around the world looking for people to fight. and it really has its moments, i loved serafen and the first quest with the pirates, and it is a game where you can actually roleplay and cause real harm without intending to if you just listen to your companions all the time. they're not all good people.......

and bg3 also has combat that i really loved :-) i played it as a bard and as a rogue and i really loved both. i loved playing a support character and not feeling like the main character so much, and as dark urge, i thought rogue combat played with the idea of the urge very beautifully because i was so good at killing that i tended to skip dialogues and just kill.... i just wish i could reverse the clock and talk the devs out of constantly rewriting it ship of theseus style. the companions to me already had an issue of being too friendly and too innocent in their sufferings in a way i didn't find compelling, so making them even more into fandom versions of themselves is just evil

but i think that's all for RPGs where i really like the combat, all my other favorite games have real-time strategy and i just do my best. kotor 1 & 2 have it, although i enjoy it more when i unlock fucked up evil force powers. i still do love dragon age origins & 2, and have some fondness for dai because i really like the characters. and dao was largely improved for me by playing a mage instead of an archer ; if i can say anything nice about datv, it's that they've made archery good for the first time ever in dragon age. being an archer in dai is especially sad, you have a range of like two meters

i also tried the first baldur's gate game but i got too scared and confused with the companions management and the way the story progresses - like i strayed from the main quest and that locked me out of meeting jaheira, so i had to restart and redo all of that and it was painful. i think i could play it if i had some guide to follow or something, i just don't have the 1990s gamer disposition. but i really liked xan, i made him leader of the party so i could hear him complain all the time

& i think that's kind of it...! im not a huge gamer in that i don't try tons of different games, i just mostly obsess and replay the same ones over and over again. there's some others i could mention - like i played outer worlds and i liked it ok, i played fallout new vegas but it wasn't really my style and i didn't finish, and oh wait i just remembered i played all three mass effect games! well, i liked the first game and hated 2 and 3, which may be my most controversial hill to die on but i must be true

[ancientungulatefaerie]

i finally beat baldur's gate 3 on honor mode. this was my fourth attempt at honor mode (with two balanced and one tactician play through mixed in). first time i died to the owl bear, but the second and third times i made it all the way to level twelve only to get killed by Ansur and Cazadore. i almost bit it fighting Mystic Carrion this time, but a little strategy called "running away" saved my ass.

my two biggest recommendations for anyone trying honor mode is 1) play through once on tactician and pay attention to what fights are the hardest, because they'll be even harder on honor mode, and 2) to make strategic use of resistance potions.

you can get by ignoring resistance potions on balanced and even tactician sometimes, but certain honor mode bosses will kill a character in a single turn if you don't have resistance to their damage type. have everyone down necrotic resistance potions before the Myrkul, Cazadore, and Cloister of Shar fights. poison resistance before the Mystic Carrion fight. fire resistance before entering the House of Hope. and lightning resistance before taking on Ansur. necrotic, poison, and fire resistance potions are pretty common, but lightning resistance is rarer, so make sure you pick up the scrap metal from the arcane tower in the Underdark to make your own.

i'll put my party composition / build guide in the first reblog for anyone who's curious

[simlicious]

My game recommendations

I had a reblog in my drafts folder for a couple of days to keep working on it and when I was done I saw that the original poster sadly deactivated reblogs on their post. They lovingly suggested that simmers should indulge in other games too, and I couldn't agree more. It is a special feeling to dive into a new game, learn new mechanics, and have a very different experience from the last game you played. I really put a lot of work into my answer, so I decided to make a new post for it.

I'm a simmer and a gamer (simming since 2000), gaming since 1994 or so. I used to play Everquest II way back when and dabble in Elder Scrolls Online but I quit for Baldur's Gate III which has me obsessed for months now, highly enjoyable. Sims 3 has fallen a few steps on my top 10 list in recent years, but I use it as a creative outlet anyway and do not tend to judge it against other games much. I do judge Sims 4 though, which is a sad state of affairs. I can have fun in it if I spend the time in CAS, or for the first 6 hours in a new expansion - but it's just too expensive for its little value, especially compared to other games on this list.

City Builder/Automation games:

Factory Town: super chill cozy vibe, automate logistics for your pixel-people town. Lovely game

Timberborn: build a town for cute beavers!

Farthest Frontier: a nice city simulation with some logistics and events such as raiders invading the town

Satisfactory: one of the most ambitious automation games, with amazing graphics, for people who like to puzzle, analyze/calculate, and really use their heads while gaming. I like to play it as a challenge and see how far I can take my spaghetti conveyor belts!

Frostpunk: a harrowing/grim atmosphere, dystopian, make hard choices for your town

Simulation games:

Roller Coaster Tycoon and Planet Coaster: I love building super scary rollercoasters and then riding them and trying to get people in the park to ride them too

Strategy games:

Anno 1800: I can spend my entire life in this game it feels, it is engaging and relaxing all at once - love this so much!

Action/adventure games:

Assassins Creed Origins: stunning world, super detailed visuals and fun combat mechanics

Scifi/Exploration

No Man's Sky: At first I thought this was more of a casual game, but prepare for a lot of grinding and long-ish quests. It is fun to discover new plants/creatures and name them!

Survival games:

Raft: great to play with friends too and it has a relaxed vibe but also survival mechanics that keep you engaged

The Long Dark: I love the art style and music so much, the story mode is great, the survival mode can be very challenging depending on settings and it is super immersive. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket to play 😂

Subnautica: my favorite game ever before Baldur's Gate 3 dethroned it! It is a game that will guide you to leave your comfort zone time and time again, but you choose when you feel ready for it. You can really follow your own pace and exploring the vast, beautiful, and terrifying depths of this ocean planet is absolutely immersive and filled with surprise and wonder. It has also very chill and calm base-building elements to counteract the scarier moments. The soundtrack is one of the best in terms of evoking feelings/ building atmosphere, do not turn off the sound while playing this game!!!

Storytelling games:

Life is Strange: a classic, it's fun to explore what we could change and what the consequences would be if we could go back in time.

Firewatch: very emotional and touching, leaving a lasting impression

Casual games:

Bridge Constructor Portal (the dark humor is a bonus, it's fun and trains your analytical thinking!)

Carcassonne (like the tabletop game, chill puzzle game)

Simulacra (you uncover a mystery on a phone, interesting idea!)

Retro Games:

My favorite old/retro game would be Black & White (from 2001), which I played when it originally came out, I loved it so much! The free camera was revolutionary at the time. You play a god who is powered by worshippers whom you can either provide and care for or reign terror over, and your actions decide your alignment, good, neutral, or evil. You get a creature that you can train (and will be more or less useful to your goals or disrupt them depending on how well you train it). IIRC, you can train the creature either in the story mode or sandbox/skirmish mode and then go back to story mode with a stronger creature. The mouse gestures which activate miracles in the air felt like a revolutionary new idea back then. The game is not available officially anymore, but it is downloadable from some abandonware websites and the community-made patches so it is still playable today! Writing this, I had to reinstall it right away... the nostalgia!

RPGs:

Cyberpunk 2077: it's just iconic, the city energy and car drives are nice, the story is interesting and it feels immersive

The Witcher 3: great quests and story, beautifully crafted open world

Baldur's Gate 3: I could also talk for hours about Baldur's Gate 3. If there is one game out there that everyone should have tried once in their life, it's that one. It really lets you try any strategy you want and did not actually expect to work in a video game, but in BG3, it does. Even cheaty ones like pushing enemies from a cliff or using explosives to blow stuff up. If you got surprise-attacked but have no weapon handy, you can throw a grease bottle at the enemy that can make them slip and fall, and then you can throw your burning torch at it to light everything on fire. You can stack boxes to climb up to reach something (or throw a goblin body onto someone's head, because it's perfectly normal to carry those around with you). You can be sneaky and steal stuff, even rewards from enemies. Don't like fighting? You can talk your way out of most fights if your character has the necessary skills and still complete quests that way. 95% of NPCs have something to say, and if you click them again, they will have another line. The narrator is awesome. The companions have so much character, the banter is great and every character has its own story arc and goal, the voice acting is phenomenal all around. Definitely get the talk-to-animals skill and use it on all animals, you'll have hilarious conversations! It's worth every penny, even if it's not on sale (and I hardly ever buy a game at full price, so that is saying a lot). Thanks for reading, I hope you feel inspired to try some new games! Have fun 😊

[wraithsoutlaws]

I’m here to give you some gentle tips for your Baldur’s Gate 3 play through

If you are at a complete loss of how to build your character/companions reddit has some great guides, also don’t feel bad about save scumming your way to a desired outcome, and finally DO NOT go through the goblin camp until you are sure you’ve explored and done all you want to do as it progresses and locks you out of a shitton of quests (personal experience) but most importantly have fun :)

thank you!! im historically bad at builds and strategy in every game (im just bad at games) so i may end up doing that, for now im just vibing with it and trying to just enjoy so we'll see!!! save scumming will probbaly be essential for me but ive never had any issues with doing that in the past and people who do/judge others for it are weirdos like truly i am just here for a nice time

[skeleton-richard]

Baldur's Gate 3 really makes me miss the days of printed strategy guides.

[limpfisted]

“live in the game and DIE in it.”

@fatewoven ( My Father taught me chess, and yet I know no strategy, have guided no army. I cannot undergo this trial. I am unworthy, by my own admission, to be The Heart Of The Gate. )

It’s been some time since Gortash was “invited” here.

A knee to the gut. The chainlink metal twine binding Gortash’s hands to the wall shakes. It feels like kicking a dog away that just tried to hump your leg. The warmth and softness of the underbelly. The guilt and fear that comes with kicking a sack filled with pliable, gravy jello and chicken ribs—the heaviness of a gut on your leg, not like a wooden coffee table biting your shin back in the dead of night, but all of the unknown shock of horror of oh no, the dog is so small, and weak, and he’s real, real, real, and shaking as he snakes away from my boot. Before he even does it, Wyll imagine a yelping whine that may never come, and would offer him no satisfaction.

And yet Wyll doesn’t back down. He swallows the guilt like the poison in Gortash’s words. A hand on his throat, the swell of his Adam’s apple trapped beneath the pale of his thumb. Wyll never did much care for proper breathplay. And yet, this is such a practiced gesture, now. It’s only the setting that’s truly different. And the company.

Two Flaming Fists watch on. Mikael and “Longshot.” Big, burly brutes, but silent types. Wyll has forgone his private guard with Gortash for months now. They’ve made fun of The Flaming Fist together. Talked, dreamed of Gortash’s new, improved, lawful Good Steel Watch. Knights of Wyll’s round table. The Blades of Baldur’s Gate while he could not be. Beautiful things, beautiful stories. Shining Knights on White Horses, crests of sails swimming in golden waves on their shield. A glorious future. Wyll had let himself believe…

He doesn’t scream. His breath is heavy as his steel-toed boot on Gortash’s toes. He brings his other hand up, and smashes Gortash’s whole head into his knee.

This is not an interrogation anymore. This is a punishment. For making Wyll believe—

“Let’s talk about the game.” Did you know in Hit New RPG, Baldur’s Gate 3, the daring, dashing, oh-so-valiant, noble and perfect Wyll Ravengard won’t fuck you until marriage?

“Your game.” Did you know he approves if you make a silly, evil little goblin kiss your feet?

He knots his hand in Gortash’s greasy hair. It’s not for lack of personal care, or at least by choice.

Gortash has been down here three days.

Did you know he approves? If you let the goblin prisoner die to a crossbow in a cage?

“You knew this would happen. Why did you—why did you lie? I knew those tieflings! You knew them! They were refugees, innocent, they were just drunk and hungry and stupid and—“

He shakes him by his head like a limp ragdoll. “I’ve been fixing your mess for three days! Answer me!” Help me, help me, I don’t know how to move the pieces, I always forget what the pieces do, how does the knight move, how do I get the little white pony to the other side of the board, I only know how to use the pawns, the pawns, you’re taking all my pawns, no fair, no fair, let’s go spar again, that’s much more fun—

“I don’t want you here, Enver. You’re supposed to be, my….” He trails off. But no. He wasn’t. Whatever Wyll was about to say, he really, really wasn’t.

[scholarofthenights]

Love, Hate and Dungeons: A divergent perspective on Baldur's Gate 3

I want to preface what I write by saying that Baldur's Gate 3 deserves every ounce of praise it has gotten so far. I've only experienced ACT I of the story and it is more than enough to see the craft that went into this. Years of development and Early Access allowed for a game which really does show what an RPG can be. As someone who plays D&D themselves, I can say that it perfectly translates all the mechanics of the game and throws in stuff like character creation, fully voiced (and well-acted I might add) NPCs and a diverging, cohesive storyline that allows for all the choices a character can make. For all the praise I could give it, the game, much like many other RPGs before, had left me frustrated. I want to enjoy this absolute masterwork, but I somehow can't. This left me asking, why? Why can't I have fun with something which, by all accounts, is one of the best games of all time?

At first, I wasn't sure if the combat system in Dungeons & Dragons was right for me in a computer setting. I had some tough fights, and poorly executed battles, and experienced some bad fortune. However, despite my personal reservations, the D&D combat system is actually quite efficient here. I learned the hard way that it's best to avoid tackling difficult battles at 2 AM. As someone who's played XCOM, I can say that a success rate of 60% is good enough. Moreover, the system also works well during dialogues, offering different options and abilities that lead to interesting outcomes. Overall, it's a decent and enjoyable system, where you can even watch the dice being rolled. And if you do fail, you can always revert to the previous save. So, alright, the combat is fine, so maybe something is wrong with the story?

I have experienced I believe a good 90% of what ACT I has to offer and it is amazing how the writers can make you interested in every single character. From the smallest NPC to your very romanceable companions, you can really feel the life behind what are in essence fictional characters. I think what revealed to me the true issue I had with the game, was when I heard Lae'zel, one of the romance options express disapproval at my actions. I was not going to for her, Karlach is the absolute best girl, but this small interaction sent me into a panic mode nonetheless. I can handle fail states in games. Every strategy game I've played, at some point, forced me to go back to a previous save. That's fine, I approach these games like a puzzle box, with a simple end condition - win the game. RPGs feel more delicate. My autistic brain sometimes has trouble reading what I should say to get the specific ending I want and when my perfectionism is added, this creates one of the worst situations for me. Can I win and finish the game? Yes, definitely. Can I do so without causing myself a lot of emotional pain? I doubt so.

For me, video games always have an escapist quality to them. Baldur's Gate 3 creates an amazing, living world, where one can truly feel like an adventurer. However, with that vividness, I also get to experience all the anxieties that come with human interaction and relationships. I want to love this game, I really do. I do not want however to spend hours on walkthroughs and guides to learn that I made a crucial mistake several hours ago and it's ever losing IRL evenings of progress to correct that or having to live with the fact that either an important character died or doesn't love or worse. All I want is to shoot Eldritch Blasts and kiss the demon girl. What I hate is that it's all underpinned with the same anxiety that makes me take 2-3 business days to respond to simple texts.

[fallout-ocs]

GAMING HC'S FALLOUT LOVER

zachariah is a mobile gamer, he mostly plays mobile games!! will not be taking any arguments in this. he never told anyone this but he's actually reached the global leaderboards in candy crush before, magne saw it when they were fighting against each other for the family ipod. my personal headcanon is that zachariah is an apple warrior, he has apple everything. if he isnt wearing his custom rolex watch then he's likely donning the latest apple smart watch. he's the type of guy to get cancelled for consumerism in tiktok since he always, ALWAYS, buys the new ipad/iphone as soon as it gets released even though his current phone is still fine. he barely plays games but is a tetris addict.

kody plays a lot of co-op games, he has over a five hundred friends in steam and his xbox gamertag is literally known throughout the whole campus. he doesn't do well/like horror games though— totally not cause he's scared! (he was traumatized from playing ao oni as a kid.) he posts gaming videos sometimes and they always flop but he doesn't take it to heart, as of now he has around 437 subscribers and 90% of them are his friends from campus. and even if his videos dont do well, it still gets at least 20 positive comments. this guy is a king at beat saber, he can play that game for over 2 hours without getting tired, it's sort of his workout. has very nostalgic memories about elder scrolls online, this is where he found many of his long time online friends. dont asky why he loves house flipper, he doesn't know either.

miriam doesn't play games usually, it's not her thing, she'd much rather spend time dealing cards at a private bar somewhere downtown but on the rare occasion she does play games, she usually plays strategy and puzzle games. she was one of the people who got absolutely hooked on balatro and voted for it in all her 20 alt accounts as goty. she has like...4 games on stram and only has an xbox account because she was always blackmailed into playing games with magne. decent at fps shooter but is absolutely ass at rhythm games.

magne has video game nights every week in his frat house. has a full on gaming pc in his dorm AND back at his house, he doesn't play when it comes to gaming. mostly plays on pc, though he occasionally brings a switch/ps vita when travelling. indika was one of those games that he thought he wouldnt like but somehow absolutely loved. as a kid, he loved animal crossing so much that he had an animal crossing themed birthday party for three straight years. as a dice goblin and chronic dnd player, he was so hyped for baldur's gate 3 and played it for 10 hours in a stream, he reached over 20k viewers that day and didnt even care because he was so hooked. miriam had to cover for him when he didnt go to class the next day and zachariah scolded the hell out of him when he found out about the stream. magne would 100% do it again though.

vincella is more of a console gamer than a pc one, he does own a gaming laptop though! prefers the feel of a controller in his hands and grew up playing lots of console games. him and marcella are monsters at fighting games since their father was a tekken/street fighter pro who'd play with them all the time at the arcade and at home. loves loves LOVES rpg games, a hardcore fan of the persona franchise, he even has a little aegis keychain on his backpack. has played all the soulsborne games and beaten them, his builds and armor are awesome. if you need any help with beating a soulsborne game, he's your guy. i actually think he's the ultimate 'cool' nerd, like he knows a shit ton about games but doesn't look like it cause he actually showers/wears deodorant and looks like a delinquent. doesn't post gaming videos but he's well known in the gaming community since he writes articles on how to beat a certain boss/guides to specific endings in rpg games. his blog is well-loved by people all over the world.

marcella is a monster at fighting games that vincella couldn't even win once as a kid. she's gotten so much better conpared to her dad and he's so proud of her for that. is actually a global champion of tekken, you'll see some articles about her winning championships as a kid. strictly plays on console and couldn't be bothered to buy a pc/laptop. she has a collection of limited edition controllers, usually given by her dad. she once had a massive fight with vincella and they wouldn't talk for weeks, being passive aggressive towards each other but then they played raft together and they had so much fun that they forgot about the fight, marcella loves raft simply for that fact. a hack and slash lover, she has the most ridiculously difficult but effective combos. kid you not she's probably beaten bayonetta at climax mode without batting an eye. "what them fingers do?" marcella: platinum medal, 10k combo points in bayonetta

[haplogamingchef]

ESO Heavy Attack Warden Build: Master the 121k DPS Rotation

Complete BG3 Evocation Wizard Build: High-DPS Gale Setup

Introduction

In Baldur’s Gate 3, building a high-performance wizard requires more than just spell selection. To unlock the full potential of Gale or any spellcasting character, this guide provides a structured breakdown of the BG3 Gale Evocation Wizard build. Focused on delivering top-tier damage output both in single-target and area-of-effect scenarios, this configuration also incorporates summon synergy, essential gear, and powerful multiclassing options.

If you're seeking the Ultimate Wizard build for Baldur’s Gate 3, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through optimal race and stat choices, class combinations, leveling strategies, recommended spells, and itemization—ensuring every level contributes directly to battlefield control, survivability, and maximized damage. This build suits players who want to dominate encounters with powerful Evocation magic and efficient resource use.

Choosing Race, Class, and Ability Scores

When constructing the Best Gale Tav combination build, the first step is selecting a race that complements your spellcasting role. Humans, Half-Elves, and Gnomes are excellent options due to their flexibility, survivability, and utility features. Humans offer an extra feat, Half-Elves provide additional darkvision and stat distribution, while Gnomes contribute magical resistance—especially helpful in spell-heavy encounters.

Begin your journey as a Wizard, the base class that supports vast spell variety and scroll-based learning. Prioritize your Intelligence score—it directly influences spell effectiveness and saving throw difficulty. Aim for 17 Intelligence at the start if you plan to receive a permanent +1 boost early in the campaign. Keep Constitution and Dexterity moderately high to improve concentration saves and armor class. Select Intelligence-based skill proficiencies like Investigation, which are commonly useful throughout exploration.

Spell Acquisition and Specialization: Evocation Focus

A key strength of the BG3 Wizard leveling guide is scroll-based learning, allowing your character to expand their arsenal far beyond level-based spells. Whenever possible, prioritize acquiring and learning spells from the Evocation school. This choice is strategic—Evocation specialists benefit from lower scroll learning costs, helping conserve gold and accelerate your repertoire.

Choosing Evocation as your subclass unlocks practical and powerful features. At level 2, the Sculpt Spells feature ensures that your area-of-effect Evocation spells won't harm allies, allowing full battlefield control without friendly fire. Advancing to level 6 improves your cantrips, while Empowered Evocation at level 10 lets you add your Intelligence modifier to all Evocation damage rolls. This becomes particularly effective with spells that hit multiple enemies or have repeated damage instances.

Multiclassing Strategy: Enhancing Damage with Cleric Levels

To further elevate damage output and utility, this Ultimate Wizard build for Baldur’s Gate 3 incorporates a two-level multiclass into the Cleric’s Tempest Domain. While dipping into Sorcerer for Constitution save proficiency and subtle spell features is tempting, it’s less efficient unless heavily invested. Instead, Tempest Cleric provides impactful abilities and spell synergy without sacrificing spell progression.

At Cleric level 1, you gain armor proficiencies and access to Create or Destroy Water, a spell that applies the Wet condition over a large area when upcast. This debuff doubles Lightning and Cold damage, creating an ideal setup for Evocation spells. Additionally, Wrath of the Storm gives you a reactive damage option, retaliating with Thunder or Lightning when enemies land melee attacks. Though defensive reactions like Shield often take priority, Wrath can be valuable in tight spots.

Destructive Wrath and Class Progression Order

Taking a second level in Tempest Cleric unlocks Destructive Wrath, a potent feature that maximizes the damage of a Lightning or Thunder spell once per short rest. For example, Chain Lightning, which averages 45 damage, can spike to a guaranteed 80 damage with this ability. Combine that with the Wet condition and area targeting, and you're looking at damage potential few builds can rival.

To optimize spell access and subclass benefits, prioritize leveling as Wizard up to level 10 before taking the Cleric levels. This ensures early access to Empowered Evocation. However, if you're playing solo or lack party members who can apply Wet, an alternate path is Wizard 5 ➝ Cleric 1 ➝ Wizard 10 ➝ Cleric 2. This sequence grants early access to Lightning Bolt and amplifies it with Wet setups right away.

Feats and Leveling Strategy

With this progression, your character will receive two Feats—at levels 4 and 8. At level 4, the most effective choice is a +2 Intelligence Ability Score Improvement, pushing your spell save DC and damage potential significantly. For level 8, you can either further increase Intelligence or consider a Dual Wielder feat. This feat enables equipping two non-light weapons, opening up specific equipment combos that enhance damage and survivability.

The BG3 Wizard leveling guide recommends taking Wizard levels 1–10 first to secure all the key Evocation perks. The two Cleric levels should follow, enhancing your elemental spell impact. This structure guarantees you access to 6th-level spells while integrating Cleric utility without disrupting spellcasting progression.

Optimal Wizard Spells for Maximum Effectiveness

Spell selection is central to the Optimal Wizard spells BG3 strategy. Prioritize spells that either hit multiple enemies or apply repeated instances of damage. Early staples include Magic Missile, Scorching Ray, and Shatter. As you level up, Lightning Bolt and Fireball become essentials for clearing groups. When you reach higher levels, Chain Lightning, Disintegrate, and Circle of Death become key tools for overwhelming damage.

A major advantage of this build is the use of Conjure Elemental spells. These summons offer sustained battlefield presence, absorbing enemy actions and contributing consistent damage. Notably, Water Myrmidons add utility by inflicting the Wet condition, healing, teleporting, and even flying. Ice Mephits, though weaker individually, can outperform AOE spells over prolonged combat due to low resource cost and persistent damage.

Recommended Equipment: Boosting Spell Damage and DC

For this BG3 Gale Evocation Wizard build, gear selection directly impacts your spell effectiveness. Your main equipment goals are to increase spell damage and raise your Spell Save DC. For the head slot, the Hood of the Weave is a top-tier choice for general casting performance, while the Hat of the Sharp Caster is ideal if you frequently rely on Magic Missile. Both enhance core aspects of the build.

In the cloak slot, Cloak of the Weave offers the best long-term value. Until Act 3, any cloak that improves defense will suffice. Early game itemization can be sparse, but The Protecty Sparkswall robe, available near the end of Act 1, provides solid defense. In Act 2, Bided Time is excellent for melee-oriented spellcasters—its Arcane Charges effect boosts spell damage based on melee hits, which can be activated by having a familiar attack you or being hit by enemies.

Armor, Gloves, and Boots: Synergizing With Spellcasting

If you've taken levels in Cleric, consider borrowing Dark Justiciar Half-Plate from Shadowheart. It significantly improves concentration checks, key to maintaining powerful summoning and AOE spells. Eventually, Robe of the Weave becomes the all-around best option due to its balanced bonuses.

Glove selection has changed with recent updates—Spellmight Gloves no longer support spells without attack rolls. Instead, Gloves of Belligerent Skies are highly effective. They apply Reverberation, a stacking debuff that deals Thunder damage and reduces enemy saving throws—enhancing your spell success rate. For boots, Boots of Stormy Clamour synergize well but may bug occasionally. An alternative is Boots of Arcane Bolstering, which pair with Expeditious Retreat to repeatedly trigger Arcane Charges.

Amulets and Rings: Enhancing Magic Missile and Elemental Damage

For amulets, Psychic Spark is the standout choice. It adds an additional Magic Missile projectile and grants a free cast of the spell each day, which is especially valuable for a build that regularly uses it as a consistent damage option. In terms of rings, the Callous Glow Ring should occupy your first slot—it adds +2 radiant damage, which stacks with many spells and magical effects.

The second ring slot offers several viable choices based on your playstyle. The Ring of Absolute Force adds elemental damage if you've received the Absolute’s Mark from a goblin priestess in Act 1. Meanwhile, the Coruscation Ring synergizes well with Magic Missile, applying the Radiating Orb debuff to targets. For those utilizing frequent lightning-based effects, The Sparkswall Ring provides Electrocute immunity, which is essential when your spells create electrified surfaces.

Weapon Options: Dual-Wielding and Legendary Staffs

For the majority of the game, the Spellsparkler staff offers excellent performance with magic-enhancing properties. When you unlock the Dual Wielder feat, pairing it with Phalar Aluve—a sword that emits a shriek aura—amplifies Magic Missile damage significantly. In Act 3, the best upgrade is the Legendary Markoheshkir staff. Set it to Lightning mode for maximum synergy with your core spells.

For your off-hand weapon, Rhapsody is the best dagger available. When you land a killing blow, it grants stacking buffs that boost attack rolls, spell damage, and spell save DC. This effect applies to all damage types, including Electrocute, and works even when you destroy environmental objects like crates. In the ranged slot, Ne’er Misser (a hand crossbow) adds an extra Magic Missile cast. Wielding two hand crossbows lets you make bonus ranged attacks—a small but sometimes decisive source of extra damage.

Combat Strategy: Opening Moves and Spell Usage

Begin major encounters by upcasting Create or Destroy Water to apply the Wet status across multiple enemies. This primes the battlefield for Lightning and Cold spells, doubling their effectiveness. Your opening attack should use the highest-tier spell available—typically Chain Lightning—to take advantage of area coverage and high burst damage. However, if your target is neutral or not actively hostile, Chain Lightning won’t bounce to other targets. In those cases, Magic Missile is a safer alternative.

After the first target is eliminated, trigger consumables like Bloodlust Elixir to gain additional actions. This lets you cast another high-level spell, summon an elemental, or reposition strategically. This build excels in battles where you can set up conditions and strike decisively within the first few rounds. Use Shield or Wrath of the Storm as needed for defense, but always prioritize maximizing offensive potential each turn.

Spell Slot Management and Summon Efficiency

A common issue for high-damage wizard builds is the limited number of spell slots. In Baldur's Gate 3, however, summoning is particularly effective due to the relaxed concentration rules. Unlike traditional D&D where you can concentrate on only one summon, BG3 allows multiple elementals and constructs to remain active without restriction. Focus on synergy rather than spam—Water Myrmidons and Ice Mephits complement your elemental damage types and battlefield control.

These summons not only act as frontline distractions but also apply key conditions like Wet, healing, and teleportation. Ice Mephits become increasingly valuable in longer fights; if they survive for more than three turns, their damage output begins to rival and surpass standard AOE spells. Combine this with repositioning tools and spell slot recovery items to maintain offensive pressure throughout extended encounters.

Conclusion: Mastering the Gale Wizard Build in BG3

This BG3 Gale Evocation Wizard build is designed to maximize the damage potential and strategic flexibility of spellcasting in Baldur’s Gate 3. With smart multiclassing into Tempest Cleric, strategic spell selection, and optimal use of summons and gear, your character will perform exceptionally well across all stages of the game. From overwhelming groups with Chain Lightning, to punishing foes with Magic Missile, this build brings both immediate impact and long-term consistency.

Whether you prefer to lead with heavy elemental damage or support your party with smart condition applications and summons, this configuration ensures every spell slot and action matters. As the game progresses, access to legendary gear, elemental resistances, and stacking buffs will elevate your wizard into one of the most dangerous forces on the battlefield. This is the Ultimate Wizard build in Baldur’s Gate 3 for players who want to balance raw power, control, and creative combat strategy.

🎮 Level 99 Kitchen Conjurer | Crafting epic culinary quests where every dish is a legendary drop. Wielding spatulas and controllers with equal mastery, I'm here to guide you through recipes that give +10 to flavor and +5 to happiness. Join my party as we raid the kitchen and unlock achievement-worthy meals! 🍳✨ #Gaming #Haplo Gaming Cook #Gaming Chef #Gaming Cook

For Enhanced Guides Visit Us: @https://medium.com/@haplogamingcook

[acceptedguy]

Development Blog: Timeless Epoch 

Blog #5 – Inspirational Studios 

Whenever I begin shaping a new world, I find it essential to ground myself in the works of those who came before me—those who’ve crafted worlds not only rich in visual detail, but also in mechanics, emotion, and narrative depth. There are a handful of studios that have consistently fueled my creative drive and helped shape the ambitions of Timeless Epoch. These are the teams whose philosophies and aesthetics guide my vision for storytelling, design, and worldbuilding. 

Creative Assembly (Total War: Warhammer series) 

Creative Assembly’s ability to seamlessly merge narrative, grand-scale strategy, and rich worldbuilding is legendary. In particular, the Total War: Warhammer series stands out to me—not just because of its tactical gameplay, but because of the architectural and thematic depth woven into every faction. 

Each race in Total War: Warhammer has an unmistakable identity: Dwarfs with their subterranean fortresses of stone and metal, the ornate necropolises of the Tomb Kings, or the corrupted, eldritch sprawl of the Chaos Wastes. This variety and commitment to stylistic coherence across modular structures is a huge influence on Timeless Epoch—especially in the way I’m designing multiple modular kits that reflect different cultures and gods. 

Creative Assembly reminds me that art style is worldbuilding, and every bolt, gargoyle, and banner should speak to a people’s history. 

Larian Studios (Baldur’s Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin II) 

If Creative Assembly taught me architectural storytelling, then Larian Studios taught me how to make a world feel alive. 

Baldur’s Gate 3 in particular is a masterclass in interactivity, environmental storytelling, and architectural mood. Every ruined chapel, moss-laden crypt, or mage’s tower doesn’t just exist—it tells a story in silence. And it’s not just visual: Larian fills their spaces with curiosity—why is that bookshelf burnt? Who chained this door? Why is that statue facing away from the hall? 

This kind of micro-worldbuilding is deeply inspiring. For Timeless Epoch, I want each piece of architecture—each column, archway, or tower—to raise questions and suggest lives lived. Larian’s use of lighting, contrast, and vertical design (especially in the Temple of Shar) has also influenced how I approach scene composition in Unreal Engine. 

11 bit Studios (Frostpunk, This War of Mine) 

What 11 bit Studios excels at is emotional architecture—structures that don’t just serve a mechanical purpose, but carry the weight of a society’s desperation, hope, or downfall. 

In Frostpunk, the central generator becomes more than just a power source—it becomes the heart of the city, a visual metaphor for survival. Every building spiraling out from it feels like a plea against the cold. The brutalist modular design speaks to a world where form must follow function, yet somehow, through smart use of light and mood, 11 bit makes even desperation look poetic. 

Timeless Epoch will explore similar tonal contrasts: what does it look like when survival meets beauty? What happens when exiles, each from vastly different cultures, try to build homes under duress? 11 bit Studios teaches me to design with empathy and symbolism. 

Firaxis Games (Civilization series, XCOM) 

While Firaxis’ strengths lie more in systems and structure than raw visual spectacle, they remain a key inspiration when it comes to societal diversity, progression, and modular scalability. 

In Civilization, each culture’s progression is marked not only by mechanical upgrades but also visual evolution—Japanese castles rise with their distinctive roofs, Mughal cities blossom with domes and floral inlay, and Greek metropolises emerge with pristine marble columns. These stylistic changes reflect the ideological DNA of each faction. 

This concept mirrors what I’m attempting in Timeless Epoch: designing modular kits that reflect the philosophies and values of their people. Whether warlike, inquisitive, or spiritual, I want their buildings to grow out of their beliefs. Firaxis inspires me to think about architecture not just as a design solution, but as a cultural reflection. 

Why These Studios Matter 

Each of these studios excels in a different realm—Creative Assembly in scale and grandeur, Larian in intimate narrative detail, 11 bit in emotion-driven environments, and Firaxis in modular cultural expression. 

Timeless Epoch is a convergence of these ideals. 

A world of divine powers and modular architecture, 

A city of exiles shaped by opposing philosophies, 

A living world built through systems that tell stories on both the macro and micro level. 

These studios don’t just build games—they build blueprints for worlds. And as I craft my own, I look back to these masters for guidance, inspiration, and a creative compass. 

[top-video-games-reviews]

Baldur's Gate 3 - Before You Buy: Essential Tips

The wait for Baldur's Gate 3 is almost over. It will launch on August 3rd for PC and September 6th on PS5. This game is expected to take over 100 hours to complete. It's important to know some key tips before you start.

First, save your game often. The game doesn't save automatically very much. This means you need to save yourself to avoid losing progress.

Also, don't forget to rest. Resting helps you recover and also fills up your spell slots. This is important for facing the game's challenges.

Using your surroundings and your party's special abilities is also key. For example, Darkvision helps you see better in the dark.

Trading, pickpocketing, and finding hidden items are all part of the game. You can send items back to camp to make room for more important things. This helps you focus on the story.

A richly detailed fantasy landscape inspired by Baldur's Gate 3, featuring a bustling medieval town with unique architecture, diverse characters engaged in various activities, magical elements like glowing plants and artifacts, intricate stone bridges over a river, and a dramatic sunset sky casting vibrant colors over the scene.

Combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 is tough but fun. Use the terrain to your advantage and choose the right weapons. Remember, your friends can get hurt too, so plan carefully.

"Level up your gaming experience – get Baldur's Gate 3 for PS5 now before it's gone!"

Key Takeaways

Save frequently due to the sparse autosave feature.

Utilize tooltips for understanding complex game mechanics.

Rest strategically to recover health and spell slots.

Leverage Darkvision for better visibility in the environment.

Send loot to camp to streamline inventory management.

Use combat tactics like terrain advantage and weapon dipping.

Strategic positioning is crucial to prevent harming companions in combat.

Understanding Baldur's Gate 3 Gameplay and Mechanics

Jumping into Baldur's Gate 3 means learning its gameplay and mechanics. It uses a turn-based combat system, unlike fast-paced action games. This system lets you plan and act carefully, making strategy key.

"Level up your gaming experience – get Baldur's Gate 3 for PS5 now before it's gone!"

Comprehensive Tips for Beginners

For new players, getting to know the mechanics is important. The game sticks to Dungeons and Dragons rules, helping fans of the system. You can adjust dice rolls to fit your play style.

Wizards and warlocks can learn spells easily by right-clicking on scrolls. Saving often is crucial to avoid losing progress and enjoy the game's story.

Combat Strategies and Tips

Combat in Baldur's Gate 3 offers advanced tactics. Being above your enemies helps with ranged attacks. Cantrip spells can be used every turn, keeping you on the attack.

Using weapons dipped in elements boosts damage. Disengaging from enemies helps avoid attacks. Right-clicking on enemies reveals their weaknesses. Pressing the spacebar turns on turn-based mode for better planning.

Here's a quick guide to combat mechanics:MechanicDescriptionHigh Ground AdvantageOffers better accuracy and damage for ranged attacks.Cantrip SpellsUnlimited usage each turn without consuming spell slots.Weapon DippingEnhances weapon damage by coating it with nearby elements.Disengage ActionAvoids opportunity attacks by moving away from enemies.Enemy ExaminationGathers crucial information about enemy resistances and conditions.

Baldur's Gate 3 - Before You Buy

Make sure your PC can handle Baldur's Gate 3 system requirements. before playing. The Baldur's Gate 3 release date lets you get ready and upgrade for the best experience.

This game needs strong hardware for its great graphics and complex gameplay. Check if your system meets the Baldur's Gate 3 system requirements. to play smoothly. Here's what you need:

Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended--- | --- | ---Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bitProcessor | Intel i5-4690 / AMD FX 4350 | Intel i7 8700K / AMD R5 3600Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD RX 480 (4GB+) | NVIDIA 2060 Super / AMD RX 5700 XT (8GB+) | Version 11 | Version 11Storage | 150 GB available | 150 GB availablee

A visually detailed digital illustration of a gaming PC setup showcasing high-end components like a powerful graphics card, a large monitor displaying an enchanting fantasy landscape, and various gaming peripherals. Surround the setup with thematic elements inspired by fantasy RPGs, such as magical artifacts, potions, and books, all set against a backdrop that evokes the atmosphere of a medieval fantasy world. Include soft lighting to enhance the immersive feel, without any textual elements.

System Requirements and Compatibility

It's important to check if your system works well with the game, especially for multiplayer. The game lets you have a party of four, including you. This is less than some other RPGs.

Larian Studios made the game based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules. This adds depth and strategy to the game. Players have praised the game on Steam. The game will also come out on PlayStation 5 on September 6th, 2023.

Also, be ready to spend a lot of time playing. The game is very detailed and has complex storylines. Meeting the Baldur's Gate 3 system requirements. and knowing about compatibility will make your experience better.

"Level up your gaming experience – get Baldur's Gate 3 for PS5 now before it's gone!"

Conclusion

Baldur's Gate 3 is a big and fun RPG. It needs you to pay close attention and think ahead. With 10 characters, each with their own story, the game is very detailed.

Players will face many challenges and find new things. This game is all about exploring and solving problems.

The combat system is based on Dungeons & Dragons' 5th edition. It's easy to learn but very rewarding. Each character can do one action and one bonus action in battle.

Players can use creative strategies to beat tough enemies. Spells like the Hero’s Feast in Act 3 can protect you from poison. This shows how deep the game's strategy can be.

Using bombs to throw enemies into traps is just one example of creative play. It makes every battle feel special.

When thinking about buying Baldur's Gate 3, check the system requirements. The game has over 40 hours of playtime. It has a big cast that adds to the story.

Even though there were some bugs at first, they've been fixed. The game is great at stealth, weapons, and combat. Graphics and sound also add to the story and its many endings.

In summary, Baldur's Gate 3 is a deep and creative RPG. It rewards players who think outside the box. It's a great choice for anyone who loves RPGs.

"Level up your gaming experience – get Baldur's Gate 3 for PS5 now before it's gone!"

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Idle Champions Latest Updates and News

There have always been News upon Idle Champions Latest Updates and News, events, and additions to ensure that the game is always interesting to the players. From this viewpoint, it is important to keep abreast with the current changes, especially for the experienced player or the beginner who wants to understand what is requisite for him/her to practice. In this post, we’ll discuss what’s new and happening in Idle Champions and how this affects you.

1. What's New in the Idle Champions Latest Updates? 🆕

This update brings a flood of new content, including bugs and quality-of-life improvements that have been released recently. Here’s a quick rundown of the major changes: New Champion Introduction 🧙‍♂️ The Idle Champions Latest Updates adds a brand new champion to the roster: Viconia DeVir, a Drow cleric who can heal a lot of hit points and change enemy’s stats for the worse. Viconia adds some interesting talents to the team for example to mention ‘‘Dark Pact’’, which increases the survivability of the party and strikes a good amount of opponents. Seasonal Event: Liar's Night 🎃 To give people more joy in the Halloween period the update also includes the Liar’s Night event. Some of them include new skins, familiars, and other goodies in the event rewards when players accomplish the event challenge. This event is perfect for accumulating limited time rewards and beefing up your champions in case you have not done it yet. New Adventures and Variants 🛡️ New adventures have been added to the Waterdeep: Geek out over the news that there is a new campaign called the Sword of the Sea coming in Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus. These adventures have their specific versions which force the players into thinking over the strategies and the formation structures. It is recommended that these are attempted to have a new experience in places that one may have visited several times. Idle Champions Game Guide: For tips on tackling these new adventures, check out our comprehensive game guide.

2. Quality of Life Improvements 🛠️

Codename Entertainment has also implemented several quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback: - Improved UI: It also includes a fresh look for the user interface which is thought to help players to get through menus, look at the inventory, and manage champions. - Formation Save Slots: It is now possible to have one or more formation configurations. This feature is very convenient in case you need to change strategies very quickly depending on the adventure or event you have joined. - Speed Potions: Said potions have been made stronger to increase the overall speed of the game after early levels and make processes of reaching these levels faster.

GameInfoX About Idle Champions Game: Discover more about the game and its mechanics by exploring our in-depth overview.

3. Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements 🐞

As it comes to every update, Codename Entertainment makes sure the game is optimized by addressing issues regarding bugs and performance. The latest patch addressed several issues, including: - Champion Abilities: Some champions, had powers that were not triggering properly in some formation. To avoid these complications here are a few problems solved levelly for the apt balance. - Graphics Optimization: Graphics Optimization: Better graphics rendering to enhance the game playing capabilities where more actions are involved such as battle sequences. - Connectivity Improvements: Connectivity Improvements: Fewer server crashes and better gameplay during rush hour to have smooth gameplay and a fewer disconnection issue.

4. Community Involvement and Feedback 📣

Codename Entertainment respects its players and hence involves them in the development of their games. Players’ ideas and discussions from official forums and social networks are the causes of recent updates in many cases. Player Feedback Survey 📋 To expand the growth of the game, Codename Entertainment has created a Player Feedback Survey. This survey provides the players with a chance to express their opinions on the recent update and recommendations on the next changes to be made. Idle Champions Developer: Learn more about Codename Entertainment and their commitment to community-driven development.

5. Upcoming Features and Future Roadmap 🔮

The development team has also teased some exciting new features coming soon: New Champion Updates 🌟

GameInfoX Future additions will not only add more characters into Idle Champions but also more characters from the Dungeons & Dragons universe. All the characters you expect to create new mechanics that you may affect in battling. Additional Campaigns and Events 📅 Codename Entertainment is planning on adding new campaigns and seasonal events; they also plan on partnering with some of the most well-known D&D streams and shows. These campaigns will provide new material and more complicated new missions. Idle Champions Tier List: Check out the latest tier list to see where the new champions rank and how they fit into your team composition.

6. New Merchandise and In-Game Purchases 🛍️

With it came new items on and merchandise which includes but is not limited to champion skins, familiars, and more. There are also special promotions on chests and bundles which will assist players to equip their champions even more. Exclusive Skins and Cosmetics 🎨 As far as the skins are concerned, people can dress their avatars in Liar’s Night and other themed occasions. It alters the appearance of your champions and sometimes depending on the occasion occasion you can get boosts as well. Idle Champions Game Codes: Don’t forget to use the latest game codes to earn free items and exclusive gear!

7. Social Media and Community Events 📲

Idle Champions uses social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook where they give updates, and events and sometimes, they even do a free giveaway. Fans are advised to subscribe to these channels to get updates on the latest events. Weekly Livestreams 🎥 Codename Entertainment provides new updates for the game through YouTube and Twitch using weekly live stream developmental sessions in which updates are announced, players’ questions are answered, and various new content is revealed. Such streams are very effective in interacting with the community and insights on what is next.

8. Why You Should Stay Updated 📰

It is important to be updated as to how things are getting fixed in Idle Champions' Latest Updates for better and enhanced gameplay. New champions, events, and contents are synonymous with new chances to make rewards, finish the missions, and improve your formations. By doing the check often, you will not miss a chance to take part in limited engagements or special offers.

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9. How to Access the Latest Update 🔄

There are always The Idle Champions Latest Updates `downloaded for Idle Champions when you start playing the game on the preferred platform. In case you do not witness the new content, please ensure that your internet connection is working then restart the game. - PC and Mac: Playable on Steam as well on the Epic Game Store. - Mobile: It is made available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. - Console: Compatible with Xbox as well as PlayStation gaming consoles. About Idle Champions Game: Explore everything Idle Champions has to offer, including new updates and features.

10. Conclusion: Stay Ahead with Idle Champions 🏆

The Idle Champions' latest updates and news are new additions and improvements to the game that help the fans have even more fun while playing. Whether you decide to try new things, improve your team with the new champion, or complete seasonal missions, you are always waiting for something new. More of this should soon come so please feel free to follow the community channels for updates. Word Count: Approximately 1250 words Read the full article