Summary
After the success ofBaldur’s Gate 3and the numerous Game of the Year awards the title won, it seems like a given that developer Larian Studios would follow up with aBaldur’s Gate 4. A sequel toBaldur’s Gate 3might not be in the cards quite yet, as the developer is taking a much-deserved break before potentially tacklingDivinity: Original Sin 3. However,Baldur’s Gate 4is sure to be an eventuality, and when development on it does begin, there is one simple way the game could go above and beyond its predecessor.
WhileBaldur’s Gate 3has been universally praisedfor its immersive attention to detail and engaging characters, there are some flaws with the game that a sequel could improve on. One area that deserves more attention in a futureBaldur’s Gate 4is the game’s level cap, which some veteran CRPG players felt limited the game’s difficulty. Doing so would be a great way to build upon the foundation ofBaldur’s Gate 3while upping the difficulty for fans who feel like the series needs to take its gameplay to the next level.
The Next Baldur’s Gate Game Should Increase the Level Cap
Players who’ve made their way throughBaldur’s Gate 3’s Sword Coast are likely familiar with the way the game caps the highest level a character can reach at level 12. AlthoughDungeon and Dragon’s 5E rule set is the basis forBaldur’s Gate 3, the game makes some changes from the tabletop game, such as capping character levels at level 12 instead of level 20. The result locks players out of some potentially game-changing spells and character-building potential that could be added in a sequel to make it stand out from its predecessor.
The likely reason Larian decided to limitBaldur’s Gate 3character progression to level 12 is to prevent players from becoming too overpowered due to the strength of level 7 spells.Baldur’s Gate 3isn’t as difficult as other CRPGs likeLarian’s ownDivinity: Original Sin 2, which makes it a great entry point for newcomers to the genre. However, increasing the power scale of player characters would mean redesigning end-game content to reflect this newfound power, potentially makingBaldur’s Gate 3’s Act 3 far too difficult compared to the rest of the game as a result.
An Increased Level Cap Would Give Players Access to More Spells
At level 13, players would get access to level 7 spells, and while these might be too powerful for the level curve ofBaldur’s Gate 3, its sequel could warrant a much more difficult endgame, since players would likely be familiar with its gameplay and ready to tackle a greater challenge. Currently, some enemies inBaldur’s Gate 3can cast spells above level 6, such as the Apostle of Myrkul being able to cast the level 7 spell Finger of Death. It is also possible for a player’sDark Urgecharacter to learn the single-use level 9 spell Power Word Kill if they choose to kill Orin and accept Bhaal’s gift, but this is a rare exception.
IfBaldur’s Gate 4were to increase the level cap for characters, there would be a ton more level 7, 8, and 9 spells that would become available, making endgame battles even more intense than they already were inBaldur’s Gate 3. Havingclasses like Druids, Sorcerers, and Wizardsable to cast a level 7 spell like Reverse Gravity and send enemies floating into the air, or Clerics and Wizards able to cast Antimagic Field and completely negate enemy spell casters would create some wild situations for players to navigate.Baldur’s Gate 3played it relatively safe by limiting its magic users to level 6 spells, but its sequel deserves to go all out.
