Baldur's Gate 3 review

Baldur's Gate 3 ranks first because no other game here gives you as many tactical choices per turn. Larian's Steam page says combat is based on the D&D 5e ruleset, with team-based initiative, advantage and disadvantage, and roll modifiers, plus expanded environmental interactions that reward planning. You build a character from 12 classes and 46 subclasses across 11 races and 31 subraces, then draw on over 600 spells and actions. Seven Origin heroes can join your party or be played directly. Difficulty is flexible: three settings, an option for weighted dice, and Tactician mode for a hardcore run. Up to four people can play online, and Steam lists cross-platform multiplayer and a macOS build. The downsides are the learning curve of D&D rules, a $59.99 price and a very long campaign, with over 174 hours of cinematics. For tactical turn-based play, it sets the bar.

Who it is for

Players who want the deepest tactical fights, real character building and the option to play with up to three friends.

Price

$59.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store).

and the lure of absolute power. $59.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Combat based on the D&D 5e ruleset with team-based initiative, advantage and roll modifiers
• 12 classes with 46 subclasses, and 11 races with 31 subraces
• Over 600 spells and actions
• Online party of up to four, with cross-platform multiplayer listed on Steam
• Three difficulty settings, weighted dice and a hardcore Tactician mode

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The most tactical fights on the list, with height and the environment in play
• Strength: Huge range of character builds from the D&D Player's Handbook
• Strength: Co-op lets friends fight together or split up to follow their own quests
• Weakness: D&D rules take time to learn for newcomers
• Weakness: Costs $59.99, more than most picks here
• Weakness: A long game that asks for a big time commitment

Key facts

• Developer and publisher: Larian Studios
• Released on Steam: August 3, 2023
• Metascore (Steam data): 96
• Classes: 12, with 46 subclasses
• Spells and actions: Over 600

Where it ranks

Baldur's Gate 3 is No. 1 in our Best Turn-Based RPGs verdict and No. 7 in Best 2 Player Co-op Games and No. 6 in Best Video Games of All Time.