How to Start a Multiplayer Game BG3: A Journey Through Chaos and Collaboration

Starting a multiplayer game in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is like assembling a band of adventurers for a quest—except half of them are arguing over who gets to be the bard, and the other half are still figuring out how to roll a character. Whether you’re a seasoned Dungeon Master or a first-time player, diving into the multiplayer world of BG3 can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the chaos and create a memorable co-op experience.

1. Choose Your Platform and Ensure Compatibility

Before you even think about rolling dice, make sure everyone is on the same page—literally. BG3 supports cross-platform play between PC and Mac, but if you’re playing on consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, double-check compatibility. Ensure all players have the latest version of the game installed to avoid any last-minute “Why can’t I join?” moments.

2. Assemble Your Party

BG3 allows up to four players in a multiplayer session, and each player controls one character. Decide early on who will play which role. Will you have a tanky Paladin, a sneaky Rogue, a spell-slinging Wizard, or a charismatic Bard? Pro tip: Let everyone pick their favorite class, but remind them that a balanced party is key to survival. If everyone insists on being a Wizard, well, good luck with those goblins.

3. Create or Join a Lobby

To start a multiplayer game, the host needs to create a lobby. Navigate to the Multiplayer menu, select “Create Game,” and choose your settings. You can set the game to public (for random adventurers to join) or private (for your carefully curated group of friends). Once the lobby is live, share the invite code or send direct invites through your platform’s friend list.

4. Customize Your Game Settings

BG3 offers a variety of settings to tailor your multiplayer experience. You can adjust difficulty levels, enable or disable permadeath, and even tweak how dialogue and decisions are handled. For a truly collaborative experience, consider enabling “Shared Dialogue,” which allows all players to vote on major decisions. Just be prepared for endless debates over whether to save the cat or the village.

5. Coordinate Character Creation

Character creation in BG3 is a masterpiece, but it can also be a time sink. To avoid spending hours in the character creator, agree on a time limit beforehand. You can also use the “Origin Characters” option, which lets players control pre-made characters with unique backstories. This is a great way to dive straight into the action without getting bogged down in customization.

6. Establish Ground Rules

Multiplayer games thrive on communication and mutual respect. Before you start, set some ground rules. Will loot be shared equally, or is it every adventurer for themselves? How will you handle disagreements during dialogue? And most importantly, who gets to romance Astarion? (Spoiler: It’s probably going to be the Bard.)

7. Embrace the Chaos

BG3 is a game of choices, and those choices can lead to hilarious, unexpected, and sometimes disastrous outcomes. Embrace the chaos! If your Rogue decides to pickpocket a guard and gets caught, roll with it. If your Wizard accidentally sets the entire party on fire, laugh it off. The beauty of multiplayer BG3 lies in its unpredictability.

8. Use Voice Chat or Text Communication

While BG3 has an in-game text chat feature, using voice chat (via Discord, Zoom, or your platform’s built-in system) can enhance the experience. It’s easier to coordinate combat strategies, discuss dialogue options, and share reactions in real-time. Plus, hearing your friend’s dramatic gasp when they roll a critical fail is priceless.

BG3’s multiplayer mode allows all players to save the game, but it’s a good idea to designate one person as the primary saver. This prevents confusion and ensures that progress isn’t lost. Also, rotate the hosting duties if you plan to play multiple sessions. This way, no one feels burdened with the responsibility.

10. Have Fun and Experiment

At the end of the day, BG3 is about having fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different playstyles, dialogue options, and party compositions. Try a chaotic evil run where everyone betrays each other, or a pacifist run where you talk your way out of every fight. The possibilities are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I join a multiplayer game mid-session? A: Yes, but only if the host has enabled the option for late joiners. Keep in mind that you’ll start at the beginning of the current act.

Q: What happens if a player disconnects? A: The game will pause, and the disconnected player’s character will be controlled by the AI until they reconnect.

Q: Can I play multiplayer with mods? A: Yes, but all players need to have the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues.

Q: How do I handle loot distribution? A: Discuss this with your party beforehand. Some groups prefer equal sharing, while others let players keep what they find.

Q: Can I romance other players’ characters? A: No, romance options are limited to NPCs. But hey, there’s always fanfiction.

Starting a multiplayer game in BG3 is an adventure in itself. With the right preparation, communication, and a dash of chaos, you and your friends are in for an unforgettable journey through the Forgotten Realms. Now, go forth and roll those dice—just don’t blame me if your Bard seduces a dragon.