Is Baldur’s Gate 3 a Turn-Based or Real-Time Game?

Hey there, gamers! Get ready to strategize your way to victory with Baldur’s Gate 3, the newest installment in the legendary RPG series. What makes this game unique? Well, it’s all about turn-based combat! In this article, we’ll dive deep into what turn-based games are and explore the exciting features of Baldur’s Gate 3. So grab your dice and get ready for a wild ride through the world of turn-based gaming!

What Are Turn-Based Strategy Games?

Turn-based games are a type of strategy game where players take turns to make a move. Each turn is typically presented in units such as “turns,” “action points,” or “phases,” and players use their time strategically to make the most of their allotted turn time. This discrete currency of time creates a unique gameplay experience where players must carefully consider their moves before taking action.

One of the main differences between turn-based and real-time games is the pacing. In real-time games, players can act at the same time, and the gameplay is continuous without breaks. In contrast, turn-based games give players a set time to think about their strategy and make a move, which creates a slower-paced and more thoughtful gameplay experience. This makes turn-based games an excellent choice for players who enjoy games that require careful planning and strategic thinking.

Another significant difference is the emphasis on strategy versus tactics. Turn-based strategy games, or TBS, typically require players to use strategy to manage their resources and build their empire, while turn-based tactical games, or TBT, focus on tactics used to win battles. In real-time games, players must often rely on quick reflexes and split-second decision-making to succeed.

However, turn-based games also have their downsides. They can take longer to play than real-time games, and players need to be aware of their time management skills to ensure they make the most of their turn-time. This slower-paced gameplay experience may not be suitable for everyone, but for those who enjoy the challenge of careful planning and strategic thinking, turn-based games offer a unique and satisfying experience.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Turn-Based Mechanics

Baldur’s Gate 3 features a fully turn-based combat system similar to that of Divinity Original Sin. Each character has a set of actions they can perform each turn, divided into three main types: Move Action, Standard Action, and Bonus Action. Unlike some turn-based games, Baldur’s Gate 3 does not use an AP system but instead allows for a mix-and-match of actions each turn.

During a character’s turn, they can move up to their total speed or distance, usually around 30 ft. This movement can be broken up into multiple small movements or one long movement, giving players a lot of flexibility in how they position themselves on the battlefield. Following the movement, the character can then perform a Standard Action. This can be something like an attack, using an item, casting a spell, or any other standard action.

In addition to the Move and Standard Actions, each character also has access to a Bonus Action. This is usually unique to each class and allows for a variety of additional actions, such as dipping a weapon in fire or using minor spells. Players can use their Bonus Action at any point during their turn, in combination with their Move and Standard Actions, to create a versatile set of moves.

One of the great things about Baldur’s Gate 3’s turn-based system is the flexibility it offers players. They can mix and match their Move, Standard, and Bonus Actions to create a unique set of actions for each turn. For example, a character could climb up onto a ledge for a height advantage, shoot an enemy with a bow, climb back down to get behind cover, and then attempt to hide as a bonus action. This versatility allows for a more dynamic and strategic gameplay experience, where players must carefully plan out their moves each turn to achieve victory.

Baldur’s Gate 3 will support controller play, allowing players to use a more intuitive and familiar input method to navigate the game world. This feature is especially beneficial for turn-based mechanics, where players need to make precise and timely decisions during combat encounters. By using a controller, players can easily navigate the battlefield and select their desired actions with ease, without the need for a mouse and keyboard. This will make Baldur’s Gate 3 a more accessible and enjoyable experience for players who prefer the comfort and simplicity of using a controller, while still providing the depth and complexity of a turn-based RPG.

How Does Turn-Based Combat Work?

In Baldur’s Gate 3, turn-based combat is the primary way that battles take place. During each turn, characters and creatures participating in the battle can perform certain actions and maneuvers, such as moving around the battlefield, attacking with weapons or spells, using items, or using special abilities. After performing their actions, the character or creature’s turn ends, and they must wait for their turn to come up again before taking further actions. The turn-based system ensures that each participant has an equal opportunity to act, and it allows players to carefully plan and strategize their moves during battle.

Why Does Baldur’s Gate 3 Feature Turn-Based System?

Baldur’s Gate 3 features turn-based combat, unlike the previous games in the series that used real-time mechanics. According to the developers, it was a natural choice since Dungeons & Dragons, the game on which Baldur’s Gate 3 is based, is turn-based.

Additionally, the studio has experience with turn-based combat, as seen in their Divinity Original Sin series. Turn-based combat also offers tactical Advantages, allowing players to separate party members and take advantage of different terrains. Finally, the developers wanted to create a unique experience that would transcend the legacy of the previous games.

How Can I Enter and Exit a Turn-Based Mode in Baldur’s Gate 3?

As you play Baldur’s Gate 3, you have the option to enter and exit turn-based mode whenever you want. To enter turn-based mode, simply press the Space key on your keyboard at any time, allowing you to control your characters by turns. This feature is especially useful for exploring rooms with traps, as it gives you precise control of your party without worrying about splitting them into different groups.

To exit turn-based mode, just press Shift + Space on your keyboard, which will take you out of turn-based mode and allow you to return to real-time gameplay. However, keep in mind that you can’t exit turn-based mode during combat, as it’s locked to turn-based for better control of your characters.

Why a Turn-Based Strategy Is a Right Fit for Baldur’s Gate?

Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on the tabletop rules of Dungeons and Dragons, which is entirely turn-based when it comes to combat. Turn-based combat is highly tactical and full of teamwork, coordination, and memorable moments. Real-time with pause was invented for video games and can be tactically satisfying, but when controlling a full party of characters, it can result in an awkward compromise of watching characters and enemies cycle through their turns in real time and constantly pausing to assess the situation. Turn-based mechanics would be a perfect fit for Baldur’s Gate 3 because it provides minute control of your party and eliminates trash mob encounters. Every fight is a rewarding challenge of hazardous terrain, vicious AI, and balanced packs of enemies that include beefy tanks, ranged damage dealers, and irksome spellcasters.

In conclusion, the implementation of turn-based combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 was a deliberate decision by Larian Studios, and it makes sense given the tactical nature of the game and the source material it draws from. The turn-based combat allows for a more strategic and deliberate approach to combat, with every action and decision carrying more weight. It also eliminates the problem of tedious trash mob encounters and makes every fight a rewarding challenge. Overall, Baldur’s Gate 3 can be considered a turn-based game since it features turn-based mechanics in combat, and this adds to the game’s depth and complexity.