Is Baldur’s Gate 3 Multiplayer?

Since its full release in August 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 has taken the RPG world by storm, earning praise for its deep storytelling, intricate mechanics, and faithfulness to the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset. Developed by Larian Studios, the game has players asking one big question: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer? The short answer is yes—but there’s a lot more to unpack. Whether you’re looking to team up with friends or brave Faerûn solo, here’s everything you need to know about the multiplayer experience in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Yes, It’s Multiplayer—With a Twist

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a robust multiplayer mode that lets you adventure with up to three other players, forming a party of four—just like a classic D&D campaign. This isn’t a tacked-on feature, either; Larian Studios built multiplayer into the game from the ground up, integrating it seamlessly with the single-player experience. You can join forces online or via LAN, and the game supports cross-play between PC and consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S), though cross-platform progression isn’t available yet, as noted in IGN’s coverage.

The twist? Multiplayer in Baldur’s Gate 3 feels like a digital tabletop session. Each player controls their own character, complete with individual dialogue choices, actions, and even the freedom to split off from the group. Want to sneak off and pickpocket an NPC while your paladin friend lectures the party on morality? You can. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and brilliantly captures the unpredictable spirit of D&D.

How Does Multiplayer Work?

Starting a multiplayer game is straightforward. From the main menu, you can host a session and invite friends via a code, Steam friends list, or direct connection. Public lobbies are also an option if you’re feeling brave and want to roll the dice with strangers. Once in, you’ll either create your own character or pick from the game’s pre-made Origin characters—like Astarion, Shadowheart, or Gale—each with their own backstories that tie into the main plot. PC Gamer has a great breakdown of the setup process if you need a step-by-step guide.

The host controls the campaign’s progression, but every player has agency over their character’s decisions. Combat remains turn-based, with each player taking their turn, though you’ll need to coordinate strategies if you want to survive tougher encounters like the infamous goblin camp or a mind flayer ambush. Outside of combat, the game adapts dynamically: if one player triggers a cutscene or dialogue, others can watch, listen in, or even influence the outcome with their own choices.

Co-Op Chaos: Freedom and Flexibility

What sets Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer apart is its commitment to player freedom. There’s no rigid “follow the leader” structure here. Your party can split up to explore different areas, pursue separate quests, or even sabotage each other if you’re feeling particularly devilish (looking at you, players who worship the Dark Urge). The game’s design encourages role-playing, so expect plenty of laughs, betrayals, and impromptu debates over whether to spare or slaughter that suspicious merchant. Rock Paper Shotgun dives deeper into how this freedom shapes the co-op experience.

That said, this freedom comes with a caveat: communication is key. Without a Dungeon Master to guide the story (unlike real D&D), you’ll need to talk things out with your crew—preferably over voice chat—to avoid derailing the campaign. The game won’t hold your hand, and it’s entirely possible for one player’s reckless fireball to wipe the party. It’s all part of the fun.

Single-Player vs. Multiplayer: What’s the Difference?

If you’re wondering whether multiplayer changes the core experience, the answer is both yes and no. The main story—escaping a mind flayer tadpole infection and unraveling the mystery of the Absolute—remains the same. However, multiplayer adds a social layer that transforms how you approach it. Solo, you control the entire party, swapping between characters to optimize combat and dialogue. In co-op, you’re at the mercy of your friends’ builds and decisions, for better or worse.

For example, in single-player, you might minmax a balanced party with a healer, tank, and damage dealer. In multiplayer, you could end up with four rogues because everyone wanted to be the sneakiest vampire spawn in Faerûn. It’s less predictable, but that’s where the magic happens.

Split-Screen Co-Op: Couch Gaming Lives

For console players or those gaming with a buddy IRL, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers split-screen co-op on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Two players can share a screen, each controlling their own character, with the display dynamically adjusting as you explore. It’s a rare treat in modern RPGs and perfect for couples, roommates, or siblings who want to dive into Baldur’s Gate together. PlayStation Blog highlighted this feature at launch, praising its polish. Just be ready to argue over who gets the shiny new loot.

Is Multiplayer Worth It?

So, should you play Baldur’s Gate 3 with friends? If you love cooperative chaos and have a group willing to embrace the highs and lows of a shared adventure, absolutely. Multiplayer amplifies the game’s replayability, as every session feels unique depending on who you’re playing with. That said, it’s not for everyone—solo players might prefer the tighter control and pacing of the single-player mode, especially for a first playthrough to fully absorb the story.

Tips for a Smooth Multiplayer Run

• Plan Ahead: Discuss party roles beforehand to avoid overlap (unless you want that all-wizard party).
• Use Voice Chat: The game’s complexity shines with real-time coordination.
• Save Often: Mistakes happen, and you’ll thank yourself when someone accidentally aggros an entire tavern.
• Embrace the Chaos: Lean into the absurdity—it’s half the fun.