Screenshot: Larian Studios

Baldur’s Gate 3: 7 things to try during your next playthrough

Play the Dark Urge Origin

The Dark Urge Origin character feels like an entirely different story. I’d even go so far as to say it’s the proper way to play Baldur’s Gate 3. This Origin has your character forget everything about their past, but they have a continuous urge to do bad things.

You don’t have to go the evil route during this playthrough, but it makes for some gory and consequential decisions. From Act 1 to Act 3, the personal story you go through affects the world around you in numerous ways. This is a must-play Origin for all BG3 fans, I promise you.

Respec all companions’ classes

Although you may be so used to seeing Astarion play a Rogue, or Shadowheart be a Cleric, what’s the harm in changing their classes? If you have your companions speak to Withers, you can change your class and respec your Ability Scores.

Why not have Karlach play a Bard instead, or Wyll be a Paladin? It sort of messes up with their personal stories, but it can make for a very interesting playthrough. Or perhaps you should just have them all multiclass with one new class!

Play in Honor Mode

In a new update from Larian Studios, Honor Mode is a one-save hardcore mode. With how long this game is, the further you get, the more stressful it can become. If you die, that’s it, there’s no going back. But many gamers love hardcore modes, so why not try it out?

It’s not only a permadeath mode, but it’s even tougher than the hardest difficulty. Also, bosses received upgrades with Legendary Actions, which D&D players know much about. If want the prize of winning golden dice skins, try out Honor Mode for yourself.

Try a modded playthrough

Try mods once and it’s hard to go back. With the numerous amount of mods you can download for BG3 on Nexus Mods, there’s so much potential. You can get mods for better hair and customization options, new classes, and plenty of other gameplay features.

I’ve dabbled with mods myself and they enhance the experience. Just know that with each big update, your mods can become outdated and screw up your game. Know what you’re dealing with when starting a modded playthrough and update your mods frequently.

Related: Best Baldur’s Gate 3 feats, ranked (BG3)

Embrace the Illithid Powers

I only dabbled in some Illithid Powers during my BG3 playthrough, but you can go full-Mindflayer if you so desire. How about you try unlocking all the Illithid Powers and turn them into a Mindflayer during your next game?

There’s no going back once you go this route. You may even convince some companions to join you in unlocking some tadpole abilities, but others may be disgusted by you. Nevertheless, becoming a powerful Illithid sounds quite enticing.

Go solo

While playing BG3 with companions really helps create a balanced party, do you have what it takes to complete this game solo? You could always try not recruiting any companions during your next playthrough.

It sounds quite lonely, and extremely difficult (especially if you pair it with Honor Mode), but going lone wolf can be a fun challenge. Just make sure you’re prepared to get slaughtered during some fights.

Try the opposite Shadowheart path

Late into Act 2 during the Gauntlet of Shar, Shadowheart has a difficult decision to make. Either kill Nightsong, or betray Shar. If you want to know the best path, you should betray Shar and save Nightsong.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try killing Nightsong and becoming a Dark Justiciar in your next playthrough. Or if you already went that path, try saving Nightsong instead and see how it affects the story. Whatever you did, try the opposite path for Shadowheart next run.

Once you finally start your new playthrough, you’ll probably want to know where the best places to go first are in Baldur’s Gate 3. We have a guide just for that!