How to Start Multiplayer BG3: A Journey Through the Chaos of Cooperative Play

Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is a game that thrives on its complexity, narrative depth, and the sheer unpredictability of its multiplayer experience. Starting a multiplayer session in BG3 is not just about clicking a button; it’s about embarking on a journey where the rules of logic are often bent, and the line between cooperation and chaos is blurred. Here’s a detailed guide on how to start multiplayer BG3, along with some thoughts on why it’s both a blessing and a curse.
Step 1: Prepare Your Party (and Your Sanity)
Before you even think about starting a multiplayer session, you need to assemble your party. This is where the first layer of chaos begins. Unlike single-player mode, where you control all characters, multiplayer requires you to trust your friends (or strangers) with the fate of your party. Choose your companions wisely, because once the game starts, there’s no turning back.
- Character Creation: Each player creates their own character. This is where the first disagreements arise. Who gets to be the charismatic bard? Who’s stuck with the tank? And why does someone always insist on playing a rogue who steals from the party?
- Party Composition: A balanced party is key to survival. Make sure you have a mix of classes that complement each other. But remember, in multiplayer, balance is often sacrificed for the sake of fun (or chaos).
Step 2: Invite Your Friends (or Enemies)
Once your party is ready, it’s time to invite your friends to join the game. This is where the real fun begins.
- Online or Local: BG3 supports both online and local multiplayer. If you’re playing online, make sure everyone has a stable internet connection. If you’re playing locally, prepare for arguments over who gets to use the best controller.
- Voice Chat: Communication is key in multiplayer BG3. Make sure everyone is on the same page (or at least in the same voice chat). Miscommunication can lead to hilarious (or disastrous) outcomes.
Step 3: Start the Game (and the Chaos)
With your party assembled and your friends ready, it’s time to start the game. But be warned: multiplayer BG3 is a different beast altogether.
- Shared Decision-Making: Every decision in BG3 is a group effort. Do you save the village or loot it? Do you trust the mysterious stranger or attack them on sight? These decisions can lead to heated debates and unexpected outcomes.
- Combat Coordination: Combat in BG3 is turn-based, which means everyone gets a chance to strategize. But in multiplayer, strategy often goes out the window. Expect your rogue to charge headfirst into battle while your mage is still deciding which spell to cast.
- Role-Playing: Multiplayer BG3 is as much about role-playing as it is about combat. Embrace the chaos and let your characters’ personalities shine. Just be prepared for your friends to take their roles a little too seriously.
Step 4: Embrace the Chaos (and the Consequences)
Multiplayer BG3 is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it so much fun. Embrace the chaos and be prepared for the consequences of your actions.
- Unexpected Alliances: In multiplayer, alliances can shift in an instant. Your best friend might betray you for a shiny piece of loot, or your sworn enemy might save your life in a moment of desperation.
- Unpredictable Outcomes: The choices you make in BG3 have far-reaching consequences. In multiplayer, these consequences are amplified. A seemingly innocent decision can lead to a chain of events that changes the course of the game.
- Laughs and Tears: Multiplayer BG3 is a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ll laugh at the absurdity of your party’s decisions, and you’ll cry when your favorite character meets an untimely end.
Step 5: Reflect on the Experience (and Start Again)
Once the game is over (or at least paused for the night), take some time to reflect on the experience. What went well? What could have been done differently? And most importantly, when are you playing again?
- Post-Game Analysis: Discuss the highs and lows of the session with your friends. What were the most memorable moments? What decisions would you make differently next time?
- Plan for the Future: Multiplayer BG3 is a journey, not a destination. Start planning your next session, and think about how you can make it even more chaotic (or strategic) than the last.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I play BG3 multiplayer with strangers? A: Yes, you can join public multiplayer games, but be prepared for a wild ride. Playing with strangers can lead to unexpected alliances, betrayals, and a lot of laughs.
Q: How many players can join a multiplayer session in BG3? A: BG3 supports up to four players in a single multiplayer session. This allows for a balanced party and plenty of opportunities for chaos.
Q: Can I switch between single-player and multiplayer in BG3? A: Yes, you can switch between single-player and multiplayer modes, but keep in mind that your progress in one mode may not carry over to the other.
Q: What happens if a player disconnects during a multiplayer session? A: If a player disconnects, the game will pause, and you’ll have the option to wait for them to reconnect or continue without them. Just be prepared for the consequences of their absence.
Q: Is multiplayer BG3 more fun than single-player? A: That depends on your playstyle. Multiplayer BG3 is more chaotic and unpredictable, while single-player allows for more control and immersion. Both have their merits, so try both and see which you prefer.