How to Start a Multiplayer Game in BG3: A Guide to Unlocking the Chaos of Cooperative Play

How to Start a Multiplayer Game in BG3: A Guide to Unlocking the Chaos of Cooperative Play

Starting a multiplayer game in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) can feel like trying to herd cats while juggling flaming swords—exciting, unpredictable, and occasionally disastrous. Whether you’re diving into the Forgotten Realms with friends or strangers, the process of setting up a multiplayer session is both straightforward and fraught with potential pitfalls. This guide will walk you through the steps, offer tips for a smoother experience, and explore the philosophical implications of why your rogue always steals from the party.

Step 1: Ensure Everyone Has the Game and a Stable Internet Connection

Before you even think about starting a multiplayer game, make sure all participants own Baldur’s Gate 3 and have a stable internet connection. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a dungeon only for someone’s Wi-Fi to drop, leaving their character standing motionless as a goblin horde descends upon them. If your friend insists their dial-up connection is “totally fine,” it might be time to reconsider your adventuring party.

Step 2: Choose Your Platform

BG3 supports cross-platform play between PC and Mac, but console players (if supported in the future) may need to wait for updates. Ensure everyone is on the same platform to avoid compatibility issues. If you’re playing on PC, Steam is the primary platform, so make sure all players are logged in and have the game installed.

Step 3: Create or Join a Lobby

To start a multiplayer game, the host needs to create a lobby. Here’s how:

  1. Launch Baldur’s Gate 3.
  2. Select “Multiplayer” from the main menu.
  3. Click “Create Game” and configure your settings (difficulty, campaign type, etc.).
  4. Invite friends via Steam or share the lobby code.

Alternatively, players can join an existing lobby by entering the host’s lobby code or selecting the game from their friends’ list.

Step 4: Character Creation: The First Test of Friendship

Character creation in BG3 is a deeply personal experience, but in multiplayer, it becomes a group activity. Here’s where things can get spicy:

  • Class Conflicts: If two players want to be the party’s sole wizard, prepare for a battle of wills (and possibly dice rolls).
  • Role-Playing Personalities: Discuss your characters’ backstories and alignments to avoid in-party conflicts. A chaotic evil rogue might sound fun, but they’ll likely steal from the group and cause endless drama.
  • Appearance Choices: Be prepared for at least one player to spend an hour perfecting their character’s hairstyle while everyone else waits impatiently.

Step 5: Establish Ground Rules

Multiplayer BG3 is a cooperative experience, but it’s also a sandbox for chaos. To avoid frustration, establish some ground rules:

  • Loot Distribution: Decide how loot will be divided. Will it be first-come, first-served, or distributed based on need?
  • Decision-Making: Will the group vote on major decisions, or will the host have final say?
  • PvP: Discuss whether player-versus-player actions (like stealing or attacking) are allowed. Spoiler: They’re usually a bad idea.

Step 6: Embrace the Chaos

Once the game begins, expect the unexpected. BG3 is a game of choices, and multiplayer amplifies the unpredictability. Here are some scenarios you might encounter:

  • The Lone Wolf: One player decides to explore alone, triggering a trap that wipes out the entire party.
  • The Moral Dilemma: The group debates whether to save a village or burn it down for loot. Spoiler: Someone will always choose violence.
  • The Betrayal: A player secretly makes a deal with a villain, leading to a dramatic reveal later in the campaign.

Step 7: Communicate and Adapt

Communication is key in multiplayer BG3. Use voice chat or text to coordinate strategies, share information, and resolve disputes. Be prepared to adapt to your party’s playstyle, whether that means embracing chaos or trying to maintain order.

Step 8: Save Often

BG3 is a game of consequences, and multiplayer adds an extra layer of unpredictability. Save often to avoid losing progress due to a bad decision or a sudden disconnect. Trust me, you don’t want to replay the same dungeon because someone accidentally aggroed the entire goblin camp.

Step 9: Have Fun (and Maybe Therapy)

Multiplayer BG3 is a unique experience that blends storytelling, strategy, and social dynamics. It can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also test your patience and friendships. Remember to have fun, laugh at the absurdity, and maybe schedule a therapy session for after the campaign.

FAQs

Q: Can I play BG3 multiplayer with strangers? A: Yes, you can join public lobbies or use forums to find players. However, playing with strangers increases the risk of chaos and mismatched playstyles.

Q: How many players can join a multiplayer game? A: BG3 supports up to four players in a single campaign.

Q: Can I switch between single-player and multiplayer? A: Yes, you can continue a multiplayer campaign in single-player mode, but progress will be tied to the host’s save file.

Q: What happens if a player disconnects? A: The disconnected player’s character will be controlled by the AI until they reconnect. Make sure to pause the game if their input is crucial.

Q: Can I mod BG3 for multiplayer? A: Mods can enhance the experience, but ensure all players have the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues.