How to Do Multiplayer BG3: A Guide to Unlocking the Chaos of Cooperative Play

Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is a game that thrives on complexity, choice, and camaraderie. While the single-player experience is immersive, the multiplayer mode opens up a whole new dimension of chaos, strategy, and hilarity. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the Forgotten Realms, diving into multiplayer BG3 can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Here’s a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of cooperative play, sprinkled with a dash of absurdity.

1. Assemble Your Party of Misfits

The first step to multiplayer BG3 is gathering your party. Unlike single-player, where you control all characters, multiplayer lets you and your friends take on individual roles. This means you’ll need to coordinate who plays what. Will you be the stoic paladin, the chaotic rogue, or the wizard who accidentally sets everything on fire? The key is to balance your party’s strengths and weaknesses. Just remember, no matter how well you plan, someone will inevitably derail the campaign by trying to seduce a goblin.

2. Communication is Key (Until It Isn’t)

Multiplayer BG3 is a game of communication—until it devolves into shouting matches over who stole the loot. Use voice chat or text to strategize during combat, but don’t be surprised if your plans fall apart because someone decided to poke the sleeping owlbear. Pro tip: Establish a code word for when things go sideways. “Banana” works well.

3. Embrace the Chaos

One of the joys of multiplayer BG3 is the unpredictability. Your carefully laid plans can be upended by a single rogue action. Maybe your friend decides to pickpocket a vendor, or perhaps they accidentally trigger a trap that wipes out the entire party. Instead of getting frustrated, lean into the chaos. Some of the best stories come from unplanned disasters.

4. Share the Spotlight

In multiplayer, it’s easy for one player to dominate the narrative. Resist the urge to hog the spotlight. Let everyone have their moment to shine, whether it’s negotiating with an NPC, solving a puzzle, or delivering the final blow to a boss. Remember, BG3 is a collaborative experience, not a solo performance.

5. Divide and Conquer (or Just Divide)

Multiplayer allows you to split the party and tackle multiple objectives simultaneously. This can be incredibly efficient—or a recipe for disaster. While one group is infiltrating a fortress, the other might be starting a bar fight in the tavern. Use this feature wisely, but don’t be afraid to let things spiral out of control. After all, what’s a D&D-inspired game without a little anarchy?

6. Loot Etiquette: The Unspoken Rules

Loot distribution can make or break a multiplayer session. Establish ground rules early on. Will you split loot evenly, or does it go to whoever grabs it first? And what about that shiny +1 sword? Does it go to the fighter, or does the wizard take it “for research purposes”? Clear communication can prevent hurt feelings and in-game fistfights.

7. Save Often, Regret Less

BG3’s multiplayer mode doesn’t pause, so saving frequently is crucial. You never know when a critical decision will lead to a TPK (Total Party Kill). Save before big battles, important dialogues, and anytime your rogue friend looks suspiciously at a locked door. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

8. Experiment with Roleplay

Multiplayer is the perfect opportunity to dive deep into roleplay. Create unique backstories for your characters and interact with each other in character. Maybe your barbarian has a rivalry with the bard, or your cleric is secretly a cultist. The more you invest in your roles, the more memorable the experience will be.

9. Learn to Laugh at Failure

In multiplayer BG3, failure is inevitable. Whether it’s a botched stealth mission or a disastrously failed persuasion check, learn to laugh at your mistakes. Some of the most memorable moments come from epic fails. Plus, it’s a great bonding experience to collectively groan as your party falls into yet another trap.

10. Mods and Customization

If you’re playing on PC, consider exploring mods to enhance your multiplayer experience. From cosmetic changes to gameplay tweaks, mods can add a new layer of fun to your adventures. Just make sure everyone in your party is on the same page about which mods to use.

FAQs

Q: Can I play multiplayer BG3 with strangers? A: Yes, you can join public lobbies or invite randoms, but be prepared for unpredictable behavior. Playing with friends is generally more enjoyable.

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

Q: Can I switch between single-player and multiplayer? A: Yes, you can switch between modes, but your progress is tied to the host’s save file.

Q: What happens if a player disconnects? A: The disconnected player’s character becomes an NPC controlled by the host until they rejoin.

Q: Is multiplayer BG3 cross-platform? A: As of now, BG3 does not support cross-platform play between PC and consoles.

Multiplayer BG3 is a wild, unpredictable, and utterly delightful experience. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating unforgettable adventures with your friends. Now go forth, adventurers, and may your rolls be ever in your favor!