Baldur's Gate 3
Released 3 August 2023 Developer Larian Studios
- Role-playing
- Turn-based strategy
- PS5
- Xbox Series
- PC
- Mac
- Linux
A story-driven fantasy role-playing game using Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules. You create a character or play one of the companions, make choices through a very long adventure, and fight in turn-based battles. It can be played alone or in online co-op for up to four players, and it contains strong sexual content, nudity and violence, so it is an adult game.
How it makes money
Fair: pay clearly, know the ceiling
Bought once: A$89.95 on Steam, A$104.95 on Xbox and A$105.95 on PlayStation 5. Larian first sold it in Steam Early Access from October 2020, before the full release in August 2023. An optional Digital Deluxe upgrade adds cosmetic items, a soundtrack and an artbook (A$14.50 as Steam add-on content; the deluxe edition is A$119.95 on Xbox and A$120.95 on PlayStation). The developer's FAQ says the game has no in-game purchases, and Steam lists none.
How you pay
- Pay once
A$89.95 on Steam for the whole game, with no in-game store or currency.
- Editions
The Digital Deluxe Edition adds cosmetic items, a soundtrack and an artbook for A$14.50 on Steam (full edition A$119.95 on Xbox, A$120.95 on PlayStation); a physical deluxe edition also exists.
minor part of the game - Online sub
Online co-op on PlayStation 5 and Xbox needs the console's paid online subscription (PlayStation Plus or Xbox's online service); PC co-op does not.
minor part of the game
Used to, but no longer
- Early accessremoved
Sold in Steam Early Access from 6 October 2020 until the full release on 3 August 2023; it is no longer sold as early access.
What it costs
Price: A$100.28 · everything A$104.45
| What | Where | Price | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Steam (AU) · PC ↗ | A$89.95 | Oct 2026 |
| Digital Deluxe Edition (add-on content) Cosmetic items, soundtrack, artbook and character sheets. |
Steam (AU) · PC ↗ | A$14.50 | Oct 2026 |
| Standard | PlayStation Store (AU) · PS5 ↗ | A$105.95 | Oct 2026 |
| Digital Deluxe Edition | PlayStation Store (AU) · PS5 ↗ | A$120.95 | Oct 2026 |
| Standard | Xbox Store (AU) · Xbox Series ↗ | A$104.95 | Oct 2026 |
| Digital Deluxe Edition | Xbox Store (AU) · Xbox Series ↗ | A$119.95 | Oct 2026 |
Store prices change often and sales are common; we record the regular price on the date shown.
Reviews from across the web
What the critics said
-
10/ 10
IGN ↗
Praises the tactical combat, story and polish, and a world that rewards exploration, as a new high point for computer RPGs.
-
97/ 100
PC Gamer ↗
Calls it an unmatched RPG that will take over a player's free time.
-
9.5/ 10
Game Informer ↗
Finds it unforgettable and is keen to keep exploring even after a long first playthrough.
-
10/ 10
GameSpot ↗
Describes a vast, dense RPG with strong characters, combat and co-op.
-
Review
Polygon ↗
Expects to replay it for years and calls it a Dungeons & Dragons masterpiece, with some frustrating moments.
Scores belong to the outlets that published them; follow the links to read the full reviews. Summaries are ours.
Age ratings
Classification
Age ratings judge content (violence, language, gambling themes). They say little about how hard a game pushes spending — that's what the badges above are for. About rating boards
Safety & parental controls
Who can talk to your child, and what can they buy?
- Text chat
- No contact with strangers
- User-made content: not recorded
- Account: not recorded
Adult content: strong sexual scenes, nudity, intense violence and strong language (ESRB M, PEGI 18). Steam's own Australian listing shows R 18+, while the Australian Classification database record dated 30 September 2026 shows MA 15+, so check the store you buy from. Online co-op for up to four players is by invitation, with cross-play across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox added in the final patch (Patch 8); there are no public lobbies. Text chat inside co-op sessions. Community mods exist for PC; whether the in-game mod tools are checked by Larian was not confirmed.
Platforms & release
Where you can play it
| Platform | Released | Store |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 6 September 2023 | Store page ↗ |
| Xbox Series X|S | 7 December 2023 | Store page ↗ |
| Windows PC Steam Early Access from 2020-10-06. |
3 August 2023 | Store page ↗ |
| Mac | 22 September 2023 | Store page ↗ |
| Linux / Steam Deck Build optimised for Steam Deck. |
23 September 2025 | — |
Further reading
Facts last checked 22 October 2026. Sources: store.steampowered.com, store.steampowered.com, store.steampowered.com, store.playstation.com, displaycatalog.mp.microsoft.com, www.classification.gov.au, baldursgate3.game, opencritic.com, en.wikipedia.org. Spotted something wrong? Send a correction.