Baldur's Gate 3's treatment of character backgrounds unlocks a wealth of potential that could be put to use in Dungeons & Dragons as well. Since Baldur's Gate 3 is based on Dungons & Dragons, it's only natural that they would share several mechanics. Due to the difference in mediums though, several of these shared mechanics feel significantly different from one form to the other. Backgrounds are one prominent example, with Baldur's Gate 3's variants being much more impactful. In fact, Dungeons & Dragons would benefit greatly from copying Baldur's Gate 3's approach to applying character backgrounds to gameplay.

When it comes to players who love Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur's Gate 3 may be the perfect video game for them. Several aspects, from playable races, classes, and skills, come directly from the tabletop franchise. In essence, the game is like a full D&D campaign in video game form, especially since players have the option of playing co-op, just like they could if they shared the same table. While there are still several stark differences between the two, the similarities will help fans of one learn how to play the other. It's possible that Baldur's Gate 3 could help fuel another boom for the hobby.

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Baldur's Gate 3 Incorporates Backgrounds Into Gameplay More Effectively Than D&D 5e

Backgrounds in Dungeons & Dragons Are Essentially Small Character Buffs

As a part of character creation, backgrounds in Dungeons & Dragons are but one of many selections for players to make. Each background grants players a bonus in a couple of skills, as well as some occasional other features. For example, a Noble will reap the benefits of being a member of high society, while a Criminal would have a set of thieves' tools for use in their endeavors. However, most of the time, these benefits end up amounting to little more than small bonuses mechanically. Conversely, Baldur's Gate 3 managed to take backgrounds and turn them into something far more important.

Baldur's Gate 3 Turns Backgrounds Into Vital Character Components

There are more than just skill increases behind the character backgrounds in Baldur's Gate 3. While each one does give bonuses to certain skills, they also have a larger feature. When characters make decisions in line with their background, they receive an Inspiration point and a small experience bonus. A Soldier, for instance, would receive Inspiration from combat-related feats and moments of courage. Meanwhile, a Guild Artisan gets similar results from crafting and moments of ingenuity. This approach rewards players for staying consistent with the characterization of their created protagonist, and it's a much more immersive feature than Dungeons & Dragons' take on backgrounds.

Baldur's Gate 3's Version of Backgrounds Would Greatly Improve D&D

The way that the game handles backgrounds is an excellent lesson that Baldur's Gate 3 could teach D&D players. By granting incentive for roleplay, DMs could encourage players to get more involved and immersed in their characters' actions. While the rewards would need to be balanced, an Inspiration point and small experience boost seem fair, being small but significant enough to be worth it. In fact, DMs can already take this on as a homebrew rule without waiting for an official rule change. By doing so, Dungeons and Dragons' backgrounds would become far more valuable than the minor bonuses they currently offer.

Character backgrounds are a small but notable part of Baldur's Gate 3 that is worth repeating. Making a custom character in Baldur's Gate 3 is as exciting as making one for Dungeons & Dragons, complete with the impressive amount of options at the player's fingertips. It just happens that where backgrounds are concerned, the game manages to do far more than its tabletop counterpart did. Dungeons & Dragons is still an excellent game that rewards creativity, but it would do well to follow Baldur's Gate 3's lead regarding backgrounds.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is a Dungeons and Dragons inspired RPG developed and published by Larian Studios. Featuring both a single player and cooperative element, players create their character by selecting a starting class, take on quests, level up, and engage in turn-based combat using the D&D 5th edition rule set.