Highlights
- Countless possible endings make every playthrough feel different in Baldur's Gate 3 , despite certain features and stories being removed.
- Players were surprised to see the removal of worshiping nefarious deities like Shar and the unresolved storyline of the Devils Deal with Mol.
- The removal of certain elements like a better ending for Karlach and the exploration of the Upper City left players wishing for more in Baldur's Gate 3 .
Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most phenomenal RPGs to be released in 2023, the game has countless possible endings for a player to encounter through various winding storylines that make every playthrough feel different. However, like most games, there are certain features or stories that were originally going to be told but were then instead removed for various reasons.
It should be noted that many of these things that were removed from the full release of Baldur's Gate 3 were likely removed for valid reasons; even without their inclusion in Baldur's Gate 3, the game is still an incredible title that many players have enjoyed exploring over and over again. These are still eight of the things that players were surprised to see omitted from the full game.
There may be spoilers about certain plot lines in Baldur's Gate 3.
8 Worship Nefarious Deities Like Shar
This is one of the few things that were taken out from the main game that players were actually able to experience during the early access. When playing as a Cleric, a player could choose between even more deities than they can in the full version of the game. This included options such as the Lady Shar herself.
Players could bond with Shadowheart over this similar faith though this is no longer possible in the full version of the game. It was likely removed to allow the focus of this faith to be only Shadowheart's, though it has made many players wonder what would've happened if a cleric of Shar had completed the trials instead of their companion.
7 The Devils Deal With Mol
If a player opts to aid the Tieflings in the Grove during the first act players will encounter them again in the second, with some taking refuge at an inn. Here, players will meet Mol and the devil Raphael playing chess together. This devil appears to have plans for Mol, as even the party comments that it seems suspicious what he's doing.
However, this is the last this is ever mentioned as when players meet Mol again, they are free of any danger and seem to just be living their good life. This has led many to suspect that this was going to be its own storyline, but as further concentration was given to other elements of the game this storyline was dropped.
6 A Lover Not A Guardian
Another element that players of the early access experienced during the first act that was then changed for the full release was the Guardian inside the Mysterious Artifact. This dream visitor was originally known as Daisy inside the code and their goal was to tempt the player into using their Ilithid powers through seduction.
However, as seen in the full game, the dream visitor gets the player to use these powers through simple persuasion instead of trying to sleep with the player. While some may be upset by this, others have enjoyed forming their own unique bond with this person they have created.
5 A Better End For Karlach
Out of all the companions in Baldur's Gate 3, the much-loved Tiefling Barbarian with a heart of gold even if it's simply an Infernal Engine drew the short straw when it comes to companion endings. Players felt that Karlach's true happy ending was stolen from her, and it seems that may have been the case.
At one point players were going to be able to find a permanent fix for Karlach's engine that allowed her to stay in Baldur's Gate without the worry of bursting into flames. However, currently in the full release the happiest end for Karlach means going back to Avernus whether she likes it or not.
4 Where Are The Other Hags
Auntie Ethel is a hag player met in both the first and final act of the game. When exploring her hut in the swamp players will uncover various letters sent between herself and the other hags that live in or around Baldur's Gate. However, players never encounter these other hags, although they are supposed to be present.
Originally there were supposed to be more hags in the game, with the eyeball that Auntie Ethel blesses with her power suggesting as such. This eye has a direct link to these hags though it seems the player would never be able to use it.
3 Avernus Was Larger
Players have the chance to visit the House of Hope which is a small part of Avernus controlled by Raphael. However, players were unaware that at one point players were meant to be able to explore a much larger section of Avernus.
Inside this area was also going to explore Karlach's backstory more with players perhaps being able to find a solution there as to how she could stabilize herself. As the game was developed further perhaps this area became less important or there wasn't enough time, but many have wished that it did become a part of the game.
2 Another Companion Was Planned
Some players may be surprised how many elven companions are available in Baldur's Gate 3, with them all being variations of high elves, Half-elves, or Drow. With already many companions to choose from, there was going to be another.
Few things are known about this character other than that there is going to be a Halfling who can become a werewolf. Perhaps it seemed there were too many supernatural entities in the camp or Larian Studios couldn't find a way to include them, but it left many wondering what the only small race companion could've been like.
1 Upper City Could Be Explored
Out of all the quests, people, or places that have been omitted from the full version of Baldur's Gate 3, the one thing that surprised players the most was the removal of the Upper City. Players now only enter this area at the very end of the game to simply fight the final battle. Before then players would've had further side quests and companion quests to explore in this area.
This has therefore led to many quests being pushed into the other area of Baldur's Gate where some of those locations don't appear to make sense. Baldur's Gate 3 is already a large game and perhaps the city would run even slower if this was included, but many still wish they could explore more of Baldur's Gate.
Baldur's Gate 3 is out now on PC and PlayStation 5. An Xbox Series X|S release date is yet to be announced.