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

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, storytelling, and the unpredictable nature of Dungeons & Dragons. While the single-player experience is immersive, the multiplayer mode takes the chaos to a whole new level. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or strangers, multiplayer BG3 is a wild ride that requires strategy, communication, and a willingness to embrace the absurd. Here’s how to dive into the multiplayer madness and make the most of your cooperative adventure.


1. Understand the Basics of Multiplayer Setup

Before you jump into the fray, you need to know how to set up a multiplayer session. BG3 allows up to four players to join a single campaign. You can either host a game or join an existing one. To host, simply select “Multiplayer” from the main menu, create a lobby, and invite your friends via Steam, GOG, or direct connection. If you’re joining, browse the available lobbies or enter a friend’s invite code.

Pro Tip: Make sure everyone has a stable internet connection. Nothing kills the mood faster than a disconnected party member mid-combat.


2. Choose Complementary Characters

In multiplayer, your party composition matters more than ever. Unlike single-player, where you control all four characters, each player controls one. This means you need to coordinate roles to ensure your party is balanced. A typical setup might include:

  • A tank (e.g., a Fighter or Paladin) to absorb damage.
  • A healer (e.g., a Cleric or Druid) to keep everyone alive.
  • A damage dealer (e.g., a Rogue or Wizard) to obliterate enemies.
  • A utility character (e.g., a Bard or Ranger) for versatility.

Discuss your choices with your team beforehand to avoid ending up with four Rogues who can’t survive a single encounter.


3. Communication is Key

Multiplayer BG3 is as much about teamwork as it is about individual skill. Use voice chat or text chat to coordinate your actions. For example:

  • Plan your attacks in combat to maximize synergy.
  • Discuss dialogue options to avoid conflicting choices.
  • Share loot fairly to keep everyone happy.

Remember, the game doesn’t pause during conversations or combat, so quick thinking and clear communication are essential.


4. Embrace the Chaos

One of the best things about multiplayer BG3 is the unpredictability. Your friends might:

  • Steal an important item and trigger a fight with the entire town.
  • Charm a boss instead of fighting them, leading to unexpected outcomes.
  • Accidentally set the entire forest on fire during a battle.

These moments are what make multiplayer so memorable. Instead of getting frustrated, lean into the chaos and enjoy the ride.


5. Divide and Conquer

With multiple players, you can split up to cover more ground. For example:

  • One player can explore the town while another investigates a dungeon.
  • Someone can haggle with a merchant while another picks their pocket.
  • A stealthy character can scout ahead while the rest of the party waits in ambush.

Just be careful not to wander too far apart, as you might miss out on shared experiences or get caught in a fight alone.


6. Respect Each Other’s Choices

In BG3, every decision matters. In multiplayer, this means respecting your teammates’ choices, even if you disagree. For example:

  • If someone wants to side with the goblins instead of the druids, go along with it and see where the story takes you.
  • If a player decides to romance a certain NPC, don’t sabotage their efforts (unless it’s hilarious).

The beauty of multiplayer is experiencing the game from different perspectives, so embrace the diversity of choices.


7. Experiment with Mods

If you’re playing on PC, consider using mods to enhance your multiplayer experience. Some popular options include:

  • Party Limit Begone: Allows more than four players in a single game.
  • Custom Classes: Adds new classes and subclasses for more variety.
  • Quality of Life Improvements: Tweaks inventory management, UI, and other features.

Just make sure everyone in your party has the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues.


8. Prepare for Technical Challenges

Multiplayer games can be buggy, and BG3 is no exception. Be prepared for:

  • Connection issues that might require restarting the game.
  • Glitches that cause characters to get stuck or items to disappear.
  • Save file corruption (always back up your saves).

Patience and a good sense of humor will go a long way in dealing with these challenges.


9. Create Memorable Moments

The best part of multiplayer BG3 is the shared memories you create with your friends. Whether it’s:

  • Pulling off an insane combo that wipes out an entire enemy group.
  • Roleplaying your characters in hilarious ways.
  • Failing spectacularly and laughing about it afterward.

These moments are what make the game truly special.


10. Know When to Take a Break

Multiplayer sessions can get intense, especially during long campaigns. Don’t be afraid to take breaks to:

  • Stretch your legs and rest your eyes.
  • Discuss strategy and plan your next moves.
  • Just hang out and chat about non-game-related topics.

A well-rested party is a happy party.


FAQs

Q: Can I play multiplayer BG3 cross-platform? A: Currently, BG3 does not support cross-platform play. You can only play with others on the same platform (PC, Mac, or console).

Q: Can I join a multiplayer game mid-campaign? A: Yes, you can join a game in progress, but your character will start at the same level as the host’s party.

Q: What happens if a player disconnects during a game? A: The disconnected player’s character will be controlled by the host until they reconnect.

Q: Can I play multiplayer with random people? A: Yes, you can join public lobbies, but playing with friends is recommended for a smoother experience.

Q: Is multiplayer BG3 harder than single-player? A: It can be, as you have less control over the entire party, but it also allows for more creative strategies and teamwork.


Multiplayer BG3 is a unique and rewarding experience that combines the best elements of cooperative gameplay and D&D storytelling. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges and create unforgettable adventures with your friends. Now gather your party, and venture forth!