The sequel toBaldur’s Gate 3will inevitably play into whatever theD&Dzeitgeist is when it releases. Given how the future of the TTRPG is looking, subclasses will likely be the best way for such a sequel to stand out fromBaldur’s Gate 3.
There aremany subclasses available inBaldur’s Gate 3, yet it contains only a small sample of those found inD&D 5e. Out of the 117 subclasses found throughout the 10-year lifespan of the fifth edition, 46 made their way into Larian’s hit game. Many of these 46 subclasses are taken from the 2014Player’s Handbook, with only a handful of options taking material from later books. Examples of the latter case include the Storm Sorcery, College of Swords, and Circle of Spores subclasses.
The Next Baldur’s Gate Needs To Focus On Different Subclasses
When it comes toBaldur’s Gate 4, it’s likely that the game will follow in Larian’s footsteps. Even though the studio itself won’t be returning to the game, the incredible success ofBaldur’s Gate 3has made many fans certain that Wizards of the Coast won’t abide much deviation. However, it’s likely that the next game will still shift to reflect the current state ofD&D; if the 2024 rules update is still the current thing by then, terminology and character creation will almost certainly see changes.
Should this be the case, it’s very likely that the status quo won’t have changed much in that time. WOTC’s design team may have updatedD&D 5ewith 2024’s rule changes, but it’s no new edition—meaning thatBaldur’s Gate 4will have little room to innovate. When it comes to standing out and creating a fresh gameplay loop, new subclasses should be the go-to. Not only is this an area where there are many more options to explore, but it’s an area theD&Dbooks are more likely to explore further.
Baldur’s Gate 4 Will Probably Be Stuck With The Same 12 Classes
The 12 base classes ofD&D 5ehave stood the test of time, but many fans want to explore different fantasies. Officially, the TTRPG only supports one other class, the artificer—aclass that hasn’t made it intoD&D 2024. When asked about this omission in a GamesRadar interview, lead designer Chris Perkins stated how ‘we could actually do with fewer classes in the core game’. Though fans love new classes, with many playing homebrew or third-party classes, WOTC has all but confirmed that official support for them is unlikely.
What makes these attitudes even more steadfast ishow belovedD&D 5etruly is. Wizards of the Coast considers its core attributes good enough to be a permanent vehicle forD&D, with the playtest material for the 2024 rules update (One D&D) demonstrating this confidence. That faith is not misplaced, as the edition has stood head-and-shoulders above its predecessors in success. Moreover,D&D 5ehas become a medium; games likeTales of the Valiant,A5e, andShadowdarkuse the edition for their bones. This isn’t a new concept, with rival TTRPGPathfindergrowing out ofD&D 3.5e, but past examples don’t hold a candle to the diversity of creations based onD&D 5e.
D&D 5e Has More Than Enough Subclasses For A Fresh Baldur’s Gate
D&D 5ehas an exorbitant number of subclasses—primed for aBaldur’s Gate 3 sequel. Furthermore, the number of subclasses unused inBaldur’s Gate 3includes some of the most beloved among fifth-edition players. Hexblade warlock, Rune Knight fighter, Bladesinger wizard, and more are among the great subclasses that fans have already modded into Larian’s game, and official support for them in a sequel would be warmly received.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
