How to Start a Multiplayer Game BG3: A Journey Through Chaos and Collaboration

How to Start a Multiplayer Game BG3: A Journey Through Chaos and Collaboration

Starting a multiplayer game in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is like embarking on an epic quest with your friends—full of excitement, unpredictability, and the occasional argument over who gets to play as the rogue. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the Forgotten Realms, diving into BG3 with a group can be both thrilling and chaotic. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process, along with some quirky insights into the multiplayer experience.


1. Gather Your Party

The first step to starting a multiplayer game in BG3 is assembling your party. This is where friendships are tested and alliances are forged. Will you invite your most reliable friend, or the one who always insists on playing as a chaotic neutral character? The choice is yours, but remember: the composition of your party can make or break your adventure.

  • Tip: Aim for a balanced party with a mix of classes (e.g., a fighter, a cleric, a wizard, and a rogue) to handle combat, exploration, and dialogue challenges effectively.
  • Warning: Be prepared for endless debates over who gets to romance Astarion.

2. Choose Your Platform

BG3 supports cross-platform play, but it’s essential to ensure everyone is on the same page—literally. Decide whether you’ll be playing on PC, PlayStation, or another supported platform. If you’re mixing platforms, make sure everyone has their accounts linked and ready to go.

  • Pro Tip: PC players can enjoy mods, but be cautious—some mods may not be compatible with multiplayer or could cause crashes.

3. Set Up the Game

Once your party is assembled and your platform is chosen, it’s time to set up the game. Here’s how:

  1. Host the Game: One player will need to host the session. This player’s device will act as the server, so ensure they have a stable internet connection.
  2. Invite Friends: Use the in-game invite system to bring your friends into the session. You can also share a lobby code for easier access.
  3. Customize Settings: Decide on difficulty level, whether to enable save scumming, and other preferences. Remember, democracy is key—unless you’re the host, in which case, tyranny is an option.

4. Create Your Characters

Character creation is where the real fun begins. Will you roleplay as a noble paladin, a mischievous bard, or a morally ambiguous warlock? The possibilities are endless, but here are some things to consider:

  • Cohesion: While it’s tempting to create wildly different characters, try to ensure your party has some synergy. A group of four bards might sound fun, but it won’t fare well in combat.
  • Backstories: Encourage your friends to develop backstories for their characters. This adds depth to the roleplaying experience and can lead to hilarious in-game moments.
  • Appearance: Spend hours perfecting your character’s look, only to realize no one will see it under their armor.

5. Navigate the Chaos

Multiplayer BG3 is a unique experience because every player has agency. This means your friends can—and will—make decisions that derail your carefully laid plans. Here’s how to handle the chaos:

  • Communication is Key: Use voice chat or text to coordinate your actions. Miscommunication can lead to accidental theft, unnecessary combat, or worse—triggering a trap.
  • Embrace the Madness: Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from unplanned decisions. Let your friend persuade the goblin king to join your party, even if it’s a terrible idea.
  • Respect Boundaries: If someone is deeply invested in their character’s story, don’t sabotage their arc for the sake of a joke (unless it’s really funny).

6. Manage Save Files

In multiplayer BG3, only the host’s save files are preserved. This means if you want to continue the campaign, everyone will need to join the host’s game each time. To avoid confusion:

  • Designate a Permanent Host: Choose someone reliable to host the game consistently.
  • Backup Saves: Encourage the host to back up their save files regularly to prevent data loss.

7. Deal with Technical Issues

Like any multiplayer game, BG3 isn’t immune to technical hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

  • Connection Problems: Ensure everyone has a stable internet connection. If issues persist, try restarting the game or switching hosts.
  • Crashes: Update your game and drivers to the latest version. If crashes continue, consider disabling mods or lowering graphics settings.
  • Desync: If players experience desynchronization, try reloading the game or restarting the session.

8. Enjoy the Journey

At its core, BG3 is about storytelling and collaboration. Whether you’re battling mind flayers, negotiating with tieflings, or simply arguing over loot, the multiplayer experience is what you make of it. Embrace the unpredictability, celebrate the victories, and laugh at the failures.


FAQs

Q: Can I join a multiplayer game if I’m new to BG3?
A: Absolutely! Multiplayer is a great way to learn the game with the help of more experienced friends.

Q: How many players can join a multiplayer session?
A: BG3 supports up to four players in a single session.

Q: Can I use mods in multiplayer?
A: Yes, but all players must have the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues.

Q: What happens if the host disconnects?
A: The session will end, and players will need to reconnect once the host is back online.

Q: Can I romance other players’ characters?
A: No, romance options are limited to NPCs. However, you can roleplay romantic interactions with your friends if everyone is comfortable with it.


Starting a multiplayer game in BG3 is an adventure in itself. With the right preparation, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace chaos, you and your friends can create unforgettable stories in the Forgotten Realms. Now, gather your party and venture forth—just don’t forget to save often!