I finally started playing as Baldur's Gate 3's most popular Origin character and I was not disappointed

GamesRPGBaldur’s Gate 3I finally started playing as Baldur’s Gate 3’s most popular Origin character and I was not disappointedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesRPGBaldur’s Gate 3I finally started playing as Baldur’s Gate 3’s most popular Origin character and I was not disappointedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Larian Studios) At this point, I’ve lost count of the number of runs I’ve started inBaldur’s Gate 3. Even if I were to look at my save files, it wouldn’t reflect the true total on account of my deleting some older playthroughs to make room for fresh ones. There are so many possibilities when it comes to character creation and approaches in Larian’s adventure, and even after putting 700 hours into it, there are still new ideas, builds, and paths I want to try out in The Sword Coast. Aftertaking a darker route that broke my self-imposed RPG code, I knew I wanted to try out a new Origin character for my latest run.I absolutely love that we can role-play as the characters we journey alongside, but apart from Astarion, I’ve yet to experience the story through the eyes of the rest of the cast. While I landed on this decision, I was entirely torn as to who to pick next. See, I’ve fallen for all of the party members, and each character’s unique personal story presented a host of interesting prospects. With so many options to consider, my colleague -and fellow Baldur’s Gate 3 aficionado - Jasmine Gould-Wilson suggested an inspired idea: why don’t I use the statsLarian postedtowards the end of the last year to determine my selection?As of December 2023, Gale topped the Origin charts as the most played character, and I was instantly curious to find out why. With nothing else for it, I took on the role of the wizard of Waterdeep, and just a handful of hours in, I’m already starting to understand why he’s such a popular pick. Mr Dekarios (Image credit: Larian Studios) The beauty of playing through Baldur’s Gate 3 multiple times is that I’ve really come to appreciatethe detail, worldbuilding, and storytellingbehind Larian’s RPG. The many hours I’ve put into it also mean that I feel so close to the characters. I know all of their little quirks and flaws, the motivations that drive them, their outlooks on the world, and their feelings towards love, romance, and friendship. As Tav, I’ve bonded with all of them and seen first-hand how they develop as characters over the course of the game’s three acts. So, when it comes to actually filling their shoes, I love that it brings me even closer to their story and I try to stay true to the character through my choices. When I played as Astarion, for example, I considered the kind of responses he’d likely say, and for Gale, my approach is no different. Heated heart(Image credit: Larian Studios)Karlach’s heartache in Baldur’s Gate 3 spoke directly to my own isolation, and it caught me totally off guard Heated heart (Image credit: Larian Studios)Karlach’s heartache in Baldur’s Gate 3 spoke directly to my own isolation, and it caught me totally off guard (Image credit: Larian Studios) Karlach’s heartache in Baldur’s Gate 3 spoke directly to my own isolation, and it caught me totally off guard No one is perfect in Baldur’s Gate 3, which is what makes them relatable. Charming, confident, and a bit arrogant, Gale’s desire for power often blinds him to his own weaknesses and strengths. The more time I spent with him, the more he grew on me, and I was actually excited to experience the story from his perspective. What is it like to actually be the person who has the threatening Netherese orb in their chest? Do you try to hide it from your party for fear of them casting you away? How do you harbor that secret? Gale snacking on magical items has become its own meme at this point, but what if you’re actually him? How do you munch on some shoes to keep the orb at bay without anyone noticing the loot has disappeared? All these questions swarmed in my mind when I began my journey, and it wasn’t long before Gale’s circumstances gave the run its own distinct feel. Netherese nibbles (Image credit: Larian Studios) After a few nights at camp, I was awoken with the most magical encounter that had me grinning from ear to ear. And honestly? I think it has to factor into why so many pick Gale. Yes, I’m of course talking about the wizard’s dear friend, Tara. After meeting her in an early playthrough in act 3, I had hoped she would show up at some point if you play as Gale, but I was delighted to discover that she pays a visit so early on. The winged, cat-like Tressym has been a long-time companion to Gale, and the conversations you can have with her in camp are such a joy. Speaking of his mother, worrying over his welfare, and impressing on him the importance of addressing the ticking time bomb in his chest, Tara acts as the perfect confidant. It’s just as well, really, since Gale has a lot on his plate - what with the orb, the mind-flayer tadpole, and the Absolutists. Better yet, she even gives you a pretty sweet ring to consume that I decided to equip instead of snack on. Naturally that meant that I had to wolf down a necklace, which caught the attention of Astarion, but with some silver tongued persuasion, I kept my condition concealed for a bit longer. Speaking of the pale elf vampire, I was also curious to see what would happen when Astarion revealed his fangs and I let him nip at my neck. After all, Gale is very adamant that he tastesbadand it’s not hard to figure out why when you know about the orb. The scene that unfolded didn’t disappoint, with Astarion dripping with disgust at the taste of my tainted blood. I also love that after that point, you can’t even offer up your blood to him even if you want to, which adds to the role-play of Gale. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more I can’t wait to see how Gale’s story progresses with me in control. As Astarion, the highlight was undoubtedly confronting Cazador as the pale elf, and I’m curious to experience certain parts of Gale’s personal story in his origin run with Elminsiter and Mystra. Who knows what my next run will be after this, but as Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to prove, there are still plenty of possibilities for me to explore. After playing Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity Original Sin 2, I’m more convinced than ever that I’ve found the best power in any RPG. 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bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying 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insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, 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