Baldur's Gate 3 Release Date
The release date for Baldur's Gate 3 has been moved up, allowing players to get their hands on the highly anticipated D&D RPG sooner than expected. However, PC players will not have the advantage of early access, as Starfield looms on the horizon.
Baldur's Gate 3 early access will begin on August 3, the same day as the full game release. Unfortunately, PC players will not have access to the 72-hour early access to Act 1, giving PlayStation 5 players an advantage.
PC players will still have a significant head start, with a 34-day advantage over the PS5 version. However, Larian, the developer, acknowledges that they did not communicate the complexities of the release date change effectively.
"We did not communicate the complexities of the release date change very well and feel we may have put pressure on ourselves to work relentlessly towards the finish line," says Larian. "We want to make sure that players understand the limitations of the early access version and the importance of waiting for the final game."
Baldur's Gate 3 early access on PC is only available to players who pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the 72-hour head start. PC Digital Deluxe Edition buyers will not have access to the early access version to avoid a release date too close to Starfield's launch.
"Due to the complexities of launching on PC (different storefronts and infrastructure), we had to make a choice between the PC and PS5 early access versions," explains Larian. "We decided to go with the PC version because (1) it will offer PC players a significant head-start over their console counterparts and (2) it will offer PC players the most complete experience by granting access to everything included in the Digital Deluxe edition."
PC players are strongly advised to wait for the full release to experience the most up-to-date version of Baldur's Gate 3. However, purchasing the early access version on PC before the full release will grant access to everything included in the Digital Deluxe edition.
"We strongly encourage players to not play the early access build so close to the release date, as it is outdated and saves will not transfer to the final game," advises Larian. "This is why we are offering a head start on PC and console to ensure players can experience the most updated version of the game as possible."
If you're a PC player who pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe edition and have yet to redeem your 72-hour early access code, you can find out how to do so here.
