Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3players can create their own custom characters or choose from one of seven Origin characters - six pre-determined NPCs and the slightly more flexible Dark Urge. Playing an Origin character leads to a very differentBaldur’s Gate 3experience, as they have unique dialogue and may have special quests linked to their story. While this sprawling CRPG is ultimately a game that allows players to make many different choices, there are some “unwritten rules” that players often follow when stepping into the shoes of an Origin character.
BG3 Origin Characters Cannot Be Customized
The six pre-determined Origin characters cannot be customized. Their race and background is set, and their appearance cannot be changed via theMagic Mirror. Instead of the character creation screen at the beginning of the game, players can instead view a short cutscene in which the chosen Origin narrates their backstory and how they came to be infected by a mind flayer tadpole. While their appearance can’t be changed, an Origin character can change classes by visiting Withers in camp.
TheDark Urgeis slightly different than the other Origin characters in that their race, starting class, and appearance can be customized by the player. They do, however, come with a pre-set background, “Haunted One,” which is exclusive to them, and have a pre-written backstory that will gradually be discovered over the course of the game.
Complete The Chosen Origin Character’s Quest
There are many quests to choose from inBaldur’s Gate 3.This allows each playthrough to feel truly unique, as players can avoid or prioritize certain quests each time. When playing as an Origin character, however, it is definitely encouraged to play through thatBG3Origin’s companion questto fully complete their journey during their time as the protagonist. The six Origin characters' quests are as follows:
Other Quests And Interactions Connect To Each Origin
In addition to their personal quest, each Origin character has several moments,BG3questsand interactions around Faerun that relate to them and their story. Seeking out these interactions, visiting these locations, and meeting these characters can help an Origin character run feel more fleshed out and complete. Here are just a few of the many interactions available for each companion:
Origin Character Romances Add A Unique Element
Romance is an optional element inBaldur’s Gate 3, but it can add a unique element to an Origin playthrough by pairing the chosen Origin with a character they already have a connection with. Any combination of Origin characters can tell a heartwarming and deeply romantic story, but a few pairings are particularly popular. Wyll and Karlach have a connection, as Wyll is tasked with hunting her down by his patron Mizora. Shadowheart and Lae’zel immediately dislike each other, which results in an ever-popular “enemies to lovers” relationship. Gale and Astarion have similar stories, as both are dealing with a powerful hunger that threatens to consume them.
Many other Origin combinations have grown in popularity due to character banter where the party members flirt with one another. Wyll attempts to try his luck (without much success) with both Shadowheart and Lae’zel. Shadowheart, meanwhile, admires Karlach’s muscular physique and fantasizes about being carried by her. Astarion describes Wyll as “the kind of hero he once wished would rescue him,” and Lae’zel can approach Astarion, Gale, or Wyll for a night of companionship during an Act 1 party. Although he is not an Origin character, many of the six also express admiration towards the handsome and musculardruid Halsin, another romance option.
Some Origins May Require Multiple Playthroughs
Baldur’s Gate 3is a game that has received praise for its replayability, with many different paths to take and characters to create. Playing an Origin character is no exception to this rule. Many of the six have major decisions that players must make which can drastically affect the outcome of their journey. These Origin characters may benefit from multiple playthroughs as the chosen protagonist. These are:
While going through these Origins' story multiple times is definitely not required, it is certainly encouraged as it can lead to uncovering new elements of their personality and backstory and bringing their journey to an entirely different ending.
