To continue a multiplayer game in BG3, the original host needs to load the save file. Other players can then rejoin through the multiplayer menu.
Ever felt the thrill of adventuring with friends in Baldur’s Gate 3, only to be interrupted by real life? Want to know how to continue a multiplayer game in BG3 after a break? It’s a common question when you want to resume your epic journey together.
The process is pretty straightforward. The player who initially created and hosted the game has to load their save file. Then, your fellow adventurers can jump right back into the action from the multiplayer lobby.
How to Continue a Multiplayer Game in BG3
Let’s dive right in! So, you’ve had an amazing time adventuring in Baldur’s Gate 3 with your friends, slaying monsters, making tough choices, and maybe even getting into a bit of mischief. But now, real life calls, and you need to take a break. The good news is, you don’t have to say goodbye to your shared journey forever. Continuing a multiplayer game in BG3 is totally doable, and we’re going to show you exactly how. It’s not always a perfectly smooth sail, but with a little know-how, you can get your whole crew back together and right back into the action. We’ll cover everything from the basics of saving and loading to handling different player availability and making sure everyone’s character is ready to roll.
Understanding Save Files in Baldur’s Gate 3 Multiplayer
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s crucial to understand how Baldur’s Gate 3 handles save files in multiplayer. Unlike some games where the save is tied to a server or a host, BG3 stores multiplayer saves locally. This means the save file resides on the computer of the player who initiated the game as the host. So, if your friend hosted the last awesome session where you fought a giant spider, they’ll be the one with the save file containing all your shared progress. This is important because that player will need to be present when you want to resume.
The Importance of the Host
The host is like the captain of your ship, the person in control of where you left off. Only the host can load the multiplayer save file and start a new session. They can also invite other players to join the game from the game menu. If the original host isn’t available, you unfortunately cannot load that particular save file to resume that exact adventure. This is a very important point to keep in mind when planning who hosts. Because the save file is on their device, they are the key to continuing the game. If they happen to change their platform later on, for example, from PC to PlayStation 5 or from PlayStation 5 to Xbox Series X/S, then they won’t be able to continue the game as the game saves are not transferable between different gaming platforms. Therefore, plan who you nominate as host and make sure they are very reliable for the long term.
How Saves Work: Autosaves and Manual Saves
Baldur’s Gate 3 uses both autosaves and manual saves. Autosaves happen regularly as you play, capturing the game’s state in case something goes wrong. Manual saves, on the other hand, are something you initiate yourself. It’s a very good idea to create manual saves often, especially before big story moments or tough battles. In a multiplayer game, creating manual saves before you quit can help a lot. If, for some reason, your automatic save fails or doesn’t save the very last session, a manual save will be a lifesaver in that situation. Just make sure the host is the one who saves! And remember to be clear with your group on your strategy, if you choose to save each time before you quit, or let autosaves handle it, be sure that your whole group agrees to it, for it makes things easier for everyone.
Starting a New Multiplayer Session: The Steps
Okay, so everyone is ready to play again? Great! Here’s how to get your multiplayer game back up and running.
Step 1: Host Loads the Game
First, the host needs to launch Baldur’s Gate 3. From the main menu, they should select “Load Game” and then choose the save file containing your multiplayer progress. They will see save files named with different player names, so they should pick the right save from when you were all playing together.
Step 2: Inviting Players
Once the host has loaded into the game, they can invite the other players. This is done through the in-game menu, not through the Steam friend list or PSN or Xbox Live directly. The host opens the pause menu and selects “Invite Player”. This will bring up a list of their friends and they can invite people from here. Alternatively, if you are playing on the same local network, players can search for a running game, using the “Join Game” option in the main menu, and join by pressing the connect option.
Step 3: Players Accept the Invitation
Invited players receive an invitation on their screens. They simply need to accept the invite, and their characters will appear in the game world, ready for action! Once all your friends have joined, you can resume right where you left off.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go quite as smoothly. Here are some issues you might run into and how to fix them:
Player not getting the invite: The first thing is to make sure you have a stable internet connection. If the connection is bad, invites might not go through. Both the host and the players should check their connection and restart the game, if necessary. Make sure you are all on the same version of the game. Sometimes, an update can make saves incompatible between different versions of the game.
Player’s character missing: If a player’s character isn’t appearing, make sure the save is the correct multiplayer save and that the host did not accidentally load a single-player save file, or load an old save that was before a certain player joined. Also, ensure everyone is using the same game version. If the problem persists, have the player restart their game and try joining again. This can sometimes re-sync their game with the host’s data.
Host can’t find the save: If the host cannot find the proper save, make sure that they’re looking at the “Load Game” section on the main menu and not the “Continue” section. Ensure the save file they’re looking at has other characters in the game as well. If none of this works, then the last save file might be missing or corrupted, you may need to fall back to an older save file and replay the last part that is missing.
Different platforms: As mentioned before, you can only play with friends on the same platform. You can not play with your friends who are on a different console or the PC. So, if the host has switched platform, you won’t be able to continue the game.
Mods: If you are using mods, then be sure that everyone has the same mods activated, in the same order. Some mods can cause problems if they are not synchronized correctly across all participating players. If a mod is causing crashes, you might need to temporarily disable the mods and try to load the game again. Once you have loaded the game and re-saved, you can try reactivating the mods again.
Strategies for Consistent Multiplayer Sessions
To avoid headaches and keep your multiplayer sessions going smoothly, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Designated Host: As we’ve mentioned, the game saves are on the host’s computer, so it is a good idea to have a designated host to make things easier for everyone and to be more organized. Pick someone who plays regularly and is able to be available for your regular group sessions, and someone who is not likely to change their platform for the long-term.
Regular Save Habits: Make it a habit to manually save before you end each session. This gives you an easy point to jump back to. Communicate within your group how and when you decide to save, so that everyone is on the same page.
Consistent Play Schedule: If you and your friends can set up a consistent play schedule, it makes it easier to keep the multiplayer game moving forward. This helps ensure that the same people are consistently available for the next session and allows you to plan ahead of time.
Communication is Key: Keep your group updated on when you can play and if there are any issues. Using a group chat or a voice channel can make things easier to manage. This way, everyone knows if a session is going to be moved or canceled.
Backup Saves: You might want to copy the save files to a different location or cloud storage, just as a backup. This can prevent issues of the game crashing or of corrupted save files. If you run into any major problems, you will have an older save game to fall back onto.
Handling Different Player Availability
Sometimes, not everyone can make it to every session. Here’s how to manage that:
Playing with Fewer Players
If one or more players are absent, you can still continue the game with the remaining players. In BG3, the game will simply load the missing character or characters, but those characters will not be playable. Players who are absent can easily rejoin the next time they are available, and their characters will be as they left them. If this happens often, you might want to discuss how to handle the gameplay and make sure that no one is left behind or feels excluded.
Adding New Players
Baldur’s Gate 3 allows new players to join in the middle of a campaign. If a friend wants to join your group, the host can invite them just like the original players. The new player will have to create a new character, and this can lead to some creative and funny situations! Just remember that the new character will have to catch up to the current quest line that has been going on and also with the level of the characters.
Changing Characters
If a player wants to change the character they are playing, it is possible, but it requires that player to be online. They would simply need to leave the game from the pause menu and create a new character before joining again. This way, the original character is removed from the party and the new character is added to the team.
A Few Extra Tips
To make your multiplayer experience even better, remember these extra bits of advice:
Use Voice Chat: Playing BG3 in multiplayer is much better with voice chat. It makes planning and roleplaying much more engaging and immersive.
Take Breaks: Multiplayer sessions can get intense. Remember to take breaks and stretch, grab snacks, or just step away for a bit. You can pause the game, when needed.
Enjoy the Story: Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game with a great story. Enjoy the story together with your friends and make sure to have fun. The most important thing is to have an amazing time together.
Be Patient: Sometimes, things can get a little complicated. Be patient with each other and remember that we’re all trying to have fun together. Try to be as communicative as possible and try to troubleshoot any issue together.
Role-playing: Enjoy the role-playing aspect of the game, and try to stay in character, when possible, as this will make the game more engaging and enjoyable.
Continuing a multiplayer game in BG3 is a simple process once you understand how the saving system works and the importance of the host. With a little planning, good communication, and regular saving habits, you can enjoy many fun adventures with your friends in the Forgotten Realms. Remember the key points such as who the designated host will be, save manually before quitting, and be sure that everyone is on the same version of the game and using the same mods. If you encounter any issues, go through the troubleshooting guide step by step to get a solution to your problem.
With these points in mind, your next multiplayer session should be very smooth. Now go forth, gather your friends, and continue your epic adventure in Baldur’s Gate 3. Have fun and may your dice rolls always be in your favor!
How to Create, Setup, Join, and Manage Multiplayer Sessions in Baldur's Gate 3
Final Thoughts
To continue your Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer game, a host must save the session. Then, the host needs to load that specific save from the main menu. Other players can then rejoin through the multiplayer interface, maintaining their progress. Remember, consistency in game saves is must.
The host’s actions are crucial for a seamless continuation. They must invite players or allow them to join using the session browser. This method ensures everyone can keep playing. This is precisely how to continue a multiplayer game in bg3.
