There is currently no new game plus feature in Baldur’s Gate 3.
So, you’ve conquered the Absolute, saved (or doomed) Faerûn, and are itching for more. Many players wonder, is there a new game plus in bg3? The desire to replay with all your hard-earned gear and abilities is certainly strong.
Sadly, as of now, Larian Studios hasn’t implemented a new game plus option. This means you can not carry over items or levels when starting a new adventure. You will have to experience the story fresh with a new character.
Is There a New Game Plus in BG3?
Let’s dive deep into the world of Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) and tackle a question many players are asking: Is there a New Game Plus mode? This is a popular feature in many games that allows you to replay the game with some of your progress carried over, making subsequent playthroughs more interesting. Whether you’re hoping to experience the story with a super powerful character or try a completely different path with your maxed out hero, the potential benefits of new game plus are many.
What Exactly is New Game Plus?
Before we get to whether BG3 has it, let’s make sure we all understand what New Game Plus (NG+) is. Imagine beating a game. You’ve seen the ending, maybe collected the best loot, and have leveled up your character to the max. Instead of starting completely over from scratch, NG+ lets you start a new game with some of your achievements from your previous playthrough. What usually carries over varies from game to game, but it often includes things like:
- Your character’s level
- Your equipment (weapons, armor, etc.)
- Some special skills or abilities
- Occasionally, some story progression items
This makes replaying the game a different experience. You can enjoy the storyline again, but you’re not starting as a weak, basic character. You are now more powerful, which can help you experiment with different story paths, make different choices, or overcome challenges that were difficult in the first playthrough. NG+ is like a fun second run through the game where you have a head start.
The Current Situation: No Official New Game Plus in Baldur’s Gate 3
Here’s the core truth: as of now, Baldur’s Gate 3 does not have an official, built-in New Game Plus mode. That means when you complete your first adventure in BG3, there isn’t a button to select to start a fresh game with your previous character. While this might be disappointing for players who were excited for that possibility, let’s not completely lose hope. It is possible there could be an official new game plus down the road. Let’s look at some options you have currently.
Why Many Players Want a BG3 New Game Plus
So, if it isn’t currently available, why are so many people eager for a New Game Plus in BG3? There are many good reasons why players would want this feature:
- Replayability with Power: One of the biggest attractions is the chance to experience the story again without having to start from level one. Going through the game with a powerful character is appealing.
- Experimenting with Choices: BG3 has a vast number of choices that alter your story. Players would love to replay the game with a different alignment and choices, and see the changes with an already potent character.
- Trying New Classes/Builds: Maybe in your first run, you played a Paladin. In the next run you could try being a wizard, with your Paladin still at a high level.
- Collecting Missed Items: In such a big game, it’s easy to miss some powerful weapons or gear. With NG+, you can go back and find these items more easily.
- Simply More Fun: Many players just find it more fun to experience the story again without the early game grind.
What Are the Alternatives Right Now?
While there isn’t a formal NG+ mode, there are some workarounds and methods players are using to start new playthroughs. Here are a few:
Starting A New Game
This might be obvious, but one thing you can do is simply start a brand new game. You will begin as a level one character again, and have to work your way back up. This is a very common thing for people to do, and many enjoy the challenge of building a character from scratch, each and every time.
Using Third-Party Mods and Save Editors
The BG3 modding community is very active, and some clever modders and gamers have found a way to create a quasi-NG+ by editing the game files using a save editor. Here’s the lowdown:
- Save Editors: These are tools that allow you to modify your save files. You could, for example, transfer your high-level character and equipment to a brand-new game save.
- Mods: Some mods might try to recreate the feeling of NG+, although they aren’t official and can sometimes be buggy.
Using mods or save editors can create a fun experience for some players, but be sure to understand the potential risks. Always download from reputable sources and backup your save files before editing or using mods.
Playing the Game with Different Companions
One thing you can do with a fresh playthrough is try out different companions. Each companion has their own storyline, which is different for each character. This can be a new and fun way to play through Baldur’s Gate 3, even without a formal NG+.
Trying Different Story Choices
There are a tremendous number of choices you can make in Baldur’s Gate 3. These choices will change the story and how you experience the game. If you want a new feel to your BG3 experience, try making different choices from your first playthrough.
The Potential Future for New Game Plus
Even though there is no NG+ now, the BG3 team is constantly updating the game. The idea of adding a New Game Plus mode isn’t off the table, and the developers might be planning on including this fan-favorite feature later. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Community Feedback: The developers of BG3 pay close attention to what the players want, and because so many players are clamoring for a new game plus, the chances are good that it is something they are considering.
- Ongoing Updates: Larian Studios, the game’s developer, has been releasing regular updates that improve the game with bug fixes, new features, and changes based on player feedback.
- Possible Expansion Packs: If there are future expansions, these are possible avenues for the inclusion of a new game plus mode.
So, although there isn’t a new game plus mode right now, players who want it shouldn’t totally lose hope. The developers of Baldur’s Gate 3 have shown they like to add community requested features. There is still time for a new game plus to make its way into the game.
How to Approach Your Next BG3 Playthrough Without an Official NG+
So you want to start a new adventure, even without an official New Game Plus, what should you do? Here are a few approaches you could take:
Decide On A New Character Concept
Don’t just create the same character again, think about who you want to be this time around. Do you want to be a noble knight, a sneaky rogue, a powerful wizard, or something else? Make your character concept different from your previous playthrough to add to your experience.
Choose a different Class/Subclass
Maybe last time you played a paladin. Try something different. Play a sorcerer, or a warlock. Perhaps you want to play a more specialized version of a class, try a subclass you have never tried before. There are many to chose from, and each provides a unique playstyle.
Focus on a Different Story Path
Did you try to be a hero in the first game? This time around, try making different choices. Try being evil. See what kind of story changes this will bring about. This way, the story will feel new and exciting even without NG+.
Set Self-Imposed Challenges
Think about some challenges you can impose on yourself, and make the game more challenging. These can be things like only using certain weapons or armor, not fast traveling, limiting your companions, or other things that would normally make the game easier.
Play With Friends
Another great way to experience BG3 again is with your friends. You and up to three others can play the game online. See what new stories and events you can experience playing with others.
New Game Plus: Community Discussion and Fan Theories
The absence of a New Game Plus in BG3 has led to plenty of discussions online and sparked lots of fan theories. Let’s take a quick peek at what’s being talked about:
- Player Speculation: Players are constantly discussing whether the developers will add a NG+ in future updates or DLCs. There is a lot of speculation on how this would work if they do.
- Community Wishlists: Forums and social media are full of wishlists for what people would like in the mode. Some want a total power boost, and others are more interested in keeping the challenge present.
- Fan-Made Content: The modding community is taking the matter into their own hands. There is an abundance of mods that attempt to create a system akin to a new game plus.
Is a BG3 New Game Plus Worth Waiting For?
Given the popularity of New Game Plus in other games, it’s certainly a feature many players are excited to see in BG3. The ability to replay such a massive game with your power is enticing to many. If Larian Studios includes it, it has the potential to significantly increase the replay value of Baldur’s Gate 3.
The Magic of a New Playthrough
Even without an official New Game Plus mode, you can make the most of Baldur’s Gate 3 with creative thinking. Replaying the game with a different character class, a different set of choices, different companions, different gear, and a new mindset provides a completely fresh experience. While a formal NG+ would have its benefits, the game already provides so many options that you can still have a great time when starting a new game.
The absence of a formal New Game Plus doesn’t stop the fun in Baldur’s Gate 3. Players are still finding plenty of ways to enjoy the game again and again. The game’s large world, engaging story, and complex character builds allow a great amount of flexibility, even without the feature players want.
How to do NEW GAME PLUS in Baldur's Gate 3 (PC & Console Mod NG+)
Final Thoughts
Currently, Baldur’s Gate 3 does not offer a new game plus mode. Players cannot carry over their progress to a fresh playthrough. This is a feature many fans desire, hoping to replay the game with their powerful characters.
Therefore, the answer to the question “is there a new game plus in bg3” is, unfortunately, no. A new game plus mode must get added via a patch. Players who want to replay the game should start entirely new campaigns.
