2023 was truly the year of both Dungeons & Dragons and, to a more specific point, Baldur’s Gate 3. The new RPG from Larian Studios had a thunderous launch out of Early Access in August, and has since taken the world by storm, even securing the Game of the Year trophy at The Game Awards 2023.
With all that acclaim and widespread popularity, you are likely to have a Baldur’s Gate 3 fan in your life. Maybe you, yourself, are one. And it’s that time of year where we celebrate, gather together, and exchange gifts. It’s festive and terrifying.
Don’t fret too much, though. I’ve been scouring the internet for my own BG3 indulgences to shove underneath the tree, and have surfaced with a few I’m willing to share here. (For everything else, consult your local fic author and/or commissioned artist.) I’ve got a few gifts, ranging from the expected to the unique, and ones I hope would happily light the eyes of any Baldur’s Gate 3 diehard this December.
Also, I’m a big fan of giving gifts that aren’t games. So while I’ll make a few game recommendations, these will also be gifts that are a bit more tangible and easily folded into everyday use. Enjoy!
Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus
This is one that some might not think to jump to, but hear me out: buy them a Dungeons & Dragons book. Specifically, this book, Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus. It’s an adventure that ties directly into the events of Baldur’s Gate 3, specifically around Avernus and the archdevil Zariel.
While it’s intended for play, I can speak from experience and say that several tabletop modules are fun to read, all by themselves. Especially if your BG3 fan wants to delve into the lore surrounding the tieflings, the city of Baldur’s Gate, and the Blood War, this is worth cracking open.
Or, other tabletop alternatives
Now, while Descent Into Avernus might be nice for the lore, some BG3 folks might be understandably frustrated by the recent layoffs at Hasbro, and not want to send cash their way this holiday season. That’s completely valid! If so, there are a couple other tabletop ideas you could investigate.
First off, you could always look into Pathfinder, a well-known alternative to D&D. Or you could explore some popular alternative systems that play a little differently than the usual D20 system, like Blades in the Dark or the recently released Candela Obscura.
For my money, if your BG3 fan is looking to dip a toe in the waters of tabletop role-playing and needs something they can get everybody on board with, you could do a whole lot worse than Alice is Missing, a Life is Strange-esque role-playing mystery where everyone acts out a search for a missing friend using only their phones (or other texting device). My group played it over Discord one night, and absolutely loved it.
Some really nice die
You’ve spent all of Baldur’s Gate 3 rolling virtual simulacra of die. Heck, you might even be considering playing some tabletop yourself, now. Or maybe you, or your BG3-loving friend, have always enjoyed a good D&D session. Die are a great gift.
Why? Well, they’re gorgeous, luxurious, and simple. They’re something a tabletop player will use frequently, and even if they already have some, now they have options. And let me tell you, options are great. Even if you just want them as little trinkets to adorn a desk or shelf, though, die are a neat and pretty little way to add some flair to your home decor.
My recommendation, first and foremost, is simply to seek out your local tabletop game store. They’ll usually have a wealth of die options available, you can see them before you buy them, and you’ll back a local business. Wins all around! But if you need to handle it online for whatever reason, stores like Die Hard Dice have some nice options, ranging from basic to decorative.
A special shoutout to Molly’s Grotto though, which has an absolutely gorgeous set of mind-flayer die themed after Baldur’s Gate 3. These might set you back a bit more than usual, but they look fantastic.
Companion approval stickers
Need something a bit more simple? Maybe a nice little reminder of your favorite Baldur’s Gate 3 companion, and how they approve of all you do in life? I recently found this Etsy shop listing from “sheepypu” which has special stickers, declaring such approval.
Ready to adorn any mirror and validate all selfies, this is an easy way to give yourself a little pep in the morning. Struggling to get out of bed? Trying to find the right angle on that mirror pic? Just remember, Halsin approves. Halsin always approves.
Themed candles
When you settle in after a long day of work for a nice, relaxing session of Baldur’s Gate 3, you want to set the mood right. And what could help more than some scented candles? The themed candle market has swept into video game territory, and honestly, it’s a good fit for a game like Baldur’s Gate 3.
Planeshift Candles has a nice selection of character-themed candles, ranging from Karlach, Shadowheart, and Astarion to… uh… The Emperor. Which smells of “crushed garlic, slathered on garlic bread, with a smooth creamy layer of vanilla frosting layered on top.” Planeshift does warn that it will make your home smell of garlic for some time. Probably best not to mix that with the Astarion candle.
Some nice art
I know I mentioned fan art above, but seriously, it’s an underrated way to appreciate a game, while also supporting community members who make great work around the game. I’ve got several different prints and posters from fan artists on my walls, and they’re great. They’re usually less excessive in their branding than first-party products, too. (Though I will say, Larian’s store has some nice stuff in it. Needs some more BG3 items, though.)
Etsy is normally a good place to search, though I’d encourage you to check other avenues too. I like to try and buy from the artists’ preferred store fronts whenever possible, and Inprnt has been a go-to. It’s where I found the excellent tarot card versions of the BG3 companions made by Lilit Beglarian in print form, and it’s where I’ve had a tab opening, hovering on Ugo’s stunning Shadowheart concept.
There are always games, too
Okay, I get it. Let’s get to the games. If you want to pick up some other RPGs for your BG3 fan to explore, or maybe you’re interested in the breadth of the CRPG genre after loving Baldur’s Gate 3, let’s run down some options.
The first two Baldur’s Gate games seem like obvious picks, though they’ll have a bit of an adjustment period; Larian’s Divinity: Original Sin series is going to feel more mechanically similar. Dragon Age: Origins is a classic of the genre too, and if you want to dive deeper into D&D-themed games, there are classics like Planescape: Torment, Neverwinter Nights, and Icewind Dale.
For a real outside pick, though, see if they’ve tried out Disco Elysium yet. While it’s still a CRPG, it’s got a very different vibe, following an absolute tire-fire of a fail cop and his more capable partner as they investigate a suspected murder. While the themes and setting will feel different, the isometric exploration, narrative lean, and even the more tabletop-like mechanics (including die rolls) will feel right at home.
Published: Dec 14, 2023 04:48 pm