How to trade with characters in Baldur’s Gate 3

It’s easy to miss, but you can trade in Baldur’s Gate 3 with more than just the designated vendors. Overlooking this feature may leave rare items or extra healing goodies behind, so check it out before progressing too far. For the unfamiliar, here’s how to trade with characters in Baldur’s Gate 3. 

How to initiate a trade in Baldur’s Gate 3

Whenever you speak to someone, you may have the opportunity to trade and sell items with them. Take Volo here. When he asks you a question, the Trade symbol will pop up on the bottom left. He’s not a vendor designated by the map, but he has a few trinkets to barter for. It’s so small that it’s easy to miss but click on the symbol that has a hand catching coins. The shop menu should pop up.

Some characters carry super helpful items with them. For example, during Act 1, Volo is carrying a Scroll that allows you to speak to the dead. You can buy it from him and trade other items of equal value like weapons and knick-knacks. Other characters may hold items that let you talk to animals.

If your conversations with the NPC are complete, however, BG3 may not let you Trade with them again. The option to make your request can be annoyingly blanked out.

How to make money in BG3

There are a few ways to make money in Baldur’s Gate 3. First, sell all your unnecessary items. Perhaps it’s a weak weapon or armor you’re not using anymore or a stack of plates you’ve stolen from the Emerald Grove. Usually, I’ll pick up books from nearby shelves and then sell them to NPCs as well. Of course, completing side quests could always score some cash, but don’t forget some of these NPCs may offer you a nice item for cheap. Alternatively, score your reward and sell it back to them, not everything is particularly useful.