Navigating the vast world of Baldur’s Gate 3 starts with a pivotal decision: choosing an Origin Character or creating your own Custom Character. In this guide, we’ll explore these choices. We will highlight their unique features to help you make an right decision that best aligns with your gaming style.
Differences Between Origin and Custom Characters
Embarking on the journey that is Baldur’s Gate 3, you are faced with a crucial decision from the get-go: should you forge your path with a Custom Character, or choose one of the game’s Origin Characters?
When you opt for a Custom Character, you hold the chisel and hammer to shape your in-game avatar. You get to decide everything from their Race, Class, and Background to their physical features, like hair color and body type. You have absolute control to create a character that truly reflects your vision.
However, the freedom that comes with a Custom Character does not extend to the storyline. Your narrative, while rich and intricate, will adhere to a standard structure as envisioned by the game’s creators.
On the other hand, if you choose an Origin Character, your journey diverges from the norm. These characters, each with their unique appearance and pre-written story, offer bespoke dialogues and quests you wouldn’t encounter with a Custom Character.
While Origin Characters may seem a bit rigid due to their predefined Race, Class, and Background, there’s an element of flexibility in the game: respeccing. This feature allows you to change your Origin Character’s class at a later point, even though you cannot do this at the character creation stage.
Both Custom and Origin Characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 cater to different styles of play. If the freedom of character design entices you, a Custom Character is your perfect fit. However, if you crave a unique narrative that’s ready to unravel, an Origin Character could be the option that brings spice to your gameplay. Make sure that you check out our Baldur’s Gate 3 Class Tier List where you will find a class tier list and description of each class.
What To Pick
Choosing between an Origin and Custom Character is essentially a matter of personal preference.
The game offers seven distinctive Origin Characters – Astarion, Gale, Lae’Zel, Karlach, Shadowheart, The Dark Urge, and Wyll. Each of these characters carries with them a unique backstory that introduces specific quests, dialogues, and character traits. These individual narratives and abilities contribute to the game’s grand plot and can steer your journey in different directions.
However, if you are new to Baldur’s Gate 3 or RPGs in general, creating a Custom Character can be an attractive option. With a Custom Character, you can craft an avatar that caters to your understanding and playstyle. You get to choose your abilities, class, skills, and race, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable first adventure.
But what if the array of customization options seem a bit overwhelming? That’s where the Origin Characters come in handy. These predefined characters allow you to leap straight into the action without getting bogged down in the nuances of customization. You get to explore a more immersive and guided narrative experience, rich with backstory and unique quests.
That being said, don’t be quick to dismiss the appeal of Custom Characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 if you’re an experienced RPG player. With a Custom Character, you can interact with NPCs and experience the plot from a neutral perspective, fostering a stronger connection to the story
For your first playthrough, the game creators recommend trying a Custom Character. This will give you a good taste of the world, lore, and mechanics, while providing ample freedom to adapt your character to your liking.
If you’re wondering about the Origin Characters, don’t fret! Even if you choose a Custom Character, you can still recruit Origin Characters as companions during your adventure, which means you won’t miss out on their unique narratives.