Baldur Gate 3 vs Assassin Creed Valhalla

• Perspective: Third-Person (Isometric-style camera, with cinematic dialogue camera)
• Multiplayer: Online Cooperative (Up to 4 players), Local Split-Screen Co-op (PS5/XSX - 2 players)
• Setting: Forgotten Realms (Faerûn - Sword Coast, Underdark, Baldur's Gate, Avernus briefly)
• Platforms: PC (Windows, macOS), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Unique Feature: Faithful D&D 5e Adaptation, Deep Player Choice & Consequence, Playable Origin Characters & Custom Character, Extensive Companion System with Relationships/Romance, Turn-Based Tactical Combat.

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: None (Primarily Single-Player with minor online social features)
• Setting: Viking Age (873 CE) - Norway & Anglo-Saxon England (Mercia, East Anglia, Wessex, Northumbria), Mythical Realms (Asgard, Jotunheim), Ireland (DLC), Francia (DLC)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia (discontinued), Amazon Luna
• Unique Feature: Viking Raids & Settlement Building, Dual-Wielding Combat System, Extensive Skill Tree & Abilities, Exploration of Norse & Anglo-Saxon History/Mythology, Playable Male/Female Eivor with Shared Progression.

• Astarion: Rogue class. Excels at stealth, lockpicking, disarming traps, and dealing high single-target damage with sneak attacks. Can bite humanoids to gain a temporary buff. His story involves confronting his vampire master.
  High Elf (Vampire Spawn)
• Gale: Wizard class. A powerful arcane spellcaster with access to a wide variety of damaging, utility, and control spells. Must periodically consume magical items to stabilize a Netherese Orb in his chest.
  Human
• Lae'zel: Fighter class. A skilled martial combatant, proficient with various weapons and armor. Githyanki psionics grant her abilities like Mage Hand and Jump. Her story revolves around her loyalty to Vlaakith and finding a Githyanki crèche.
  Githyanki
• Shadowheart: Cleric class (Trickery Domain initially, can change). A versatile support character with healing spells, buffs, debuffs, and offensive divine magic. Carries a mysterious artifact. Her story involves her devotion to Shar and uncovering lost memories.
  Half-Elf
• Wyll: Warlock class (Pact of the Fiend). A folk hero known as 'The Blade of Frontiers.' Uses Eldritch Blast and other warlock spells, and is proficient with rapiers. His pact with the cambion Mizora is a central part of his story.
  Human
• Karlach: Barbarian class. A fierce melee combatant who rages for increased damage and resistance. Her infernal engine heart deals fire damage and is tied to her personal quest. Escaped from Avernus.
  Tiefling (Zariel Tiefling)
• Halsin (Recruitable after Act 1): Druid class (Circle of the Moon). Archdruid of the Emerald Grove. Can Wild Shape into various powerful animal forms (bear, wolf, owlbear, etc.) for combat and utility, and casts nature-based spells.
  Wood Elf
• Minthara (Recruitable, conditional on evil playthrough in Act 1): Paladin class. A ruthless Drow commander and follower of The Absolute. If recruited, she is a powerful martial combatant with divine spells and abilities.
  Drow (Lolth-Sworn)
• Jaheira (Recruitable in Act 2): Druid/Fighter multiclass potential (from previous games). A veteran Harper leader. Uses druidic spells, Wild Shape, and martial prowess. Provides wisdom and experience.
  Half-Elf
• Minsc & Boo (Recruitable in Act 3): Ranger class. The iconic hero of Baldur's Gate, known for his strength, simple wisdom, and devotion to his hamster, Boo (who he believes is a miniature giant space hamster and offers guidance). A strong melee fighter.
  Human & Miniature Giant Space Hamster
• Hirelings (Withers' Service): Generic, non-story party members that can be hired from Withers at camp if the player needs to fill out their party or wants specific class compositions. They have no personal quests or unique dialogue.
  Various Races & Classes
• Summoned Creatures/Familiars/Elementals/Undead (Player & NPC Abilities): Many classes can summon temporary allies like familiars (Find Familiar spell), elementals (Conjure Elemental), undead minions (Animate Dead), spiritual weapons, or other magical creatures to aid in combat.
  Various Magical Constructs & Beings

• Synin (Eivor's Raven): Eivor's raven companion, used for scouting from an aerial perspective (similar to Eagle Vision in previous AC games). Synin can spot enemies, identify points of interest, locate resources, track targets, and sometimes distract enemies. Not directly involved in combat but essential for reconnaissance.
  Corvus corax (Raven)
• Viking Crew (Jomsvikings for Raids & River Raids): Eivor leads a crew of Viking warriors (Jomsvikings) on their longship. During Raids on monasteries or settlements, the crew disembarks and fights alongside Eivor, helping to defeat enemies and open chests/doors. Players can customize their personal Jomsviking lieutenant, who can also be recruited by other players. For River Raids, a larger crew is assembled.
  Human (Norse Warriors)
• Story-Specific AI Companions (Sigurd, Basim, Ivarr, Ubba, etc.): During many main story quests and alliance arcs, key characters like Sigurd, Basim, or regional allies will temporarily join Eivor, fighting alongside them as AI-controlled companions. Their presence and combat abilities are scripted for those specific missions.
  Human (Various)
• Wolf Mount (Can be acquired): Besides horses, Eivor can acquire a wolf as a rideable mount through specific means (e.g., special editions, in-game store, or specific quests in DLCs like Dawn of Ragnarök). Functions similarly to a horse for traversal.
  Canis lupus (Large Wolf)

• Magical Items (Weapons, Armor, Amulets, Rings, Cloaks, Boots, Gloves, Helmets): Found in chests, dropped by powerful enemies, sold by merchants, or received as quest rewards throughout Faerûn. Categorized by rarity (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Very Rare, Legendary). Provide stat bonuses, unique abilities, and are crucial for character power and build customization.
• Illithid Tadpole Specimens: Additional Mind Flayer tadpoles found on specific infected individuals or in certain locations. The player character (and companions) can choose to consume these to unlock powerful psionic Illithid Powers via a unique skill tree, but this may have narrative and character consequences.
• Books, Scrolls, Letters, Notes, Journals (Lore & Quest Items): Extensively scattered throughout the world in libraries, ruins, on corpses, in containers, etc. Provide rich lore about the Forgotten Realms, character backstories, hints for quests, solutions to puzzles, or contain spell scrolls that can be learned by wizards or cast once by any character.
• Gold, Gems, Valuables: Currency (Gold Pieces) and valuable items (gems, jewelry, artwork) found in containers, on enemies, or as quest rewards. Used for purchasing items, services (like respecs from Withers), or bribing NPCs.
• Crafting Materials (Herbs, Ores, Monster Parts, Essences - for Alchemy & Smithing): Gathered from the environment, looted from enemies, or purchased. Used for crafting potions, elixirs, oils, coatings, grenades, and potentially for upgrading some gear (though direct weapon/armor upgrades use Smithing Stones in Elden Ring, BG3 uses a different system for magical item acquisition/enhancement, alchemy is primary crafting).
• Supply Packs & Camp Supplies: Found in containers or purchased. Used to initiate a Long Rest at camp, which fully heals the party, restores spell slots and abilities, and often triggers important companion conversations and story developments.
• Soul Coins: Mysterious coins found in various locations, often tied to devils or Avernus. Can be used by Karlach to fuel her infernal engine or have other, less obvious uses.
• Infernal Iron: Rare metal found in specific locations, often guarded or in dangerous areas. Used by Dammon the Tiefling blacksmith for Karlach's personal quest to repair her infernal engine and for crafting specific infernal gear.
• Story-Specific Key Items (e.g., Moonlantern, Githyanki Discs, Quest Artifacts): Unique items required to progress specific main story quests or major side quests. Often involve solving puzzles or defeating bosses to obtain.

• Wealth (Ingots, Gear, Cargo, Books of Knowledge, Abilities): Marked by golden icons on the map. Ingots (Carbon, Nickel, Tungsten) are used for upgrading gear quality. Gear icons represent new weapons or armor pieces. Cargo is raw materials used for building and upgrading settlement buildings in Ravensthorpe. Books of Knowledge unlock or upgrade Eivor's special combat Abilities.
• Mysteries (World Events, Flyting Duels, Offering Altars, Standing Stone Puzzles, Treasures of Britain, Legendary Animals, Lost Drengr, Daughters of Lerion, Fly Agaric Hallucination Challenges, Animus Anomalies): Marked by blue icons. These encompass a wide variety of side activities: World Events are short, often quirky, narrative encounters. Flyting is a Viking rap battle. Offering Altars require specific items. Standing Stones are environmental perspective puzzles. Treasures of Britain lead to powerful Isu artifacts. Legendary Animals are tough boss fights. Lost Drengr are duels against old Viking warriors. Daughters of Lerion are mystical boss fights. Fly Agaric challenges are hallucinatory puzzles. Animus Anomalies are platforming puzzles in a glitchy modern-day simulation.
• Artifacts (Roman Artifacts, Cursed Symbols, Flying Papers, Rigsogur Fragments, Treasure Hoard Maps, Isu Data Fragments - in Anomalies): Marked by white icons. Roman Artifacts can be traded for settlement decorations. Cursed Symbols are small environmental puzzles that must be destroyed to lift a curse from an area. Flying Papers are parkour challenges to catch a moving collectible. Rigsogur Fragments tell parts of a Norse saga. Treasure Hoard Maps provide clues to hidden wealth.
• Opal: A premium-like currency found in small quantities throughout the world or earned from Reda's daily/weekly contracts. Used to purchase unique cosmetic items or gear from Reda's shop.
• Order of the Ancients Medallions / Clues: Dropped by defeated Order members or found as clues. Collecting medallions and clues helps Eivor identify and track down other members of the Order, ultimately leading to the Grand Maegester.

• Mind Control & Parasitism
• Choice & Consequence
• Good vs. Evil (and shades of grey)
• Found Family & Companionship
• D&D Adventure
• Ancient Evil
• Political Intrigue
• Moral Dilemmas
• The Nature of Power
• Freedom vs. Domination
• Faerûnian Lore

• Viking Expansion & Raiding
• Settlement Building & Community
• Norse Mythology & Paganism vs. Christianity
• The Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms
• Fate & Destiny (Wyrd)
• Honor & Glory
• Political Intrigue
• The Hidden Ones (Assassins) vs. Order of the Ancients (Templars)
• Family & Clan Loyalty

• Melee Weapons (Swords, Axes, Maces, Spears, Daggers, Halberds, Glaives, Warhammers, Clubs, Quarterstaffs, etc.): Various (Simple & Martial, One-Handed & Two-Handed, Finesse, Versatile)
  A vast array of melee weapons based on D&D 5e. Each weapon type has different damage dice (e.g., 1d6, 1d8, 1d10, 1d12, 2d6), properties (Light, Heavy, Finesse, Reach, Two-Handed, Versatile), and damage types (Slashing, Piercing, Bludgeoning). Many magical versions exist with enchantments and special abilities.
• Ranged Weapons (Bows - Shortbow/Longbow, Crossbows - Light/Hand/Heavy, Slings, Javelins, Darts, Throwing Axes/Hammers): Various (Simple & Martial, Ammunition-based)
  Projectile weapons for ranged combat. Require ammunition (arrows, bolts, sling bullets). Bows often scale with Dexterity. Crossbows are generally easier to use but may have slower reload. Many magical versions exist.
• Spellcasting Foci (Staves, Wands, Holy Symbols, Druidic Foci, Musical Instruments - for Bards): Magic Catalyst
  Items required by certain spellcasting classes to cast their spells. Staves and wands are common for Wizards/Sorcerers. Holy Symbols for Clerics/Paladins. Druidic Foci for Druids. Musical Instruments for Bards. Some foci are magical and provide bonuses to spell attack rolls or save DCs.
• Shields: Defensive Gear
  Provide a bonus to Armor Class (AC), making the wielder harder to hit. Can be used in conjunction with one-handed weapons. Magical shields may offer additional resistances or abilities.
• Unarmed Strikes / Natural Weapons (Monk abilities, Druid Wild Shape): Melee (Body as Weapon)
  Attacks made with fists, kicks, or natural weaponry (claws, bites) if the character has such features (e.g., Monks, Druids in Wild Shape, certain races).
• Magical Spells & Cantrips (Vast Array): Arcane & Divine Magic
  Hundreds of spells available to spellcasting classes, categorized by level (Cantrips to Level 6 spells in base game). Spells have diverse effects: direct damage (Fireball, Magic Missile), healing (Cure Wounds, Healing Word), crowd control (Hold Person, Web), buffs (Haste, Bless), debuffs (Bane, Slow), utility (Detect Thoughts, Knock, Fly), and summons (Conjure Elemental, Animate Dead).
• Potions, Oils, Coatings, Elixirs, Grenades/Bombs (Alchemical & Magical): Consumable / Throwable
  Craftable or found consumable items. Potions for healing or temporary buffs (Potion of Speed, Elixir of Giant Strength). Oils/Coatings to apply elemental damage or effects to weapons. Grenades/Bombs for area-of-effect damage or utility (e.g., Alchemist's Fire, Smokepowder Bomb).
• Scrolls (Spell Scrolls): Consumable (Single-Use Spell)
  Allow any character to cast the spell contained within the scroll once, regardless of their class, provided they can read it (usually not an issue). Useful for accessing spells outside a character's known list.

• Axes (Bearded Axe, Dane Axe, Varin's Axe): One-Handed / Two-Handed Melee
  Iconic Viking weaponry. Bearded Axes are typically one-handed and fast. Dane Axes are powerful two-handed weapons with wide swings. Eivor can dual-wield axes or combine them with shields or other one-handed weapons.
• Swords (Short Sword, Greatsword): One-Handed / Two-Handed Melee
  Includes faster one-handed short swords and slower, more powerful two-handed greatswords. Offers a balance of speed and damage.
• Hammers & Flails: One-Handed / Two-Handed Melee (Blunt/Impact)
  Hammers (one or two-handed) deal significant stun and blunt damage, effective against armored foes. Flails are flexible weapons that can bypass shields to some extent.
• Spears: Two-Handed Melee (Reach)
  Long-reaching weapons ideal for keeping enemies at bay and performing thrusting or sweeping attacks. Good for crowd control.
• Daggers: One-Handed Melee (Fast, Stealth)
  Very fast attacking weapons, excellent for quick combos, applying status effects, or stealth takedowns. Can be dual-wielded for rapid attacks.
• Shields (Light Shield, Heavy Shield): Defensive / Offensive (Off-Hand)
  Used for blocking, parrying, and shield bashing. Light shields are quicker for parrying, while heavy shields offer better protection and can stagger enemies more easily. Can be equipped in the off-hand when dual-wielding or with a one-handed weapon.
• Bows (Hunter Bow, Light Bow, Predator Bow): Ranged
  Hunter Bows are versatile for mid-range. Light Bows offer rapid fire at shorter ranges. Predator Bows are for long-range sniping, allowing manual aiming and zoom. Various arrow types available (standard, fire, poison, explosive).
• Mythical Weapons (e.g., Gungnir, Mjolnir, Excalibur, Gae Bolg - DLC): Unique Legendary (Various Types)
  Powerful, named weapons often tied to Norse or Arthurian legends, possessing unique perks and visual effects. Typically acquired through completing difficult challenges, mysteries, or DLC content.
• Hidden Blade: Stealth Melee (Assassination)
  The iconic Assassin weapon, worn by Eivor on top of the wrist (Viking style). Used for stealth assassinations. Can be upgraded to perform chain assassinations or advanced assassinations on tougher targets.

• Clothing (No Armor Proficiency Required): Basic attire like robes, shirts, trousers. Provides no or minimal Armor Class (AC). Worn by spellcasters like Wizards and Sorcerers who typically rely on spells like Mage Armor or defensive abilities.
• Light Armor (Padded, Leather, Studded Leather): Offers a base AC plus the wearer's Dexterity modifier. Does not impose disadvantage on Stealth checks. Suitable for classes like Rogues, Rangers, Bards, and some spellcasters with proficiency.
• Medium Armor (Hide, Chain Shirt, Scale Mail, Breastplate, Half Plate): Offers a higher base AC than light armor. Dexterity modifier added to AC is often capped (usually at +2). May impose disadvantage on Stealth checks for heavier types (Scale Mail, Half Plate). Used by classes like Clerics, Druids, Rangers, Fighters, Paladins.
• Heavy Armor (Ring Mail, Chain Mail, Splint, Plate): Provides the highest base AC but does not allow adding Dexterity modifier to AC (unless a specific Feat is taken). Imposes disadvantage on Stealth checks and may have a Strength requirement to wear without movement penalty. Primarily for Fighters and Paladins.
• Shields: Equipped in one hand, provides a +2 bonus to Armor Class (AC). Can be used with one-handed weapons. Magical shields can offer additional properties or resistances.
• Magical Armor & Clothing: Numerous magical variants of all armor and clothing types exist. These can provide bonuses to AC, saving throws, ability scores, resistances to damage types (fire, cold, etc.), grant spell-like abilities, or other unique passive effects. Color-coded by rarity (Uncommon - Green, Rare - Blue, Very Rare - Purple, Legendary - Orange).
• Helmets, Gauntlets, Boots (Often part of a set or individual magical items): While D&D 5e simplifies armor to a single AC value from the main body piece (+ shield), Baldur's Gate 3 includes distinct slots for Head, Hands, and Feet. These slots are primarily for magical items that provide various perks, stat boosts, or special abilities, rather than directly contributing separate AC values like in some other RPGs (though some might grant +1 AC or similar as a magical property).

• Armor Sets (Helm, Torso, Cloak, Bracers, Pants - Raven, Bear, Wolf Aligned): Eivor can equip five pieces of armor. Each piece provides defensive stats (Armor, Light Resistance, Heavy Resistance, Evasion) and belongs to one of three alignments: Raven (stealth/assassination focus), Bear (melee combat/durability focus), or Wolf (ranged combat/utility focus). Equipping multiple pieces from the same set often grants set bonuses that enhance the aligned playstyle. Armor is color-coded by quality (Fine to Mythical) and can be upgraded to improve stats and unlock rune slots.
• Runes (Weapon & Armor): Enhancements that can be socketed into weapons and armor pieces with available slots. Provide various passive bonuses like increased critical chance, attack speed, elemental damage, health, armor, or resistance to specific damage types.
• Cosmetic Customization (Tattoos, Hairstyles, Beard Styles, Warpaint, Ship & Settlement Decorations): Extensive cosmetic customization options for Eivor (tattoos, hair, beard, warpaint), their longship (hull, sail, shields, figurehead, tailpiece), and their settlement Ravensthorpe (various decorative items). These are primarily visual and do not offer direct stat bonuses, though some settlement decorations might provide minor passive buffs to feasts.
• Transmogrification (Change Appearance): A system allowing players to change the visual appearance of any equipped weapon or armor piece to look like any other item of the same type that they have previously collected, while retaining the stats of the originally equipped item. This is done at the blacksmith in Ravensthorpe.

• Robes & Simple Clothing: Various types of robes (wizard, sorcerer, monk), commoner's clothes, traveler's outfits, shirts, trousers, and dresses. These are typically worn by spellcasters or characters without armor proficiency and provide little to no Armor Class (AC) on their own, relying on spells like Mage Armor or Dexterity. Many magical variants exist with special properties.
• Light Armor Sets (Padded, Leather, Studded Leather): Armor sets consisting of Helms, Body Armor, Gloves, and Boots made from lighter materials. Provide a base AC plus the wearer's full Dexterity modifier (if proficient). Ideal for stealthy or agile characters like Rogues, Rangers, Bards. Many unique and magical versions are available.
• Medium Armor Sets (Hide, Chain Shirt, Scale Mail, Breastplate, Half Plate): Armor sets offering better protection than light armor. The Dexterity modifier added to AC is usually capped at +2 (or +3 with a feat). Heavier types (Scale Mail, Half Plate) may impose disadvantage on Stealth checks. Worn by Clerics, Druids, Fighters, Paladins, Rangers. Many magical variants exist.
• Heavy Armor Sets (Ring Mail, Chain Mail, Splint, Plate): The most protective armor, providing high base AC. Does not allow adding Dexterity modifier to AC (unless a specific feat is taken). Imposes disadvantage on Stealth checks and often has a Strength requirement to wear without movement penalty. Primarily for Fighters and Paladins. Many powerful magical versions are found.
• Helmets, Gauntlets, Boots (Individual Magical Items): Beyond being part of sets, many unique magical helmets, gauntlets, and boots exist as standalone items. These provide specific perks, stat boosts, resistances, or grant special abilities/spells, rather than directly contributing separate AC values like in some RPGs (their AC contribution is part of the 'Body Armor' slot in D&D 5e, but BG3 uses them for magical effects).
• Cloaks & Capes: Cosmetic and magical back slot items. Provide various appearances and often significant magical properties, such as increased saving throws, resistances, or unique activated abilities.
• Amulets & Rings: Magical jewelry equipped in dedicated slots. Provide a wide array of passive bonuses, stat increases, resistances, or grant access to new spells or abilities. Essential for character builds.
• Camp Clothing: A separate outfit slot for what characters wear while at the party's camp. This allows players to have their characters in more casual or thematic attire during rest periods, without affecting their combat stats. Numerous camp clothing sets can be found or purchased.
• Dyes: Players can find or purchase various dyes to change the color schemes of most armor pieces and clothing, allowing for extensive visual personalization.

• Armor Sets (Raven, Bear, Wolf Aligned): Eivor can equip five pieces of armor: Helmet, Torso, Cloak, Bracers, and Pants. Each piece is aligned with one of three skill tree philosophies: Raven (stealth, assassination), Bear (melee combat, brawling), or Wolf (archery, utility). Equipping multiple pieces from the same set (e.g., Hidden Ones' Set, Thegn's Set, Huntsman Set) provides synergistic set bonuses. Armor can be upgraded in quality (Fine to Mythical) and enhanced with runes.
• Cosmetic Customization (Tattoos, Hairstyles, Beard Styles, Warpaint): Eivor's appearance can be heavily customized. Tattoo designs can be collected and applied at the tattoo shop in Ravensthorpe. Various hairstyles and beard styles (which can be changed and grow) are available. Warpaint can also be applied.
• Transmogrification (Change Appearance): Players can change the visual appearance of any equipped armor piece or weapon to look like any other item of the same type they have collected, while retaining the stats of the originally equipped item. This is done via the blacksmith Gunnar in Ravensthorpe.
• Longship Customization: Eivor's longship, the 'Nottfeigr' (or player-named), can be customized with different hull paints, sail designs, shields displayed along the sides, figureheads, and tailpieces. These are primarily cosmetic and unlocked through purchase, exploration, or as rewards.
• Raven Customization (Synin): Eivor's raven companion, Synin, can have its appearance changed with different cosmetic skins unlocked through challenges or store purchases.
• Settlement Decorations (Ravensthorpe): Players can find or purchase various decorative items to place around their settlement of Ravensthorpe, personalizing its appearance. Some specific decorations are tied to seasonal festivals or completing certain activities.

The game features a vast open world encompassing large swathes of England (Mercia, East Anglia, Wessex, Northumbria, etc.) and parts of Norway. Additionally, players can visit mythical realms like Asgard and Jotunheim through vision quests. DLCs added Ireland ('Wrath of the Druids') and Francia ('The Siege of Paris'). The total landmass is significant, with diverse biomes including rolling hills, dense forests, marshlands, snowy mountains, and fortified cities like Lunden (London), Jorvik (York), and Wincestre (Winchester). Map size estimations for England alone are often cited as over 120-140 sq km, with other regions adding substantial area.

• Traversal on Foot (Walking, Running, Jumping, Climbing, Flying - with spells/items): Player Locomotion
  Primary mode of movement. Characters can walk, run (Dash action for extra movement in combat), jump (distance based on Strength), climb ladders and some surfaces, and swim. Spells like Fly, Misty Step, or items like Potions of Flying grant temporary flight or teleportation capabilities.
• Fast Travel (Waypoint Sigils): Map Traversal Mechanic
  Ancient sigils found throughout the world. Once a Waypoint Sigil is discovered and activated, the party can instantly travel to it from any other activated Waypoint or from the world map, greatly reducing travel time across large distances. Cannot be used in combat or certain restricted areas.
• Boats (Contextual / Scripted): Minor Watercraft
  In certain specific locations (e.g., traveling to Grymforge in the Underdark, crossing some rivers), the party may use a boat or skiff. These are generally part of a scripted travel sequence or a fixed interaction point rather than freely controllable vehicles for open water exploration.
• Nautiloid (Prologue - Mind Flayer Spelljammer): Alien Spacecraft (Scripted Sequence)
  The game begins aboard a Nautiloid, a Mind Flayer ship that travels between planes. Player control is limited to navigating its interior during the prologue sequence as it crashes.
• Animal Forms (Druid Wild Shape - Bear, Wolf, Spider, Owlbear, etc.): Magical Transformation / Alternate Locomotion
  Druids can use their Wild Shape ability to transform into various animals. While primarily for combat, some forms offer unique traversal benefits (e.g., a bird form for limited flight, a spider for climbing specific surfaces, smaller forms for fitting through gaps).

• Longship ('Nottfeigr' / Player Named): Primary Watercraft / Mobile Base for Raids
  Eivor's Viking longship, used for navigating rivers and seas in England and Norway. Essential for initiating Raids on monasteries and settlements. Can be customized with different hull paints, sails, shields, figureheads, and tailpieces. The crew can sing sea shanties during travel.
• Horse Mounts (Various Breeds/Skins): Primary Land Traversal
  Eivor's primary means of land travel. Various horse breeds and cosmetic skins can be acquired from stables in Ravensthorpe or other settlements. Horses can be taught new skills (like swimming) by upgrading the stable. Can be called with a whistle.
• Wolf Mount (Unlockable/Store): Alternate Land Traversal
  A large wolf that Eivor can use as a mount. Functions similarly to a horse but with a different aesthetic. Often available through special editions, in-game store, or specific DLC content (like in Dawn of Ragnarök).
• Small Boats / Rowboats: Minor Watercraft
  Smaller boats found along rivers and coasts, useful for short-distance water travel or reaching areas inaccessible by longship.
• Fast Travel (Synchronization Points & Docks): Map Traversal Mechanic
  Eivor can synchronize high points (typically church towers or ancient ruins) to reveal map details and unlock them as fast travel locations. Docks for the longship also serve as fast travel points.

• Player Character (Customizable 'Tav' or Origin Character): Protagonist / Tadpole Infected
  The main playable character. Can be a fully customized character ('Tav') of various races and classes, or one of six pre-set Origin Characters (Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach) each with their own unique backstory, personal quests, and dialogue. An additional seventh Origin, 'The Dark Urge,' offers a customizable character with a sinister, amnesiac past.
• Astarion Ancunín: Companion / Origin Character / High Elf Rogue (Vampire Spawn)
  A charismatic and flamboyant vampire spawn magistrate who was enslaved by a cruel master for centuries. He revels in his newfound freedom but struggles with his vampiric nature and past trauma. Offers high burst damage and utility skills.
• Gale of Waterdeep: Companion / Origin Character / Human Wizard
  A brilliant and ambitious human wizard with a Netherese Destruction Orb in his chest that threatens to detonate. He seeks a way to control or remove it, and has a past relationship with the goddess of magic, Mystra. A powerful arcane spellcaster.
• Lae'zel: Companion / Origin Character / Githyanki Fighter
  A fierce and pragmatic Githyanki warrior, utterly devoted to her people's queen, Vlaakith, and the destruction of Mind Flayers. She is initially hostile and demanding but can develop into a loyal ally. A strong melee combatant.
• Shadowheart (Jenevelle Hallowleaf): Companion / Origin Character / Half-Elf Cleric of Shar
  A devout cleric of Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, on a secret mission. She suffers from amnesia related to her faith and carries a mysterious Githyanki artifact. Her quest involves uncovering her past and confronting her religious indoctrination. A versatile healer and support spellcaster.
• Wyll Ravengard: Companion / Origin Character / Human Warlock (The Blade of Frontiers)
  A noble hero known as 'The Blade of Frontiers,' who made a pact with a cambion, Mizora, to gain power to protect the innocent. He struggles with the terms of his pact and his desire to do good. A charismatic spellcaster and swordsman.
• Karlach Cliffgate: Companion / Origin Character / Tiefling Barbarian
  A Tiefling barbarian who escaped servitude in Avernus, one of the Nine Hells. She has an infernal engine in her chest that is overheating and will eventually kill her. She is fiercely loyal, boisterous, and seeks to live life to the fullest. A powerful melee damage dealer.
• Halsin: Companion (Recruitable) / Wood Elf Druid (Archdruid)
  The Archdruid of the Emerald Grove, captured by goblins early in the game. Once rescued, he can join the party, offering powerful druidic magic, Wild Shape abilities, and a deep connection to nature.
• Minthara: Companion (Recruitable - conditional) / Drow Paladin (Lolth-Sworn)
  A Drow commander and follower of The Absolute, initially encountered as an antagonist at the Goblin Camp. Through specific (often evil-aligned) player choices, she can be spared and later recruited as a companion. A powerful paladin with a unique perspective.
• Minsc & Boo: Companion (Recruitable - Act 3) / Human Ranger & Miniature Giant Space Hamster
  The iconic, lovable, and somewhat unhinged ranger from previous Baldur's Gate games, along with his miniature giant space hamster companion, Boo. Can be recruited in Act 3. Known for his straightforward approach and devotion to Boo.
• Jaheira: Companion (Recruitable - Act 2) / Half-Elf Druid/Fighter (Harper Leader)
  Another returning character from the original Baldur's Gate games. A veteran Harper leader, wise and experienced, fighting against the forces of the Absolute. Can join the party in Act 2.
• The Dream Visitor / The Emperor: Key NPC / Guardian Figure
  A mysterious figure who appears to the player character in dreams, offering protection from the Illithid tadpole's influence and guidance. Their true identity and motivations are a major plot point.
• Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, Lord Enver Gortash (The Chosen of the Absolute): Main Antagonists
  The three primary mortal leaders of the Cult of the Absolute, each chosen by one of the Dead Three gods (Myrkul, Bhaal, Bane respectively). They are powerful and serve as major bosses and adversaries throughout the game.
• Raphael: Key NPC / Antagonist Figure / Cambion Devil
  A charismatic and manipulative cambion (half-devil) from the Nine Hells who frequently appears to offer deals and temptations to the player character, often with dangerous strings attached. Has his own agenda and realm (House of Hope).
• Withers: Key NPC / Undead Enigmatic Figure
  An ancient, skeletal being found in a tomb early in the game. He offers services at the player's camp, including resurrecting fallen companions, allowing players to respec their class, and hiring hirelings (generic party members). His true nature is a mystery.

• Eivor Varinsdottir / Varinsson (Wolf-Kissed): Protagonist / Viking Raider / Raven Clan Leader
  The player-customizable protagonist (male or female options, voice acting changes accordingly). A fierce and respected Viking warrior who leads their clan from Norway to England to build a new home. Eivor is also revealed to be a reincarnation of Odin (Havi) and grapples with this divine connection throughout the story.
• Sigurd Styrbjornsson: Ally / Eivor's Adoptive Brother / Jarl of Raven Clan
  Eivor's ambitious and charismatic adoptive older brother, and the Jarl of their clan. He believes himself to be descended from the gods and seeks glory and a divine destiny, which often puts him at odds with Eivor and leads to conflict.
• Basim Ibn Ishaq / Loki: Ally (Initially) / Antagonist / Hidden One Master
  A Master Hidden One from Constantinople who travels to Norway with Sigurd. He mentors Eivor in the ways of the Hidden Ones and their conflict with the Order of the Ancients. His true identity as a reincarnation of the Norse god Loki is a major plot reveal, making him a complex antagonist with his own agenda.
• Layla Hassan (Modern Day Protagonist): Modern Day Protagonist / Assassin
  The modern-day protagonist using the Animus to relive Eivor's memories. Her story arc from previous games continues as she seeks to prevent another global catastrophe, interacting with other modern-day Assassins like Shaun Hastings and Rebecca Crane.
• King Alfred the Great of Wessex: Antagonist / Historical Figure
  The king of Wessex, the last major Saxon kingdom resisting Viking incursions. A pious, intelligent, and cunning ruler who also operates in the shadows as the Grand Maegester of the Order of the Ancients in England.
• Randvi: Ally / Sigurd's Wife / Ravensthorpe's Strategist
  Sigurd's wife and the chief strategist for the Raven Clan in Ravensthorpe. Eivor consults with her at the Alliance Map to pledge to different regions in England. A potential romantic interest for Eivor.
• Valka: Ally / Raven Clan Seer
  The Raven Clan's seer (völva). She provides Eivor with potions that induce visions, allowing them to experience mythological events in Asgard and Jotunheim as Havi (Odin).
• Hytham: Ally / Hidden One Apprentice
  Basim's young apprentice in the Hidden Ones. He tasks Eivor with hunting down and eliminating members of the Order of the Ancients throughout England, managing the Hidden Ones Bureau in Ravensthorpe.
• Ivarr the Boneless & Ubba Ragnarsson: Allies / Historical Viking Leaders
  Sons of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok and leaders of the Great Heathen Army. Eivor forms alliances with them to conquer parts of Mercia.
• Oswald, Ceolwulf, Halfdan Ragnarsson, Soma, Hunwald, Goodwin: Allies / Saxon & Viking Regional Leaders
  Various kings, ealdormen, jarls, and thegns Eivor interacts with and forms alliances with (or deposes) across the different shires of England. Their individual storylines form the regional story arcs.
• Fulke: Antagonist / Order of the Ancients Agent
  A sadistic and fanatical agent of the Order of the Ancients who plays a key role in Sigurd's capture and torment, believing him to be a divine being.
• The Builder (Asgard Vision): Antagonist (Mythological)
  A Jotun (giant) who tricks the Aesir gods in Asgard, encountered during Eivor's vision quests as Havi.

• Main Questline (The Illithid Tadpole & The Absolute)
  A sprawling, multi-act campaign following the player character and their companions as they search for a cure for the Mind Flayer tadpoles implanted in their brains, while simultaneously becoming embroiled in a massive conspiracy involving a new deity known as The Absolute, its chosen leaders (Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, Lord Enver Gortash), and a plot to dominate Faerûn. The quest involves exploring diverse regions, making critical alliances, and confronting powerful entities.
• Companion Quests (Personal Story Arcs)
  Each of the main Origin companions (Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach) and other key recruitable companions (Halsin, Minthara, Jaheira, Minsc) has an extensive personal questline that delves into their backstory, motivations, and personal conflicts. Completing these quests deepens the relationship with the companion, can lead to romance, and often has significant narrative impact and unique rewards.
• Side Quests (Regional Stories & Miscellaneous Tasks)
  A vast number of optional quests found throughout the game's three acts. These range from helping local villagers with minor problems, investigating local mysteries, resolving faction disputes, exploring optional dungeons, to uncovering hidden lore. Rewards vary from gold and experience to unique magical items and new allies.
• Exploring Legacy Dungeons & Major Locations (e.g., Goblin Camp, Grymforge, Moonrise Towers, Gauntlet of Shar, House of Hope, Counting House, Iron Throne)
  Infiltrate and navigate large, complex, multi-layered dungeon environments or significant urban locations. These areas are often tied to main or major side quests and are filled with enemies, traps, puzzles, secrets, valuable loot, and culminate in boss encounters or critical story developments.
• Solving Environmental Puzzles & Overcoming Traps
  Many areas feature intricate environmental puzzles that require observation, using specific spells or abilities (e.g., Mage Hand, Fly, Gaseous Form), interacting with mechanisms, or solving riddles to progress or access hidden areas. Disarming or avoiding traps is also a constant consideration.
• Interacting with Factions (e.g., Druids of the Emerald Grove, Tiefling Refugees, Goblins, Myconids, Duergar, Harpers, Flaming Fist, The Guild, Cult of the Absolute)
  Engage with various groups and factions throughout the world. Player choices can lead to alliances, conflicts, or changes in faction leadership and influence over certain areas. These interactions often involve unique questlines and moral dilemmas.
• Long Rests & Camp Events
  Utilize camp supplies to take Long Rests, which fully restore health, spell slots, and abilities. Long Rests are also crucial for triggering important companion conversations, romance scenes, story developments related to the Illithid tadpole, and visits from key NPCs like Withers or Raphael.

• Main Story Arcs (Norway, England Pledges, Asgard/Jotunheim Visions, Order of the Ancients Hunt, Modern Day)
  The overarching narrative divided into several major arcs: Eivor's departure from Norway, establishing Ravensthorpe and forging alliances by pledging to various shires in England (each a self-contained regional storyline), experiencing mythological sagas as Havi in Asgard and Jotunheim, systematically hunting down members of the Order of the Ancients, and Layla Hassan's modern-day investigation into Isu mysteries and a looming global threat.
• Raids
  Lead Eivor's Viking crew on longship raids against monasteries, encampments, and fortresses along rivers in England to pillage Raw Materials and Supplies needed for upgrading the Ravensthorpe settlement. Involves combat and breaking open chests/doors with crew assistance.
• Assaults (Large Scale Battles)
  Major story-driven battles where Eivor and their allies (often from pledged regions) lay siege to large enemy fortresses or defend against significant attacks. These involve multiple stages, siege weapons, and fighting alongside numerous AI combatants.
• World Events (Mysteries)
  Short, often quirky, self-contained narrative encounters found throughout the world. These can range from helping a child find their pet, to resolving a dispute between villagers, or participating in a bizarre local custom. They offer XP and a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people.
• Flyting Duels (Mysteries)
  Engage in a battle of wits and rhyming insults with various NPCs. Winning requires choosing the correct responses that match the opponent's rhythm and theme, increasing Eivor's Charisma (which unlocks unique dialogue options).
• Offering Altars (Mysteries)
  Find altars that require a specific offering (e.g., a certain number of fish, animal parts, or silver) to appease local spirits or fulfill a request. Completing these rewards skill points.
• Standing Stone Puzzles (Mysteries)
  Environmental puzzles where Eivor must find the correct vantage point to align symbols carved on standing stones, revealing a larger pattern. Rewards skill points.
• Treasures of Britain (Mysteries)
  Explore dangerous, puzzle-filled Isu (First Civilization) vaults hidden across England to collect mysterious tablets. Collecting all of them unlocks the legendary weapon Excalibur.
• Legendary Animal Hunts (Mysteries)
  Track and defeat exceptionally powerful and unique animals found in specific locations. Rewards include XP, resources, and a trophy for the longhouse in Ravensthorpe.
• Lost Drengr (Mysteries)
  Challenge and defeat six legendary Viking warriors, former members of Ragnar Lothbrok's army, who seek a glorious death in battle. Each is a difficult duel.
• Daughters of Lerion (Mysteries)
  Defeat three powerful and mystical sisters who guard pieces of Thor's armor set. Each is a challenging boss fight with unique magical abilities.
• Fly Agaric Hallucination Challenges (Mysteries)
  Consume Fly Agaric mushrooms to enter a hallucinatory state and solve a short environmental puzzle or complete a bizarre task. Rewards skill points.
• Animus Anomalies (Mysteries)
  Modern-day data fragments manifested as glitched platforming puzzles in the historical simulation. Eivor (controlled by Layla) must navigate these unstable structures to retrieve Isu data. Rewards lore.
• River Raids (Repeatable Game Mode)
  A separate repeatable game mode where Eivor leads their Jomsvikings on raids along various rivers to find new gear, resources, and Books of Knowledge. Features unique river maps and upgradable Jomsviking barracks.
• Tombs of the Fallen (Free DLC)
  Explore hidden Isu tombs filled with environmental puzzles and platforming challenges to uncover powerful artifacts and lore.
• DLC Story Campaigns (Wrath of the Druids, The Siege of Paris, Dawn of Ragnarök)
  Major expansions with their own main questlines, new regions (Ireland, Francia, Svartalfheim), characters, enemies, gear, and abilities.

Features online cooperative multiplayer for up to 4 players. Players can join a host's campaign, either creating a new custom character for that game or taking control of one of the host's unassigned origin companions. The entire story campaign can be played cooperatively. Split-screen local co-op is available on consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X|S) for 2 players.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is primarily a single-player experience. It does not feature traditional cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes. Some online elements exist, such as sharing photos, avenging fallen players (community Jomsvikings), and the River Raids mode which allows recruiting other players' Jomsvikings for your crew.

Available in Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition (included Divinity Bard Song Pack, Paintings from Rivellon, Adventurer's Pouch, Digital Artbook, Digital Character Sheets, Digital Soundtrack). A physical Collector's Edition included a Mind Flayer vs. Drow diorama statue, hardcover artbook, character sheets, cloth map, tadpole keyring, D20 die, Magic: The Gathering booster packs, and all Digital Deluxe content.

Available in Standard, Gold (includes Season Pass), Ultimate (Gold content + Ultimate Pack with Berserker items, settlement pack, runes), and Collector's Edition (Ultimate content + Eivor statue, SteelBook, art prints, soundtrack, certificate). A Ragnarök Edition included the base game and the 'Dawn of Ragnarök' expansion. The Complete Edition bundles the base game and all major expansions.

Larian Studios has released numerous significant free patches post-launch, adding new content (like an extended epilogue), quality-of-life improvements, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. They have stated that they are not currently planning major paid expansions or DLC for Baldur's Gate 3, focusing instead on patches and potentially new projects.

Valhalla received extensive post-launch support. This includes two major paid story expansions: 'Wrath of the Druids' (set in Ireland) and 'The Siege of Paris' (set in Francia). A third large expansion, 'Dawn of Ragnarök,' (mythological focus, playing as Odin/Havi) was also released. Numerous free updates added content like River Raids, Mastery Challenges, Tombs of the Fallen, seasonal festivals (Yule, Ostara, Sigrblot, Oskoreia), New Game+, transmog, and 'The Last Chapter' (a free story epilogue).

• Q: Is Baldur's Gate 3 a direct sequel to Baldur's Gate 1 & 2?
  A: Yes, Baldur's Gate 3 is set over 120 years after the events of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn and is considered a direct sequel in the series. It references past events and features some returning characters like Jaheira and Minsc, but tells a new, largely self-contained story.
• Q: Do I need to play the previous Baldur's Gate games to understand Baldur's Gate 3?
  A: No, it is not strictly necessary. Baldur's Gate 3 is designed to be accessible to newcomers to the series and the Dungeons & Dragons setting. However, familiarity with the previous games or Forgotten Realms lore will enhance appreciation of returning characters, references, and world details.
• Q: Is Baldur's Gate 3 based on Dungeons & Dragons rules?
  A: Yes, Baldur's Gate 3 is a faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) ruleset. Character creation, classes, spells, combat mechanics (actions, bonus actions, reactions, saving throws, advantage/disadvantage), and skill checks are all based on D&D 5e.
• Q: How does multiplayer co-op work?
  A: Up to four players can play the entire campaign together online. Players can join an existing game or start a new one. Each player can control a custom character or an Origin companion. Decisions can be made collaboratively or individually (often with dice rolls for persuasion within the party). Local split-screen co-op for two players is also available on consoles.
• Q: What are Origin Characters?
  A: Origin Characters are pre-made playable characters with unique backstories, personalities, personal quests, and voice acting. Players can choose to play as one of these (e.g., Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach, The Dark Urge) or create a fully custom character. If not chosen as the main character, Origin Characters can be recruited as companions.
• Q: How important are choices in Baldur's Gate 3?
  A: Choices are extremely important and form a core part of the experience. Decisions made in dialogue, quests, and actions have significant and often far-reaching consequences, affecting character relationships (including romances), companion loyalty, quest outcomes, the state of the world, and leading to multiple distinct endings and epilogues.
• Q: Can I respec my character?
  A: Yes, players can change their class, ability scores, and other character choices by speaking to Withers, an enigmatic undead NPC found early in the game who joins the player's camp. This service costs a moderate amount of gold.

• Q: Is Assassin's Creed Valhalla a traditional Assassin's Creed game?
  A: Valhalla blends traditional Assassin's Creed elements (stealth, assassinations with the Hidden Blade, conflict between Hidden Ones/Order of the Ancients, modern-day story) with significant action RPG mechanics (skill trees, gear upgrades, dialogue choices, large open world, settlement building). It leans more into the RPG aspects than earlier titles in the series.
• Q: Can I play as a male or female Eivor?
  A: Yes, players can choose to play as either a male Eivor (Varinsson) or a female Eivor (Varinsdottir). The story and dialogue are largely the same for both, with voice acting being the primary difference. Players can also let the Animus choose, which sometimes switches between them at key moments (canonically, Eivor is female).
• Q: What is Ravensthorpe, and how does settlement building work?
  A: Ravensthorpe is the Viking settlement Eivor establishes in England. Players can upgrade the settlement by constructing various buildings (e.g., blacksmith, barracks, trading post, hunter's hut, seer's hut, museum) using resources gathered from raids. Each building provides new services, quests, characters, or passive benefits for Eivor and their clan.
• Q: Are there choices and consequences in Valhalla?
  A: Yes, Valhalla features numerous dialogue choices and decisions during quests that can impact character relationships, the outcome of regional story arcs, alliances, and even aspects of the main story's ending. Some choices have more significant long-term consequences than others.
• Q: What are the Asgard and Jotunheim sequences?
  A: These are vision quests where Eivor, through Valka's potions, experiences events from Norse mythology as Havi (another name for Odin). These sequences feature unique mythical environments, characters (like Thor, Loki, Freya, Tyr), and storylines that tie into the Isu lore and Eivor's own destiny.
• Q: Does Valhalla have naval combat like previous AC games?
  A: While Eivor has a longship for river and sea travel and for initiating raids, direct ship-to-ship naval combat with cannons and complex maneuvers (like in Black Flag or Odyssey) is not a primary feature. The longship is mainly for transport, raiding party deployment, and navigating waterways. Limited ranged combat from the ship is possible.

Powered by Larian's Divinity 4.0 Engine, Baldur's Gate 3 showcases highly detailed environments, expressive character models with realistic animations (especially facial animations during dialogue), and spectacular spell effects. Features advanced lighting, detailed textures, and diverse biomes from lush forests and underground caverns to bustling cityscapes. The game is renowned for its cinematic presentation and visual fidelity in the CRPG genre.

Powered by AnvilNext 2.0, Valhalla showcases detailed and expansive environments, from the fjords of Norway to the rolling hills and forests of England, and the mythical realms. It features impressive lighting, weather effects, and detailed character models. The game's art style captures the rugged beauty of the Viking Age and the distinct cultures of Norse and Anglo-Saxon societies.

Original score composed by Borislav Slavov, featuring sweeping orchestral themes, atmospheric ambient tracks, character motifs, and memorable songs (like 'Raphael's Final Act'). The music dynamically adapts to gameplay situations (exploration, combat, dialogue). Sound design is rich, with distinct spell effects, creature vocalizations, environmental sounds, and extensive, high-quality voice acting for all characters and narration.

Original score composed by Jesper Kyd, Sarah Schachner, and Einar Selvik (of Wardruna). The music blends epic orchestral themes with authentic Norse folk instrumentation and vocals, creating a powerful and atmospheric soundscape. Features Viking chants, sea shanties sung by Eivor's crew, and ambient tracks reflecting the different regions. Sound design includes visceral combat sounds, distinct weapon effects, and immersive environmental audio.

Features a detailed UI typical of CRPGs. Includes character sheets, inventory management (grid-based, with weight considerations), spellbooks, quest logs, a world map with waypoints and journal entries, and a turn-based combat interface with a hotbar for actions, bonus actions, spells, and items. Dialogue choices are presented clearly. Extensive tooltips provide D&D rule explanations.

Features a customizable HUD with health, adrenaline, stamina, and equipped abilities/tools. A compass with objective markers aids navigation. The world map is extensive with filters for activities and collectibles. Menus for inventory, skills, abilities, quests, and settlement management are accessible. Eagle Vision (Odin's Sight) highlights enemies, loot, and points of interest.

Offers a good range of accessibility options, including extensive subtitle and dialogue text customization (size, background, speaker color), options for colorblind modes, UI scaling, options to adjust camera shake and motion blur, customizable difficulty (Story, Explorer, Balanced, Tactician, Custom), and options for turn-based mode outside of combat for easier exploration for some.

Offers a wide range of accessibility options, including extensive control remapping, subtitle and caption customization (size, background, speaker names), options for QTEs (hold vs. tap), aim assist options, colorblind modes, options to reduce camera motion/screen effects, audio cues for important events, and adjustable text/icon sizes.

• OFFICIAL AND EXTRAPOLATED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Baldur's Gate 3. This information is based on official Minimum/Recommended PC specifications from Larian Studios and includes extrapolated tiers for higher performance targets, adapted to the requested JSON structure. Laptop GPU mentions for RTX 50 series are speculative as of May 2025. An SSD is mandatory for all tiers.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance, heavily dependent on TGP (Total Graphics Power), VRAM, and effective cooling. Baldur's Gate 3 can be demanding, especially in CPU-heavy areas and at higher settings.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop GPU is crucial for achieving target framerates, especially at higher resolutions.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance, as both CPU and GPU can be heavily utilized.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: High sustained CPU power limits are beneficial, particularly for maintaining smooth gameplay in CPU-intensive areas like Act 3.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal performance by reducing latency.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). These are highly recommended for higher resolutions to maintain smooth framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Model Detail, Shadow Quality, Cloud Quality, Fog Quality, Instance Distance (NPC/object density), Anti-Aliasing, and Ambient Occlusion significantly impact performance. CPU performance is critical in dense areas, especially in Act 3. Using DLSS or FSR is advisable for 1440p and 4K.
• Game Name: Baldur Gate 3

• Official PC system requirements from Ubisoft. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially dense settlements or large battles), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a demanding title, especially at higher resolutions or with maxed-out settings due to its large, detailed world.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance during raids and exploration.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A strong CPU is needed for NPC simulation, large-scale battles, and world streaming.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0 (later versions may require mods or specific game updates). DLSS support is not native but might be possible via mods on PC for some users.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: World Details, Clutter, Shadow Quality, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, Screen Space Reflections, Character Texture Quality, and Anti-Aliasing heavily impact performance. The game offers an adaptive quality setting.
• Game Name: Assassin Creed Valhalla

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). These are highly recommended for higher resolutions to maintain smooth framerates.
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Model Detail, Shadow Quality, Cloud Quality, Fog Quality, Instance Distance (NPC/object density), Anti-Aliasing, and Ambient Occlusion significantly impact performance. CPU performance is critical in dense areas, especially in Act 3. Using DLSS or FSR is advisable for 1440p and 4K.

• Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0 (later versions may require mods or specific game updates). DLSS support is not native but might be possible via mods on PC for some users.
• Key Settings Impact: World Details, Clutter, Shadow Quality, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, Screen Space Reflections, Character Texture Quality, and Anti-Aliasing heavily impact performance. The game offers an adaptive quality setting.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop GPU is crucial for achieving target framerates, especially at higher resolutions.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance, as both CPU and GPU can be heavily utilized.
• C P U Power Limits: High sustained CPU power limits are beneficial, particularly for maintaining smooth gameplay in CPU-intensive areas like Act 3.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal performance by reducing latency.

• G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance during raids and exploration.
• C P U Power Limits: A strong CPU is needed for NPC simulation, large-scale battles, and world streaming.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.