Baldur Gate 3 vs Atomfall

• 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: Single-Player Only
• Setting: 1960s Post-Apocalyptic Northern England
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass
• Unique Feature: A unique blend of post-apocalyptic survival set in a realistic 1960s British countryside, infused with elements of classic sci-fi, conspiracy, and unsettling folk horror.

• 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

• 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.

• Classified Documents: Found in hidden government bunkers and abandoned research posts. These heavily redacted documents provide clues about the true nature of the Atomfall project.
• Paranormal Recordings: Audio tapes and film reels containing recordings of the strange, unexplained phenomena occurring within the zone, adding to the game's mystery and horror.

• 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

• Post-Apocalyptic
• Folk Horror
• Cold War Sci-Fi
• Survival
• Conspiracy
• British Countryside
• Alternate History
• Psychological Horror
• Body Horror

• 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.

• Conventional Firearms: Bolt-Action Rifles, Submachine Guns, Pistols
  Period-accurate firearms like the Lee-Enfield rifle and Sten submachine gun. Ammunition is scarce, making every shot count.
• Improvised Melee Weapons: Cricket Bats, Pipes, Spades
  When bullets run out, players must resort to brutal melee combat using scavenged everyday items. These can be upgraded and modified.
• Crafted Traps & Explosives: Bottle Traps, Molotovs, Proximity Mines
  Using scavenged materials, players can craft a variety of traps and throwable items to control the battlefield and deal with groups of enemies.
• Experimental 'Atomfall' Tech: Energy Weapons (Speculative)
  Late-game weapons discovered by investigating the Atomfall project. These are likely to be strange, sci-fi energy-based weapons that contrast with the game's otherwise grounded arsenal.

• 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).

• Scavenged Clothing: There is no traditional armor system. Players can find and equip different outfits from the era, such as tweed jackets, raincoats, and work overalls. These provide minor resistances to environmental hazards like rain or radiation but offer little protection in combat.
• OED Hazmat Suit: A special piece of equipment required to enter highly radioactive zones, such as the immediate area around the Windscale reactor. It provides high radiation resistance but is likely cumbersome and not suitable for combat.

• 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.

• 1960s British Attire: Players can find and wear a variety of authentic clothing from the period, including flat caps, tweed jackets, trench coats, and wellington boots. These are primarily for cosmetic purposes but may have minor stat effects related to weather resistance.
• Folk Horror Cosmetics Pack: A set of cosmetic outfits included in the Deluxe Edition, allowing the player to adopt the eerie, pagan-inspired look of the zone's mysterious cults.

The game features light RPG mechanics. Players can level up and invest points into skills that suit their playstyle, whether it be stealth, combat, or survival. A key part of progression is scavenging for materials to craft and upgrade weapons and equipment at workbenches found throughout the world. Players must also manage resources like ammo and healing items carefully.

Atomfall features a detailed open world representing the Cumbrian quarantine zone. The map includes idyllic countryside, quaint villages with pubs and red telephone boxes, and oppressive, brutalist concrete structures built by the government after the disaster. The world is designed to contrast the mundane with the surreal and horrific.

• 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).

• 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.

• The Survivor: Playable Protagonist
  A customizable character (male or female) who ventures into the Cumbrian quarantine zone five years after the disaster. Their specific reason for being there is a central part of the story.
• Professor Blackwell: Key Narrative Figure
  A scientist whose research logs and personal effects are scattered throughout the zone. He was a lead figure in the Atomfall project, and discovering his story is key to unraveling the conspiracy.
• OED Agents: Antagonists
  Agents of the Orwellian-sounding 'Organisation for Emergency Development'. They are a menacing, well-equipped government faction trying to contain the secrets of the zone at any cost.

• 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 Quests
  A central questline that guides the player through the quarantine zone to uncover the conspiracy behind the Atomfall project and the truth of the Windscale disaster.
• Side Quests (Local Stories)
  Optional quests given by the paranoid inhabitants of the zone's small villages and settlements. These often involve dealing with local problems, investigating strange occurrences, or choosing sides between different survivor factions.
• Environmental Puzzles
  Navigating the world often requires solving puzzles, such as finding ways to bypass security systems in government bunkers or finding the correct ritualistic items to appease one of the local cults.

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.

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.

The game was released with a Standard Edition and a 'Quarantine Zone' Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, a digital artbook and soundtrack, and the 'Folk Horror' cosmetic pack, which adds unique outfits and weapon skins inspired by classic British horror.

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.

• 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: What is Atomfall?
  A: Atomfall is a single-player, open-world survival horror game set in a quarantined zone in 1960s Britain, five years after a real-world nuclear disaster. It blends historical fiction with sci-fi and folk horror.
• Q: Is Atomfall based on a true story?
  A: It is inspired by the real-life 1957 Windscale fire, Britain's worst nuclear accident. The game takes this historical event and creates a fictional, alternate-history narrative around it.
• Q: What other games is it like?
  A: It is described by the developers as being inspired by the 'post-apocalyptic weirdness' of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, the folk horror of films like 'The Wicker Man', and the tense survival of their own Zombie Army series, but with a unique British twist.
• Q: Is Atomfall on Game Pass?
  A: Yes, Atomfall was available on day one on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

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.

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.

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.

The UI is designed to be immersive, with a focus on exploration and survival. It features a minimalist HUD with health and stamina indicators, a compass, and a quest log presented in a period-appropriate style, like a government-issue file or a personal diary.

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.

• 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 AND EXTRAPOLATED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Atomfall. This information is based on official PC specifications released by Rebellion Developments, adapted to the requested JSON structure. As a single-player, survival-action game built on the Asura Engine, the requirements are notable, especially the minimum RAM. Laptop and future-generation GPU listings are extrapolated based on performance benchmarks and technical analyses.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop versions of the listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance, which is highly dependent on the laptop's TGP (Total Graphics Power) and thermal design. For Atomfall, a laptop with a well-powered GPU and effective cooling will be important to maintain a smooth framerate while exploring the detailed and often hostile quarantine zone.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: A sufficient TGP is crucial. A low-power version of a recommended GPU may struggle to consistently deliver smooth performance, especially during intense combat encounters.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The game's blend of exploration and combat can put a sustained load on components. A good cooling system will prevent thermal throttling, ensuring performance remains stable during long play sessions.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A capable CPU with adequate power delivery is needed to handle the game's world and AI systems without creating a bottleneck for the GPU.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: To get the best possible performance and lowest latency—important for the game's first-person combat—a laptop with a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Initial performance analyses indicate the game may not support upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR at launch. Performance is based on native resolution rendering. This makes choosing the right GPU for your target resolution particularly important.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Performance will be most affected by settings such as Shadow Quality, Draw Distance, and Water Quality. The game is noted to be GPU-bound, so adjustments to these graphical settings will be the primary way to improve framerates.
• Game Name: Atomfall

• 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: Initial performance analyses indicate the game may not support upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR at launch. Performance is based on native resolution rendering. This makes choosing the right GPU for your target resolution particularly important.
• Key Settings Impact: Performance will be most affected by settings such as Shadow Quality, Draw Distance, and Water Quality. The game is noted to be GPU-bound, so adjustments to these graphical settings will be the primary way to improve framerates.

• 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: A sufficient TGP is crucial. A low-power version of a recommended GPU may struggle to consistently deliver smooth performance, especially during intense combat encounters.
• Cooling Thermals: The game's blend of exploration and combat can put a sustained load on components. A good cooling system will prevent thermal throttling, ensuring performance remains stable during long play sessions.
• C P U Power Limits: A capable CPU with adequate power delivery is needed to handle the game's world and AI systems without creating a bottleneck for the GPU.
• M U X Switch Optimus: To get the best possible performance and lowest latency—important for the game's first-person combat—a laptop with a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.