How to change difficulty in Baldur's Gate 3

A character confronting a dragon in Baldur's Gate 3.
Credit: Larian Studios


A character confronting a dragon in Baldur's Gate 3.
Credit: Larian Studios

Wondering how to change difficulty in Baldur's Gate 3? Let's find out. Every game has its dose of challenge. However, the concept of “challenging” depends on the player, and having the choice to set a preferred difficulty from the beginning of a game will suit any player’s ability. In the case of Baldur’s Gate 3, a difficulty change is a very important decision to consider.

A huge world to discover alongside some very dangerous encounters filled with deadly creatures will oftentimes cause a player to want to make things a little less unforgiving. That is the case with this giant RPG game, Baldur’s Gate 3.

For more on the game, check out our Baldur's Gate 3 race tier list, alongside a look at whether you can be a vampire in the game. On top of that, check out how to leave camp in Baldur's Gate 3.

Some characters facing some foes in Baldur's Gate 3
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Credit: Larian Studios

How to change difficulty in Baldur’s Gate 3

During Early Access, changing your difficulty in Baldur’s Gate 3 was impossible, with only one difficulty mode called “Classic” set as default. However, thanks to recent Community Updates posted by Larian Studios, we know now that once the full version of Baldur’s Gate 3 releases, we will get to choose our preferred difficulty.

It is uncertain whether players will be able to change difficulties mid-game or only at fixed points. In the meantime, here are all the difficulty levels that will be available at Baldur’s Gate 3 official launch:

  • Normal Mode - Potentially the same difficulty level as the one set for Early Access. It is the most balanced option of the bunch. No further details have been provided about the Normal Mode.
  • Story Mode - The easiest difficulty mode, Story Mode provides boosts in many decisive factors for the player to fully focus on story beats and the general narrative of the game. Allies are harder to kill, players have a 20% discount on all trader prices, and your character will start with a +2 proficiency bonus.
  • Hardcore Mode - Its name says it all. Enemies will seize every opportunity they have with their lethality set to brutally destroy you and your party, starting with the weakest links. Not only that, but enemies will receive extra benefits from using their spells, reinforcements, and even items. A very steep way to go, to be honest.

While we wait for the full-release version of Baldur’s Gate 3, be sure to confront your enemies in a very paced and strategic game. If you are stuck in an area, maybe visit it once you have more experience, change the members of your party, or even replace certain abilities or spells.

While we wait for the full-game release of Baldur’s Gate 3 to come, consider checking out the Baldur's Gate 3 quest list along with the best class tier list for Baldur's Gate 3.

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