2023 was truly the year of bothDungeons & Dragonsand, to a more specific point,Baldur’s Gate 3. The new RPG from Larian Studios had a thunderous launch out of Early Access in August, and has since taken the world by storm, even securing the Game of the Year trophy at The Game Awards 2023.
With all that acclaim and widespread popularity, you are likely to have aBaldur’s Gate 3fan in your life. Maybe you, yourself, are one. And it’s that time of year where we celebrate, gather together, and exchange gifts. It’s festive and terrifying.
Don’t fret too much, though. I’ve been scouring the internet for my ownBG3indulgences to shove underneath the tree, and have surfaced with a few I’m willing to share here. (For everything else, consult your local fic author and/or commissioned artist.) I’ve got a few gifts, ranging from the expected to the unique, and ones I hope would happily light the eyes of anyBaldur’s Gate 3diehard this December.
Also, I’m a big fan of giving gifts thataren’tgames. So while I’ll make a few game recommendations, these will also be gifts that are a bit more tangible and easily folded into everyday use. Enjoy!
Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus
This is one that some might not think to jump to, but hear me out: buy them aDungeons & Dragonsbook. Specifically, this book,Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus. It’s an adventure that ties directly into the events ofBaldur’s Gate 3, specifically around Avernus and the archdevil Zariel.
While it’s intended for play, I can speak from experience and say that several tabletop modules are fun to read, all by themselves. Especially if yourBG3fan wants to delve into the lore surrounding the tieflings, the city of Baldur’s Gate, and the Blood War, this is worth cracking open.
Or, other tabletop alternatives
Now, whileDescent Into Avernusmight be nice for the lore, someBG3folks might be understandably frustrated by therecent layoffs at Hasbro, and not want to send cash their way this holiday season. That’s completely valid! If so, there are a couple other tabletop ideas you could investigate.
First off, you could always look intoPathfinder, a well-known alternative toD&D. Or you could explore some popular alternative systems that play a little differently than the usual D20 system, likeBlades in the Darkor the recently releasedCandela Obscura.
For my money, if yourBG3fan is looking to dip a toe in the waters of tabletop role-playing and needs something they can get everybody on board with, you could do a whole lot worse thanAlice is Missing, aLife is Strange-esque role-playing mystery where everyone acts out a search for a missing friend using only their phones (or other texting device). My group played it over Discord one night, and absolutely loved it.
Some really nice die
You’ve spent all ofBaldur’s Gate 3rolling virtual simulacra of die. Heck, you might even be considering playing some tabletop yourself, now. Or maybe you, or yourBG3-loving friend, have always enjoyed a goodD&Dsession. Die are a great gift.
Why? Well, they’re gorgeous, luxurious, and simple. They’re something a tabletop player will use frequently, and even if they already have some, now they haveoptions. And let me tell you, options are great. Even if you just want them as little trinkets to adorn a desk or shelf, though, die are a neat and pretty little way to add some flair to your home decor.
My recommendation, first and foremost, is simply toseek out your local tabletop game store. They’ll usually have a wealth of die options available, you can see them before you buy them, and you’ll back a local business. Wins all around! But if you need to handle it online for whatever reason, stores likeDie Hard Dicehave some nice options, ranging from basic to decorative.
A special shoutout toMolly’s Grottothough, which has an absolutely gorgeous set of mind-flayer die themed afterBaldur’s Gate 3. These might set you back a bit more than usual, but they look fantastic.
Companion approval stickers
Need something a bit more simple? Maybe a nice little reminder of your favoriteBaldur’s Gate 3companion, and how they approve of all you do in life? I recently foundthis Etsy shop listingfrom “sheepypu” which has special stickers, declaring such approval.
Ready to adorn any mirror and validate all selfies, this is an easy way to give yourself a little pep in the morning. Struggling to get out of bed? Trying to find the right angle on that mirror pic? Just remember, Halsin approves. Halsin always approves.
Themed candles
When you settle in after a long day of work for a nice, relaxing session ofBaldur’s Gate 3, you want to set the mood right. And what could help more than some scented candles? The themed candle market has swept into video game territory, and honestly, it’s a good fit for a game likeBaldur’s Gate 3.
Planeshift Candleshas a nice selection of character-themed candles, ranging from Karlach, Shadowheart, and Astarion to… uh… The Emperor. Which smells of “crushed garlic, slathered on garlic bread, with a smooth creamy layer of vanilla frosting layered on top.” Planeshift does warn that it will make your home smell of garlic for some time. Probably best not to mix that with the Astarion candle.
Some nice art
I know I mentioned fan art above, but seriously, it’s an underrated way to appreciate a game, while also supporting community members who make great work around the game. I’ve got several different prints and posters from fan artists on my walls, and they’re great. They’re usually less excessive in their branding than first-party products, too. (Though I will say,Larian’s storehas some nice stuff in it. Needs some moreBG3items, though.)
Etsy is normally a good place to search, though I’d encourage you to check other avenues too. I like to try and buy from the artists’ preferred store fronts whenever possible, and Inprnt has been a go-to. It’s where I found theexcellent tarot card versionsof theBG3companions made by Lilit Beglarian in print form, and it’s where I’ve had a tab opening, hovering onUgo’s stunning Shadowheart concept.
There are always games, too
Okay, I get it. Let’s get to the games. If you want to pick up some other RPGs for yourBG3fan to explore, or maybe you’re interested in the breadth of the CRPG genre after lovingBaldur’s Gate 3, let’s run down some options.
The first twoBaldur’s Gategames seem like obvious picks, though they’ll have a bit of an adjustment period; Larian’sDivinity: Original Sinseries is going to feel more mechanically similar.Dragon Age: Originsis a classic of the genre too, and if you want to dive deeper intoD&D-themed games, there are classics likePlanescape: Torment,Neverwinter Nights, andIcewind Dale.
For a real outside pick, though, see if they’ve tried outDisco Elysiumyet. While it’s still a CRPG, it’s got a very different vibe, following anabsolute tire-fire of a fail copand his more capable partner as they investigate a suspected murder. While the themes and setting will feel different, the isometric exploration, narrative lean, and even the more tabletop-like mechanics (including die rolls) will feel right at home.
