How long does it take to Beat Baldur’s Gate 3

“How long does it take to beat Baldur’s Gate 3?” is a question with more than one answer. Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of those rare RPGs where the time it takes to finish depends almost entirely on how you play. Some people rush through the main storyline, making quick decisions and skipping optional content, while others find themselves immersed for dozens—or even hundreds—of hours. Between branching quests, character-driven arcs, turn-based combat, and an open world full of secrets, the game becomes as long or as short as your curiosity allows.

So, rather than focusing on a single number, it’s better to explore the different factors that influence how long it takes to beat Baldur’s Gate 3. Whether you’re a story-first player, a completionist, or someone who enjoys experimenting with multiple builds, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about completion time, pacing, and what truly shapes your journey.

Main Story Completion Time

For players who want to focus primarily on the narrative, the main story completion time in Baldur’s Gate 3 averages 25 to 35 hours. This range assumes you follow the storyline with minimal detours, interact with core quest NPCs, and engage in essential battles only.

However, this timeframe can shift depending on factors like:

• How thoroughly you explore key areas
• How many battles you choose to avoid or engage in
• How quickly you make dialogue decisions
• How familiar you are with turn-based combat games

The main story is structured to allow smooth and consistent pacing. Even if you choose to keep things efficient, you’ll still experience character development, major plot events, and impactful choices that define your journey. Baldur’s Gate 3 was designed so that focusing only on the main storyline still delivers a memorable experience—just a shorter one.

How Side Quests Affect Your Total Playtime

Side quests are a major part of what makes Baldur’s Gate 3 so immersive. They introduce new characters, alternative story paths, hidden treasures, and emotional decision-making opportunities. If you embrace them fully, they can double your playtime or even extend it far beyond that.

Key reasons side quests increase your hours:

1. They encourage exploration

BG3 rewards curiosity. A simple path off-road can lead to a new NPC, a dungeon, a hidden stash, or a companion-related quest that branches into several unique outcomes.

2. They add variety to your goals

From solving mysteries to helping villagers—or choosing not to help them—side quests diversify gameplay and influence how the world reacts to your actions.

3. They develop companions more deeply

Companion quests reveal emotional backstories, strengthen relationships, and sometimes unlock new endings or special abilities.

4. They integrate seamlessly into the world

Side quests rarely feel optional; instead, they feel like natural extensions of the world around you.

For players who love to explore every corner, follow every narrative thread, and experience Baldur’s Gate 3 at its fullest, side quests easily push total playtime into the 60-100+ hour range.

Exploration and World Interaction

One of the strongest elements of Baldur’s Gate 3 is how deeply exploration ties into storytelling. Players who enjoy wandering outside the main path will discover:

• Hidden dungeons
• Secret passages
• Environmental storytelling
• Lore books and ancient texts
• Unique encounters
• Multiple ways to complete quests

Exploration isn’t just “extra content”—it’s woven into the identity of the game. By interacting with the world:

• New dialogue options appear
• Relationships change
• Paths open or close
• Entire questlines can be unlocked or skipped

This level of interactivity significantly extends gameplay. For many players, simply exploring environments and experimenting with mechanics adds dozens of hours on top of the main story.

If you want a rich, deeply immersive experience, expect your total playtime to expand significantly—sometimes by over 50 hours, depending on how thoroughly you interact with the world.

How Difficulty Settings Influence Completion Time

Difficulty settings play a major role in how long it takes to beat Baldur’s Gate 3. The combat system is tactical and turn-based, meaning harder fights naturally add time.

Here’s how difficulty affects your playtime:

Story / Easy Mode

• Faster progress
• Fewer retries
• Shorter combat encounters
• Ideal for story-focused players

Balanced Mode

• Standard difficulty
• Requires strategic use of abilities
• Combat takes longer but feels rewarding

Tactician Mode

• Slower progress
• Enemies hit harder and think smarter
• Requires preparation, planning, and caution
• Can easily add 10–20+ hours to your run

If you enjoy tactical challenges or want every encounter to feel meaningful, Tactician mode will make your journey both richer and longer.

Multiplayer vs. Singleplayer Duration

The mode you choose to play also changes how long your run lasts.

Singleplayer

You make all decisions instantly.
You explore at your own pace.
Combat turns move quickly.

Singleplayer runs are almost always faster—sometimes 20–30% shorter.

Multiplayer / Co-Op

Playing with others naturally adds time because:

• You discuss plans
• You vote on dialogue choices
• You coordinate spell combos
• You handle inventory more slowly

However, multiplayer is also incredibly fun, allowing you to share jokes, reactions, and strategies. It’s often slower but significantly more social and memorable.

Tips for Faster, More Efficient Progression

If you want to streamline your Baldur’s Gate 3 experience without missing the fun, a few strategies help:

1. Build a balanced party

Cover the essentials: damage, healing, crowd control, and utility.

2. Prioritize main quests

Follow the critical path and engage with optional content only when it genuinely interests you.

3. Keep your inventory organized

Quick access to potions, scrolls, and weapons prevents slowdowns during critical moments.

4. Use turn economy

Actions like shoving, using high ground, and pre-buffing save time and prevent drawn-out fights.

5. Avoid unnecessary detours

Not every cave or side route must be explored if efficiency is your goal.

Conclusion: So How Long Does It Take to Beat Baldur’s Gate 3?

For most players, the time it takes to beat Baldur’s Gate 3 varies widely depending on how deeply they engage with the world:

• Main story only: 25–35 hours
• Main story + some side quests: 40–60 hours
• Full exploration and companion content: 70–100+ hours
• Completionist runs: 100–150+ hours

Factors like difficulty, exploration, co-op play, and build experimentation can extend your runtime even further.

Ultimately, how long it takes to beat Baldur’s Gate 3 depends on what kind of adventure you want. Whether you’re racing to see the story unfold or taking your time to explore every secret, Baldur’s Gate 3 rewards you with depth, replayability, and unforgettable journeys across the Forgotten Realms.