Title: Dark Urge: The New Twisted Character Option in Baldur’s Gate 3
Subtitle: Larian Studios introduces an origin character with a sinister twist
Ghent, Belgium – Larian Studios, the creators of Divinity: Original Sin II, are known for their ability to fulfill even the most hidden desires in their RPG games. In their highly anticipated game, Baldur’s Gate 3, they have introduced a new character option called the Dark Urge. This character, available to players as one of seven starting personalities, comes with a disturbing trait – an insatiable thirst for killing. While players have the freedom to customize the Dark Urge’s appearance, species, gender, and class, their compulsion to indulge in murderous acts remains the same.
During an exclusive play session in Ghent, players discovered the gripping consequences of playing as the Dark Urge. The character’s subconscious occasionally takes control, causing unpredictable acts of violence and leaving players to deal with the aftermath. Choices made as the Dark Urge have significant impact, as demonstrated when the protagonist sliced off an NPC’s arm, which remained in their inventory afterwards.
The game’s developers, Larian Studios, have designed various scenarios that will challenge players’ control over their Dark Urge character. In one instance, players were directed to greet a squirrel, only to witness its demise out of their control moments later. Another sequence involved waking up to find a brutalized corpse made by the Dark Urge during the night. The players had the option to hide the body or confess to their co-op partner, adding a compelling tabletop-like dynamic.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is considered a stand-alone game, capturing the essence of tabletop Dungeons & Dragons rather than serving as a direct sequel to Bioware’s original Baldur’s Gate series. However, thematic links can be seen, with the Dark Urge’s underlying darkness reminiscent of the Bhaalspawn protagonist from the earlier games. The new companion character, Karlach, and the destructively powerful Netherese Destruction Orb carried by Gale, further emphasize the recurring theme of suppressed danger in the game.
Swen Vincke, the CEO and creative director of Larian Studios, highlighted the central motif of the internal struggle between embracing the darkness within and the potential benefits or consequences that come with it. The battles players face within their own minds ultimately spill out into the Sword Coast, affecting the region and the people they encounter. The climax of the game takes place in the besieged city of Baldur’s Gate, where players must determine if they will become the city’s last hope or its conqueror.
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players a unique character option in the Dark Urge, presenting them with an opportunity to explore the darker side of their imagination. The game is set to release on August 3rd, and players will undoubtedly relish the chance to discover how they will wield the power and influence that their twisted alter ego provides.