With the introduction of Patch 7, featuring a built-in mod manager, followed closely by Patch 8 that enhances mod support, creating fresh content for Baldur’s Gate 3 has become more accessible than ever. Enthusiastic fans have already developed remarkable additions, including an entirely new questline inspired by Dungeons & Dragons’ Spelljammer. As the game approaches the completion of its updates, it’s evident that players will continue to enjoy an array of new experiences for the foreseeable future.
It’s noteworthy that various elements didn’t make it to the game’s final version. Baldur’s Gate 3 had to cut several Origin characters, environments, narratives, and more during development. Given the expansive nature of the game, such omissions were inevitable and, in many cases, contributed to the game’s overall quality. However, fans have expressed disappointment, aware that their gaming experience could have been quite different. With Larian Studios promising seamless mod integration, this presents a perfect opportunity for modders to revisit these discarded concepts for inspiration.
Players Missed Out on the Avernus Exploration Experience
The House of Hope Wasn’t Going to Be the Entirety of Avernus
A dedicated Steam user named Settings compiled an extensive overview of the content that was ultimately excluded from Baldur’s Gate 3 during development. One of the most intriguing points revealed was that Avernus was initially intended to be an explorable area of similar scale to the Underdark. In the epilogue, when the player character, or Wyll, takes Karlach to Avernus, she indicates that she discovered blueprints there to repair her engine. This suggests a potential storyline could have followed those blueprints, allowing players to engage with them directly.
In fact, Karlach’s lines in Avernus logically follow from players having discovered the blueprints during their quest. This opens up the possibility for a new quest surrounding traversal in Avernus, integrating the collection of those blueprints—perhaps alongside the existing House of Hope storyline. With several infernal creatures present, such as imps, cambions, and various demons, the only additions required for this content would be a new area and perhaps some unique items.
The Shortness of Act 2 in Baldur’s Gate 3 and Its Background
Unveiling the Abandoned Plotline of the Raven Queen
Many players have observed that Act 2 appears noticeably shorter compared to Acts 1 and 3, a phenomenon attributed to the removal of a significant plotline involving the Raven Queen—a deity in Dungeons & Dragons with roots in the Shadowfell, akin to Shar. Players encounter minimal references to her throughout the game, mainly through the character He Who Was, a follower of the Raven Queen, who is a Shadar-Kai—an elf heavily influenced by the Shadowfell.
For modders and creators, the limited content regarding the Raven Queen presents a unique advantage; it offers a canvas for imaginative expressions surrounding her impact on the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Given the scarcity of areas to explore within the Shadowfell in the base game, a mod emphasizing the Raven Queen could significantly enrich the experience. Moreover, as Shadar-Kai share the same foundational traits as elves, introducing additional characters of that lineage would be relatively straightforward.
The Mysterious Belt Slot: A Missing Equipment Class
Uncovering the Potential of a New Equipment Class
During the early access stage, a new equipment slot for belts was introduced, yet players were unable to obtain any belts in-game. This feature sparked enthusiasm among users as it was anticipated in the full release. Implementing a mod that incorporates various belts could significantly enhance gameplay and exploration, appealing to players looking to personalize their avatars beyond mere cosmetic armor choices.
The absence of belts was likely a design choice to avoid potential clipping issues with different armor combinations. Nonetheless, this should not hinder modders from resurrecting this mechanic. Larian Studios emphasized quality over quantity in their DLC creations, striving for rich, engaging content. By tapping into the creativity of the modding community, fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 now have the opportunity to explore uncharted territories left by Larian.
Source: Settings/Steam
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