I’ve played Baldur’s Gate for years and I’ll tell you plainly: this series shapes how many of us think about story-driven RPGs. I write as someone who’s replayed these games through editions and rereleases, so you’ll get practical notes, not marketing fluff. Honestly, you’ll understand what to play first and why if you follow this order (with caveats).
- The origin: Baldur’s Gate (1998) and Tales of the Sword Coast (1999)
- Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000) and Throne of Bhaal (2001)
- The Dark Alliance pair (2001–2004)
- Siege of Dragonspear (2016)
- Baldur’s Gate III (2023)
- Enhanced Editions (2012–2016)
- Playing order I recommend (and why)
- Tiny but real caveats
- Extra notes, quick facts (2025)
The origin: Baldur’s Gate (1998) and Tales of the Sword Coast (1999)
The first Baldur’s Gate shipped in 1998 from BioWare and brought the AD&D 2nd Edition feel to PCs. You start in Candlekeep as Gorion’s ward and learn you’re a Bhaalspawn while the Sword Coast suffers an iron crisis. Simple setup, but the writing and party dynamics hooked players fast.
The 1999 expansion, Tales of the Sword Coast, added new areas like Durlag’s Tower and Balduran’s Isle, extra spells, items, and bumped the experience ceiling so imported characters could advance further. Many players still treat Durlag’s Tower as a rite of passage (I’ve cleared it more than once).
| Key facts — Baldur’s Gate (1998) | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | BioWare |
| Publisher | Interplay Entertainment |
| Engine | Infinity Engine |
| Setting | Sword Coast, 1368 DR |
| Typical playtime | 40–60 hours (main + expansion) |
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000) and Throne of Bhaal (2001)
BG2 arrived in September 2000 and it tightened everything: deeper companion stories, romance options, and more personal stakes when you face Irenicus. The sequel launches with your character captured under Athkatla, and the tone is more intimate and darker.
Throne of Bhaal (2001) wraps the Bhaalspawn arc. You get higher-level gameplay and final confrontations that feel earned. If you want the full original saga, finish this expansion after BG2.
| Baldur’s Gate II — Quick stats | Info |
|---|---|
| Release date | September 2000 |
| Setting | Amn and nearby regions, ~1369 DR |
| Companions | Many recruitable characters with personal quests |
| Notable | Expanded roleplay and high-level content via Throne of Bhaal (2001) |
The Dark Alliance pair (2001–2004)
These are action-RPG spin-offs for consoles: Dark Alliance (2001) and Dark Alliance II (2004). They share the Baldur’s Gate label and the setting, but expect arcade-style combat, more loot, less dialogue. Play them if you like co-op and simpler stories—no need to treat them as core canon.
Siege of Dragonspear (2016)
Beamdog released this bridge in 2016 to explain what happened between BG1 and BG2. It adds companions, new cutscenes, and some class kits. In my experience the story’s tone divides players—some loved the expansion; some found parts awkward (controversial, I know). Why add it? Because it smooths the import path and fills story gaps.
Baldur’s Gate III (2023)
Larian Studios relaunched the series with BG3 in August 2023. It’s set roughly 100 years after Throne of Bhaal (around 1492 DR) and introduces a new threat: mind flayer tadpoles spreading illithid influence. The game uses D&D 5th Edition rules and turns combat turn‑based, which surprised many longtime fans (including me).
BG3 is heavy on player choice and consequences. It’s accessible to newcomers while rewarding veterans through references and world continuity. You can play solo or in four-player co-op, and yes, the production values—voicework, motion capture—are top notch.
- Combat: turn-based with D&D 5e rules
- Classes: many options with subclasses
- Modes: single-player and multiplayer
Enhanced Editions (2012–2016)
Beamdog’s Enhanced Editions (2012–2016) modernized BG1 and BG2 for current platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. They add UI updates, widescreen support, restored or new content, and cross-platform multiplayer. I’ve used them to replay the classics without hunting old installers.
| What the Enhanced Editions added | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Widescreen / 4K support | Better visuals for modern displays |
| UI tweaks | Inventory and party management are simpler |
| New companions | Extra stories and replay value |
| Platform reach | Play on phones or consoles if you want |
Playing order I recommend (and why)
Which order gives the best experience? Play in the narrative sequence while keeping gameplay smooth for imports. We found this preserves choices and carries your character naturally through the saga. There are exceptions depending on your patience for dated mechanics.
- Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition (include Tales of the Sword Coast)
- Siege of Dragonspear (fills the gap)
- Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition
- Throne of Bhaal (finish the Bhaalspawn arc)
- Baldur’s Gate III (play last or later; it’s set a century on)
- Dark Alliance I & II — optional side-play
{
"recommended_order": [
"BG1 Enhanced (1998 + Tales 1999)",
"Siege of Dragonspear (2016)",
"BG2 Enhanced (2000)",
"Throne of Bhaal (2001)",
"BG3 (2023)"
]
}Tiny but real caveats
I’ll be blunt: some older mechanics feel clunky now. If you want modern convenience, start with BG3 or use the Enhanced Editions. But if you love the conversation trees and tactical pausing, begin with BG1. It depends on your niche and patience (there are exceptions).
“Play order matters if you care about story flow; it won’t if you play for set pieces.” — my short, stubborn opinion
Extra notes, quick facts (2025)
- BG1: BioWare, 1998. Tales of the Sword Coast: 1999.
- BG2: Released September 2000. Throne of Bhaal: 2001.
- Siege of Dragonspear: Beamdog, 2016.
- Enhanced Editions: Beamdog updates from 2012–2016.
- BG3: Larian Studios, full release August 2023; ongoing patches through 2025.
Here’s the funny part: despite ages and rule changes, the core—characters, choices, the feeling of consequence—still holds up like an old map you keep unfolding. Oddly enough, some encounters in the classics still feel tougher than modern boss fights. Surprising, right?
One counterintuitive insight: play BG3 after the classics if you want to feel how the franchise evolved; play BG3 first if you want modern gameplay with nods to the past. Your mileage will vary, but either way you’ll get memorable moments. Want a spoiler-free tip? Save often. Always save before big conversations! 🙂
To be fair, I stumble over nostalgia sometimes. I’ll admit it—my save files are a mess. But I’ll also say this: gather your party, try different orders, and don’t be afraid to replay (we did). There’s no single correct path—just better-informed ones.
