A Unique Approach to Playing Baldur’s Gate 3
In a novel twist to the traditional gameplay, a unique method was adopted to play Baldur’s Gate 3—a coin flip determined whether to choose violence or pacifism at every juncture where aggression was an option. This approach, dubbed The Dark Urge playthrough, introduced an element of chance to the decision-making process, creating a dynamic and unpredictable experience.
The concept of The Dark Urge presents a moral dilemma to the player: succumb to the violent impulses that the game tempts you with, or resist and overcome the darker nature of your character. This playthrough was inspired by an interview with Amelia Tyler, whose insights into the game’s narrative possibilities sparked the idea for a playthrough where choices are left to the flip of a coin.
The Coin Flip Rules
The Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough was governed by a set of rules that were strictly adhered to, using a coin to dictate the course of action. Here’s how the decisions were made:
- Whenever presented with an option to attack, intimidate, or give into dark urges, a coin was flipped.
- Heads indicated a peaceful resolution, while tails meant opting for violence.
- After the coin flip, the chosen path was followed through to completion, without backing out.
- Once a decision was made and acted upon, free will was restored until the next coin flip decision point.
Character Creation and Initial Choices
The character at the heart of this Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough is T’wo Faciel, a half-elf with a penchant for unpredictability. In keeping with the theme of chance, the class chosen was an archfey Warlock, a nod to the capricious nature of the fae. This class was selected over the Wild Magic sorcerer for its novelty and the desire to harness the power of eldritch blasts.
The journey began aboard a Mind Flayer ship, where the first coin flip took place. A decision to save or destroy an Intellect Devourer named Us was left to fate. The coin landed on heads, leading to a merciful act of freeing Us, only to be followed by a tails result, prompting an aggressive stance that ultimately saw Us flee.
(Image credit: Larian Studios)
Adventures and Consequences
The coin flip method led T’wo Faciel through a series of harrowing adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3. Each flip brought significant actions and consequences, shaping a unique narrative path. The companions encountered along the way, including Shadowheart, Astarion, and Lae’zel, were chosen for their tolerance to the potential for violence that the coin dictated.
One memorable encounter involved Gale, a wizard met at a teleportation sigil. Fate, as determined by the coin, led to a violent outcome where Gale’s hand was severed. This brutal act was one of many that underscored the unpredictability of this playthrough.
(Image credit: Larian Studios)
As T’wo Faciel’s journey progressed, the coin continued to dictate a path filled with contradiction and chaos. From sparing lives to engaging in battles that would otherwise be avoided, the coin’s influence added a layer of drama and attachment to the character and his story.
Unexpected Outcomes
Following the whims of the coin in Baldur’s Gate 3 led to some surprising outcomes that deviated from the expected narrative. One such instance was the encounter with the druidic leader Halsin, which unfolded in an unforeseen manner due to the coin’s ruling.
| Decision | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Coin flip at the druid grove | Resulted in the death of a tiefling child and a subsequent battle for justice |
| Rescuing Halsin | Kept the massacre at the grove a secret, leading to an uneasy alliance |
The coin’s influence created a playthrough that was far more complex and nuanced than one might choose on their own. The chaos of the coin flip decisions brought about a unique blend of mayhem and diplomacy that was both inconsistent and intriguing.
(Image credit: Larian Studios)
Reflecting on the Coin Flip Method
Playing Baldur’s Gate 3 with the coin flip method added an exhilarating layer of unpredictability to the gameplay experience. The randomness of the coin introduced a compelling dynamic, where the fate of characters and the direction of the story were left to chance.
This approach to The Dark Urge playthrough not only created a unique narrative but also fostered a deeper connection to the character of T’wo Faciel. The constant threat of violence hanging over every decision made each moment in the game feel significant and charged with potential peril.
(Image credit: Larian Studios)
The coin flip method proved to be more than just a gimmick; it was a transformative way to engage with the game’s rich storytelling and complex moral choices. It’s a testament to the depth of Baldur’s Gate 3 that such a playthrough is not only possible but also immensely rewarding.
