Summary
A faithful follow-up to the BioWare originals that still hold up as CRPG classics,Baldur’s Gate 3sees players exploring far more than just the titular city. Many are certain to still be venturing through the game’s three massive acts, but some have already begun to speculate about what future expanded content forBaldur’s Gate 3could look like.
Given its unique scenario surrounding an Illithid invasion and the greater plot surrounding it, an adventure beyond the base game ofBaldur’s Gate3 is likely to delve into brand-new territory. Rumors regardingBG3’s cut Upper Cityhave led some to imagine what a DLC in the wealthier side of Baldur’s Gate could bring to the table, but another important hub of the Sword Coast may have even more potential. A famous and prosperous city of the north that is no stranger to game adaptations, Neverwinter may be the perfect candidate for an expansion.
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The Legacy of Neverwinter in the Forgotten Realms and its Adaptations
Known as the “Jewel of the North” and the “City of Skilled Hands” alike, Neverwinter can be considered one of the most developed cities in all of Faerun.BG3’s Volohimself has gone so far as to call it “the most cosmopolitan and civilized”, a rare instance of the unreliable narrator actually seeming to be quite accurate. Filled with some of the best craftspeople in the continent, Neverwinter has become known for the high quality of exports like its glass lamps and famous water-clocks. Uncharacteristically warm for its northern region, the city is not without its own fair share of secrets as well.
Water freezing over would be a common occurrence in any area of this climate typically, but magical power keeps the Neverwinter River unnaturally warm. Deriving its heat from fire elementals that live below the region’s volcano, Mount Hotenow, the city has faced a period of devastation that nearly ended its existence. When the fire primordial known as Maegera was awakened by Thayan betrayers, the volcano erupted and destroyed a large part ofNeverwinter. Experiencing a storied recovery in the years since, the city’s lore can easily compete with the intensity of Baldur’s Gate’s own.
An Expansion Set in Neverwinter Can Honor Baldur’s Gate’s Original Developer
Somewhere between the impressive presentation ofKOTORand the immersive story ofBaldur’s Gate,BioWare’sNeverwinter Nightsis mostly known for its extensive modding support and custom modules that made it more of a platform than a game of its own for most players. Obsidian Entertainment’sNeverwinter Nights 2would go on to achieve its own merit through delivering a more refined story despite less community support, but its Mask of the Betrayer expansion set in Rashemen would ultimately overshadow the base game for many players. IfBaldur’s Gate 3ends up heading into Neverwinter, however, it has the perfect opportunity to let the city shine in a way it hasn’t ever really been able to.
There are several major locations throughout Faerun that are all capable of featuring a compelling adventure, but Neverwinter already has the most history when it comes to the world of gaming. Both exciting to newer players while still being a return to a nostalgic place for players of Neverwinter Nights, venturing to the north inBG3would be a full circle moment for adaptations of the Forgotten Realms. With no shortage of its own dark secrets and malevolent entities, Neverwinter could build upon everything Larian Studios accomplished inBaldur’s Gate 3’s sprawling third act.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available for PC and PS5. A version for Xbox Series X|S is currently in development.
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