Starfield vs. Baldur’s Gate 3: Which One Is Better?

Which one should you buy? Starfield vs. Baldur’s Gate 3? Let’s dive into the gaming world’s most burning question.

There is no doubt that 2023 has been an incredible year for games. Many great titles have been released this year like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, and more!

Naturally, that resulted in many dilemmas for gamers on what to buy. And with Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3 present, you might ask yourself which one to buy.

Here’s your guide to deciding which game to add to your library. Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3 without further ado.

Why Should You Buy Starfield?

For a long time, Bethesda’s formula of open-world RPG games has influenced the gaming industry. Their incredible The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim redefined the borders of genre. It also introduced a brand new sense of exploration in open-world games.

Bethesda refined this formula with Fallout 4 and revisited one of its longest-running franchises. The fourth installment received positive reviews but wasn’t as influential as Skyrim for many reasons.

The game giant then released Fallout 76, which had a catastrophic launch at first. Even though it is now a solid multiplayer game offering a great experience, it forced Bethesda to focus on a new game and rev up its engines.

That’s where Starfield takes the scene. For many of us, it had to be “Skyrim in space.” But it also needed to be more due to the sheer competition in the gaming landscape.

Fortunately, Starfield is definitely “Skyrim in space.” But at the same time, it is definitely nothing more than that. This incredibly expansive space RPG does not offer that mesmerizing experience of spacefaring and exploration.

It is definitely not a “bad” or an unfinished game. But it is simply the ultimate form of Bethesda’s open-world formula. While it does come with some positive improvements, its outdated game engine restricts its level of immersion.

Starfield Is Skyrim In Space

That being said, for those who love the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series, Starfield is an essential game to have. It definitely offers everything you loved in the previous games of the studio.

But it doesn’t push that medium forward. Its space exploration consists of menus and tabs. It also doesn’t allow you to dive into the atmosphere or leave the planet like you would do in No Man’s Sky.

And its poor enemy AI constantly damages the immersion. And when you combine that with mediocre gunplay, you have yourself a Fallout 4 in space.

At the same time, Starfield is an incredibly expansive title with many things to do. Despite these drawbacks, I still find myself pulled into its universe of dull NPCs and PNG-looking planets.

Only For Bethesda Enthusiasts

I believe only Bethesda can develop a game below its contemporaries in many aspects. But it somehow brilliantly pulls you in with many wonderfully written quests and many places to explore.

If you are a sucker for Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, your answer to Starfield vs. Baldur’s Gate 3 is obvious. If you are completely okay with “Skyrim in space and nothing more,” Starfield is the answer!

Also, check out the best games like Starfield.

Pros:

• Brilliant execution of Bethesda’s open-world RPG formula with a space setting.
• Familiar gameplay for fans of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series.
• Well-written quests and a plethora of places to explore.
• Accessible to Bethesda enthusiasts who enjoy their signature style.

Cons:

• Doesn’t fully innovate in space exploration, relying on menus and tabs.
• Limited immersion due to the outdated Creation game engine.
• Poor enemy AI and gunplay.

Why Should You Buy Baldur’s Gate 3?

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game worth considering for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it offers a rich, immersive storytelling experience set in the beloved Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) universe.

Its developer, Larian Studios, is famously known for their experience crafting narrative-driven RPGs. Their previous games also promised epic and engaging tales with intricate character development.

But Baldur’s Gate 3 is definitely much more than their previous works. It is a culmination of their years of experience. It has incredibly detailed plot twists, brilliant facial animation, and limitless freedom.

One of its standout features is its adherence to the D&D 5th Edition ruleset. This system is renowned for its depth and flexibility, allowing for diverse character builds and strategic combat encounters.

This allows both seasoned D&D and the tabletop RPG newbies to dive into a fresh RPG experience that probably no other game managed to offer.

The game also shines in its world-building and attention to detail. The world of Baldur’s Gate is beautifully realized, with stunning visuals and intricate environments.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Is The Best RPG Ever

It also comes with immersion that draws you into its fantasy realm. The characters you encounter are well-crafted, too. Because each of them has their own motivations and backstories. This makes every interaction and choice feel meaningful.

In summary, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a must-play for RPG enthusiasts and fans of the D&D universe. It is definitely above Starfield in many RPG aspects. Larian Studios’ magnum opus is unmatched from plot twists to player freedom.

So, if you seek a deep, engrossing RPG experience filled with adventure and intrigue, Baldur’s Gate 3 is definitely better than Starfield.

Pros:

• Rich and immersive storytelling in the Dungeons & Dragons universe.
• Adheres to the D&D 5th Edition ruleset, offering freedom and flexibility.
• Stunning visuals, intricate environments, and a well-realized game world.
• Meaningful choices and character development.
• Deep player agency and a wide range of character builds.

Cons:

• Some players may find it complex if they’re new to D&D rules.
• Learning curve for those unfamiliar with the D&D universe.

Last Thoughts About Starfield vs. Baldur’s Gate 3

Choosing between Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2023 depends on your gaming preferences. Starfield offers a familiar open-world experience but doesn’t fully deliver on the promise of space exploration. It’s best for die-hard Bethesda fans.

In contrast, Baldur’s Gate 3 excels as an RPG. Developed by Larian Studios, it combines D&D storytelling with deep gameplay mechanics. It offers a captivating story, character development, and meaningful choices. Overall, if you want an immersive and innovative RPG experience, Baldur’s Gate 3 is the better choice in 2023.