Baldur’s Gate 3 Co-op: How Does Multiplayer Work?

Playing co-op with friends is always a blast, so here's how to do it in Baldur's Gate 3!
A screenshot of Baldur's Gate 3 intro area, the burning ship
Screenshot: Try Hard Guides

Whether you’re a lone ranger or prefer having a pack, the game’s captivating storyline and immersive co-op multiplayer mode are a joy to navigate. We’ll look into Baldur’s Gate 3 co-op and see how this multiplayer feature works. By the time we’re done here, you’ll be raring to grab your party and dive into the action or simply savor a solitary quest – the choice is all yours!

How To Play Co-op Multiplayer with Friends in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 gracefully combines the depth of single-player and the camaraderie of co-op gameplay. You’re never pushed to mingle, yet the option adds an extra layer of richness to your questing.

Hosting a game in Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer mode is as straightforward as it gets – either let random adventurers join your lobby or lock it down for a private party with your friends. Want to be a guest instead? You’re free to hop into any open lobby or join a friend’s game. With support for up to four players and LAN connectivity, you can forge your epic story with buddies nearby or online.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Tiefling Subraces – Asmodeus, Mephistopheles, Zariel

Getting into multiplayer is as easy as choosing the ‘Multiplayer’ option from the menu. Initiating a new game? Just click the plus icons in the bottom left-hand corner to invite your friends. If you’re already deep in the throes of an adventure, press Esc and look for the plus icons at the bottom-middle of the screen or go through the ‘Session’ option in the pause menu.

A screenshot of the sessions menu in Baldur's Gate 3
Screenshot: Try Hard Guides

The best thing is you don’t have to stick together. You can all split up if you wish and do your own thing. But I wouldn’t recommend doing that, as if you’re far away from your friends and get into trouble. No one is coming to help you…

If you want to play co-op instead of exploring alone, look on forums such as Steam Discussions, and see if you can find threads of people there looking to make new friends to play with. Or join the Larian Studios Discord, and find new friends to join.

How Does Loot Work in Co-Op in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Baldur’s Gate 3 co-op play uses the shared loot system, echoing the formula used in the much-loved Divinity: Original Sin 2. When you down foes and plunder treasure chests, all loot is communal, which stirs up an intriguing layer of strategic decision-making or, in simpler terms, “If nobody wants this sword, I’m having it.”

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3: Is It Only Turn-Based?

Each piece of loot dropped is unique and not instanced for every player, meaning that the group will need to deliberate on who gets to wield the freshly looted magic sword or wear the shiny new piece of armor. Just nabbed a powerful item that two party members could benefit from? Time for a mini-council to decide who gets it because only one is available. You can’t all go galavanting about with the Amulet of Infinite Fireball and Death! Sharing is caring in BG3, so make sure you distribute the goods with the team’s overall success in mind!

  • Let’s face it, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a blast to play with friends. It’s not an MMO, but the co-op is spot on.
  • Want to dive into the wild ride solo? Go ahead. Prefer teaming up? You’ve got it. With options to host or join games, the choice is yours.
  • Don’t forget about the loot! It’s all about sharing and making those tough calls – who gets the shiny new sword? It’s a group decision.
  • So, grab your friends, get strategic, and dive headfirst into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3 co-op!
Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter is the Managing Editor at Try Hard Guides, and main guide writer. With over five years of experience in games media, including almost three years as an Assigning Editor for Pro Game Guides, and before that a Staff Writer.

His writing and game guide work has also been featured on platforms such as Metro UK and Game Rant, along with other smaller publications. He has been a devoted gamer since the days of Amiga, with a journey spanning roughly 31 years.

Mark's future goals are to grow the Try Hard Guides network as much as possible while helping gamers everywhere with gaming guide content. When not immersed in gaming, Mark enjoys delving into the worlds of D&D (Dungeons & Dragons), strumming his guitar, and indulging in a good read. His heart belongs to RPGs, the Final Fantasy series, and The Legend of Zelda. Moreover, he has a keen affection for dogs.

Contact: mark@tryhardguides.com

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