Story Mode will have more forgiving combat for the narrative-minded, while Hardcore Mode features more challenging battles.
If you weren’t tired of hearing about Baldur’s Gate 3 en route to its full release, there’s more. In a new Steam post, Larian Studios revealed two additional difficulty options available at launch. There’s the standard Normal Mode, but players can also opt for Story Mode.
Along with a +2 starting bonus to proficiency, combat is more forgiving. The prices at traders are discounted by 20 percent, and it’s tougher to kill allied NPCs. It’s ideal for those keen on experiencing the narrative.
On the other end is Hardcore Mode. Enemy damage is set to Brutal, while their AI is tougher. They’ll target party members with low AC, and some enemies will have more spells, consumables and reinforcements. Those seeking challenging combat should opt for this.
Fortunately, players will have tons of power at their disposal. Feats provide bonuses for characters and improve their proficiency in combat. At launch, there will be 37 Feats – check out the new ones below.
- Actor
- Alert
- Charger
- Crossbow Expert
- Dungeon Delver
- Durable
- Elemental Adept
- Heavy Armour Master
- Lucky
- Mage Slayer
- Medium Armour Master
- Observant
- Performer
- Polearm Master
- Resilient
- Ritual Caster
- Savage Attacker
- Sentinel
- Sharpshooter
- Spell Sniper
- Tavern Brawler
- War Caster
Finally, players can look forward to over 600 spells and sub-spells. Some newer options include Greater Restoration, Binding Smite, Mass Cure Wounds, Heroes’ Feast, Conjure Elemental, Binding Sickness, Wind Walk, Seeming, and more. Upcasting isn’t factored in, so there’s more to look forward to.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is out on August 3rd for PC, while the PS5 version releases on September 6th. A new Panel From Hell will take place on July 7th, showcasing the Dragonborn class and the seventh Origin character.
