Larian Studios may not be developingBaldur’s Gate 4, but any potential successor toBaldur’s Gate 3will need to push immersion further to stand out. One underutilized aspect ofDungeons & Dragonsthat could help achieve this is language. InBaldur’s Gate 3, nearly all NPCs, regardless of background, speak Common, making communication a non-issue. This simplifies interactions but misses an opportunity to deepen the roleplaying experience.
A futureBaldur’s Gategame could take inspiration from howDungeons & Dragonsuses languages to shape encounters and exploration. In tabletop campaigns, a character’s linguistic abilities can alter a scenario dramatically. A party member fluent in Goblin might overhear enemy plans, while a scholar of ancient tongues could decipher forgotten texts. Expanding language mechanics inBaldur’s Gate 4would introduce new layers of decision-making, roleplay, and worldbuilding.
Baldur’s Gate 4 Could Expand Language Barriers
WhileBaldur’s Gate 3occasionally acknowledges language differences—such as the need toroll intelligence checks to decipher symbols on the Nautiloid—these moments are rare. Most factions, from goblins to mind flayers, speak Common fluently. However, in a more immersive RPG, language could become a meaningful gameplay feature rather than an afterthought.
For example,goblins in Act 1 ofBaldur’s Gate 3could have primarily spoken Goblin, requiring a party member with the right proficiency to translate their dialogue. Players without a fluent companion could have relied on persuasion, body language, or magical solutions like Comprehend Languages.
Additionally, some NPCs could have mixed linguistic abilities. A merchant might understand Common but be more willing to negotiate in their native tongue. A deep gnome fleeing the Underdark might only speak Undercommon, creating tension if no one in the party understands them. These small touches could makeBaldur’s Gate 4feel more like a living world where language matters.
A Language System Inspired by No Man’s Sky
One modern game thatsuccessfully implements language as a mechanic isNo Man’s Sky. In that game, players gradually learn alien languages by discovering words, allowing for more meaningful interactions over time. A similar system could work inBaldur’s Gate 4, where characters gain linguistic knowledge through quests, books, or extended exposure to a culture.
For instance, if a player frequentlyinteracts with Githyanki, they might begin recognizing key phrases in their speech. A bard or scholar character might be able to learn new languages faster, while spells like Tongues could offer temporary understanding at a cost. This would make linguistic skills more than just a passive stat and instead an evolving part of roleplay.
Furthermore, the game could tie languages into background choices. A high elf character might naturally know Elvish but have to work to understand Dwarvish. A rogue might have access to Thieves’ Cant, unlocking hidden messages among criminal factions.
Baldur’s Gate 4 Could Add New Roleplaying Depth
Introducing language barriers would also impact storytelling. Certain lore-rich areas could have inscriptions in lost languages, requiring specific skills to decipher. An ancient ruin might haveCelestial script that only a Cleric or Paladin can understand. Conversely, Infernal markings could hint at hidden dangers, but only a Warlock with the right background would recognize the warnings.
Language could also play a role in diplomacy and conflict resolution. A party that can communicate in Orcish might avoid a violent confrontation, while a misunderstanding due to a language barrier could lead to unintended hostilities.
WhileBaldur’s Gate 3succeeded in creating an immersive world, it avoided one ofDungeons & Dragons’ core mechanics. By expanding how languages impact gameplay,Baldur’s Gate 4could elevate roleplaying possibilities and make exploration feel even more dynamic. Whether through faction-specific speech, progressive language learning, or background-tied linguistic skills, adding this feature would deepen immersion and provide fresh storytelling opportunities.
