This award-winning RPG will finally land on Xbox this December

Following a compromise with Microsoft earlier this year, Larian Studios will finally be ready to release Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox in December.


Baldur's Gate 3's release on Xbox all but guarantees that it will continue to dominate headlines through 2024.
Baldur's Gate 3's release on Xbox all but guarantees that it will continue to dominate headlines through 2024.

Xbox enthusiasts and RPG fans are in for a treat as Larian Studios gears up to release Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox at some point in December. This launch expands the reach of an award-winning game that’s already made its mark on PC and PlayStation 5. With a blend of engrossing storytelling and intricate gameplay, Baldur’s Gate 3 hasn’t just carved a niche for itself, but become a standout title that may or may not lead to a resurgence.

The road to Xbox hasn’t been without its bumps for Baldur’s Gate 3. Originally, the game faced hurdles due to technical challenges, particularly with implementing split-screen co-op on the Xbox Series S. This issue led to its delay on Xbox, despite successful launches on PC and PlayStation 5 earlier in the year. However, following discussions with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, Larian Studios found a resolution by dropping split-screen co-op for the Xbox Series S version just so it can make it on Xbox in time for the holiday season.

Don’t worry, as while the Xbox Series S version will miss split-screen co-op, the Xbox Series X version will let you enjoy the game with your friends right at the comforts of your home. Furthermore, Larian hasn’t given up hope for adding this feature to the Xbox Series S port in the future.

The Xbox versions of the game will include all the updates and improvements that have been made to the PC and PS5 versions, ensuring a seamless and updated gaming experience for Xbox players. These enhancements include several performance updates, bug fixes, expanded story moments for certain companions, and the ability to tweak the appearance of player characters and hirelings.

The announcement of the exact release date for the Xbox version is highly anticipated and is set to be revealed at The Game Awards on December 7. This event is not just a platform for the release date announcement but also a significant moment for Baldur’s Gate 3, as the game has been nominated in eight award categories, including Best RPG, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, and Game of The Year. If anything, this is the perfect opportunity to “shadow drop” the Xbox version of the game.

Larian Studios’ commitment to excellence is evident in the continuous updates and improvements it has made to the game in the past few months, despite already receiving several accolades for its compelling narrative, immersive co-op gameplay, and the freedom it offers players to forge their own paths. It’s clear the studio wants to ensure that all players get the best possible version of the game.

The way that Larian Studios is talking about Baldur's Gate 3 is making it feel like it's barely scratched the surface.
The way that Larian Studios is talking about Baldur’s Gate 3 is making it feel like it’s barely scratched the surface.

Neil Newbon, the voice behind one of the game’s characters, Astarion, recently won Best Supporting Performer at the 2023 Golden Joystick Awards. His performance is just one of the many elements that contribute to the game’s success. This accolade, along with the game’s multiple nominations at The Game Awards, highlights the quality of the storytelling and character development in Baldur’s Gate 3.

As Xbox players eagerly await the release of Baldur’s Gate 3, they can rest assured that they will be diving into a game that has been polished and refined. Larian Studios has demonstrated a clear dedication to delivering a top-notch RPG experience, and the Xbox release is poised to be a significant addition to the console’s gaming library.

With its December launch on the horizon, Baldur’s Gate 3 will enchant a new wave of players, offering them a chance to experience one of the most acclaimed RPGs of recent times. Its journey to Xbox may have been challenging, but what’s clear is the wait will have been worth it for Xbox players looking to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Baldur’s Gate 3.

We're still curious to see what else we'll be getting for Baldur's Gate 3.
We’re still curious to see what else we’ll be getting for Baldur’s Gate 3.

After being the envy of Xbox fans earlier this year, most PS5 and PC owners are likely wishing that they’d get a chance to experience this magical game for the first time again.

If it’s any consolation, everyone will be getting the physical edition for the first time in April 2024.

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio