Just 21 months separated the first two main games in the Baldur’s Gate fantasy role-playing series, so fans might have expected a third entry in no time at all. But it was another 23 years before Larian Studios finally released Baldur’s Gate 3 on PC in August (it’s not even made by the original studio which was the once-legendary, now somewhat-tainted Bioware). The game was initially released in early access in 2020 and the past three years have given the developer ample time to hone its myriad systems. Its PC launch has been a spectacular success with many critics claiming it to be the greatest game ever made. PS5 players are about to get in on the action but, due to technical issues, Xbox owners will likely have to wait until next year.

The game is based on the fifth-edition Dungeons & Dragons rule set and it plays just like a tabletop game. Whether navigating the enormous environment or engaging in its tricksy combat, players have an extraordinary range of options available. Astonishingly, practically every conceivable outcome has been catered for, and the game’s superb script constantly adapts to embrace all contingencies.

Although veterans of D&D will feel right at home, newcomers may find it all a bit overwhelming. While it contains a tutorial of sorts, the game is enormously complex and its vast assortment of spells, tools and other systems are ineffectively explained. Fortunately, countless fans have produced a swathe of helpful tutorials on sites such as YouTube. Best start studying now.

Baldur's Gate 3 is out now on PC and PS5.