Baldur’s Gate Franchise Game Tier List

Baldur’s Gate has been ongoing for several decades and, while Baldur’s Gate 3 is the third game in the mainline franchise, the series includes several more spin-off games and expansion packs. Expansions such as Baldur’s Gate: Throne of Bhaal are considered classics today, and are especially known for their worldbuilding, RPG systems, and classic characters, while the mainline games, such as Baldur’s Gate 3, are each considered hallmarks of their generation.

This tier list ranks every Baldur’s Gate game, including the overlooked Dark Alliance spin-offs. As each Baldur’s Gate game was well-received on release, even the lowest ranking is still considered worth playing for gamers who love RPGs and the world of Baldur’s Gate and the Sword Coast.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Why You Should Change the Origin Characters’ Classes

It may be tempting to not mess with Baldur’s Gate 3’s companion classes, but other classes may be a surprising fit for the Origin characters.

S-Tier: Genre-Defining Games That Set the Standard For Their Decade

Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn
Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal (expansion)

Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn took what was great about Baldur’s Gate and ran with it. Shadows of Amn includes some of the most memorable companions of the franchise, deep storytelling, and some of the best RPG systems in gaming even today. Baldur’s Gate 3 arrived 23 years later, but it took off as one of the defining games of the decade with incredible characters, seemingly endless freedom, and a self-contained story that keeps players coming back for more. Baldur’s Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal is an expansion to Shadows of Amn, and gives players a satisfying conclusion to the Bhaalspawn Saga.

A-Tier: Games That Began a Legacy

Baldur’s Gate
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance
Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition

The one that started it all, the first Baldur’s Gate is not only iconic for launching one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time, but is also an incredible game in its own right. It kicked off the Bhaalspawn Saga, and established a world and characters who are still fondly remembered and beloved decades later.

Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance was the first spin-off set in the same world as Baldur’s Gate and Shadow of Amn. While its story didn’t match the expectations set by the mainline games, it included a satisfying combat system, a great co-op system, and was a great expansion into the Forgotten Realms.

The Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition came with an overhauled UI, new companions, and a modernized engine. The Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition was also streamlined in a similar way. However, both games were fairly controversial among some players, who preferred the mechanics and systems of the originals.

B-Tier: Great Baldur’s Gate Games But May Not be for Everyone

Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance 2

Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus is the prequel that directly leads into the events of Baldur’s Gate 3. Descent Into Avernus stands out from the other entries on this list as a TTRPG campaign, making it a perfect launch point for Baldur’s Gate players who are interested in venturing into Dungeons and Dragons as a tabletop game.

Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance 2 was released in 2004, and was the last new Baldur’s Gate content that players would see for a long time. While it includes more content than its predecessor, it’s also a less polished product, putting it lower on the list.

C-Tier: Baldur’s Gate’s Forgotten Expansion

Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear Tag Page Cover Art

Baldur’s Gate: Siege of Dragonspear

Siege of Dragonspear was released as an expansion pack for Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition. While it’s a good bridge between Baldur’s Gate and Shadows of Amn that adds more context for players, its combat system was clunky, and its art style was criticized for being too cartoonish.