I first tried BG once when I was in highschool and for some reason I got stuck at some point. I can't remember why. I'd like to run through this a couple of time since is so revered now. My question is, is it possible to upgrade wrong and then get stuck? Is it possible to just play casually without worrying about the numbers so much and still get through the entire series? Thanks.

yep, in the normal setting you can play "casual" without worrying about the perfect character (Actually, I think that only Icewind dale force you to do a maxmin and only in the hardest setting ).

Just enjoy the game in normal or easy, and do not forget to check the mod-guide sticky post (for those related to bug-fixes mostly).

Yes, BG was made for the masses, therefore you can afford to just play along successfully without knowing about the rules.
Nowadays we have internet, if you get stuck just ask here and you'll get help.

If you play the original Baldur's Gate choose normal difficulty (only turn down the slider temporarily for very hard fights) since you get less XP at easier difficulty, making the game harder on the long run.


You'll have an easier time if you create a character with maximized physical stats, often there is no difference from 8 to 14, only extreme values do make a difference. Wisdom is useless for all but cleric and druids, int is only needed for mages and bards, if you plya another class you can dump them to minimum to maximize as many stats as possible.

Basically what kmonster said. Play it vanilla, play it on medium diff., and on your first play I recommend a human or elf fighter, some variant of good. Save yer evil gnome illusionist for the next go. Trust me on this.

Most of all, have fun and play. It remains incredibly playable, and it literally launched a generation of games.

Oh, and while a few good stats are crucial, don't waste time button-mashing to get an uber-character. When I was playing table-top, the standing rule was you got six rolls, and then took your best. I think the rule works on CRPG's as well.

I don't personally like the mods, they are like colorizing "On The Waterfront" (damn, I date myself), but if you do, start conservatively, and there are good guides here to help.

See ya on the sword coast!

I'd recommend playing cleric, paladin, ranger, or fighter as your main PC since they're pretty strong throughout the games (high HP, damage, armour, and saving throws). You can play something else if you really want to, just keep in mind that some of the other classes are a little complicated.

You'll definitely need a thief, one divine caster, and one arcane caster in your party.

Don't forget to manual save in case you get stuck again. Quicksaves and autosaves are plenty reliable, but every so often create a new save for different areas/quests. That way if you get stuck again you can easily take a few steps back. The saves don't really take up that much space - especially so on modern computers.

And in response to Belsirk, you don't need to min/max in Icewind Dale 1. A couple normal playthroughs and you'll get stat boosting items and potions that'll have your party's primary stats at 18+. On top of that you get a whole bunch of ludicrously powerful items. Min/maxing isn't necessary even on a Heart of Fury playthrough. Both my wizards ended up with 25 intelligence. You probably don't need ability scores past 18 in the Enhanced Edition because the new kits/classes straight up break the game.

You can't raise an ability score past 25, so if you min/max you'll probably lose out on some bonuses from items.