Why Baldur’s Gate 3 Has A Level Cap Of 12 Instead Of D&D’s 20

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is based on, but reaching the maximum level of 20 isn't possible in this video game version of the beloved tabletop RPG. The level cap is significantly reduced to level 12, which is higher than it was in the early access version of the game but doesn't hold up against 's standard. However, players shouldn't hold onto hope that developer Larian Studios will be increasing the level cap further anytime soon through expansions or DLC.

has its roots in, and it's the closest to a faithful video game adaptation that's been made. All the same, there are some features from that don't translate well or easily into a video game format, especially one that can be played solo. The gap between level caps is only one among the many differences between and , and like most of them, there's good reason for the decision that was made. If Larian Studios does ever decide to go for a higher maximum level, there will be a lot of challenges that the studio needs to handle for it to work in a video game.

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Those who've taken part in a campaign might already know that the higher a character's level gets, the stronger the spells that character can access. An interview with Larian's founder Swen Vincke from details the challenges of making go beyond level 12. From new villains to an even bigger game, a higher level cap would mean that would essentially have to be made into an entirely new game, as the mechanics of during the late game are quite different from the mechanics that players see implemented in from early game.

Higher-level spells alone make continuing past level 12 difficult. As mentioned in the interview with Vincke, characters start to become more god-like