How to play multiplayer co-op in Baldur’s Gate 3

Of course, playing Baldur's Gate 3 by yourself allows you to shape and mold your experience wholeheartedly in any shape or form. There is something, though, about sharing that adventure with friends. Thankfully, Baldur's Gate 3 does have a multiplayer co-op mode wherein players can engage in said collaborative manner of gameplay.

How to play Baldur's Gate 3 multiplayer, explained

Starting an Online Multiplayer Co-op Match in Baldur's Gate 3 requires one player to create a game lobby that other players can join. Here is how to start a multiplayer session.

Access Multiplayer Menu: On the main menu, select the "Multiplayer" button on the far left.

Create a Lobby: At the bottom of the screen, select the "Create" button to create your lobby.

Adjust Lobby Settings: In the lobby, select through the drop-down menu for "Who can join your game" Friends or Invitation Only. Also, select the maximum number of players-four players in total.

Invite Friends: For those player slots, click on them and then add players from your friends list.

Launch Game: Once all friends have accepted your invite, click "Launch" to get into the game and begin character creation.

If you haven't added them to your friends list, then you can share the Server ID with them. They can directly enter your lobby using the Direct Connect option in the multiplayer screen. That is, of course, if you have checked the "Direct Connections" box in your settings.

How to join a multiplayer co-op game in Baldur's Gate 3

Then you can join your friend in one of two ways, by accepting their invitation or by directly connecting via the ID that they give you from the server.

To join via Direct Connect:

Access Multiplayer Menu: Press "Multiplayer" from the main menu, then "Direct Connect."

Input the Server ID: Type in the Server ID given by the host in the given field.

Launch Game: When all are ready, click "Launch" to enter the game and proceed with character creation.

Do I need to make a new character for multiplayer co-op?

For now, yes, it is. In order to join a multiplayer co-op server in Baldur's Gate 3, players will need to create a new character. If you're invited to join a friend's single-player game, however, you can enter their world as one of the Origin companion characters.

How to invite friends as Origin companions:

Hit Pause on your game. Click on "Session." Invite friends into your session. You then attach them to Origin companion characters that are available. This is a great option if you ever want to try out different characters, learn more about their personalities, and help your friends through the mechanics of the game, especially the complex dice roll system. This is also a good option for those who are less into technical things like creating servers or inputting Server IDs.

Does Baldur's Gate 3 Have a Split-screen Option?

The poor Shadowheart has been jammed inside this pod, and now it's entirely up to you to decide whether to save her or not.

Split-screen in Baldur's Gate 3 is not possible for now. The feature is planned to be implemented at the game's official release on August 3, 2023. When this happens, I will make sure to provide full instructions on playing in split-screen mode.

Rich and satisfying, co-op gameplay is one of the features of Baldur's Gate 3. Stick to these steps and tips to get to that sweet place with your friends.