Choose Baldur’s Gate 3 for the system you already own unless a specific feature gives you a reason to switch. A capable Windows PC is the best fit for configurable graphics and supported PC mods; PS5 or Xbox suits a console-first setup; Steam Deck is for players who value handheld play and can do without split-screen. PC, Mac, PS5 and Xbox now support cross-play and cross-platform progression, so matching friends’ platforms is less important than it was at launch.
At a glance: which platform fits you?
| Platform | Best fit | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | You already have a capable gaming PC, want graphics options, or plan to use supported PC mods. | Check the published requirements and make sure you have an SSD with 150 GB free; the requirements do not guarantee a particular frame rate. |
| PS5 | You own a PS5 and prefer playing on a TV with a controller. | The PS5 version is sold separately, according to Larian Studios’ multiplayer information. |
| Xbox Series X|S | You own an Xbox or want to play within the Xbox ecosystem. | Check the Xbox Store for current regional purchase terms; Larian announced Xbox Play Anywhere availability on August 3, 2026. |
| Steam Deck | You want to play handheld and already own, or intend to buy, a Deck. | Split-screen play is unavailable on Steam Deck. No like-for-like benchmark establishes how its performance compares with the consoles or a gaming PC. |
Start by comparing the extra cost of playing on a platform you do not own with the value of portability, mods, or a preferred living-room setup. Current prices, discounts, bundles and availability vary by region and change over time, so verify the live storefront before buying.
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What to consider before choosing
Use the hardware you already have
If you own a suitable PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S or Steam Deck, that is usually the most economical starting point. A new platform only makes sense if its advantages matter to you enough to justify its purchase and setup.
Decide where and how you will play
- Desk or living room: PC, PS5 and Xbox are fixed-screen options. Choose according to the hardware and setup you already prefer.
- Handheld: Steam Deck offers portable play, but it does not support split-screen in BG3.
- Co-op: If you want split-screen, do not choose Steam Deck on the assumption that it supports that mode. For online play across supported systems, see the cross-play setup below.
Think about mods and hardware limits
PC is the platform to consider if configurable graphics and supported PC mods are priorities. Mods introduce a compatibility consideration for multiplayer: players joining a lobby need compatible versions. Larian says third-party mods cannot be used on consoles. On Windows, compare your system against Larian’s published system requirements before purchasing or installing.
#1 Best Overall
- Online multiplayer for up to four players - allows you to combine your forces in combat, and split your party to follow your own quests and agendas. Concoct the perfect plan together… or introduce an element of chaos when your friends least expect it
- Origin Character - offer a hand-crafted experience, each with their own unique traits, agenda, and outlook on the world. Their stories intersect with the entire narrative, and your choices will determine whether those stories end in redemption, salvation, domination, or many other outcomes
- Evolved turn-based combat - based on the D&D 5e ruleset. Team-based initiative, advantage & disadvantage, and roll modifiers join combat cameras, expanded environmental interactions, and a new fluidity in combat that rewards strategy and foresight
- Define the future of the Forgotten Realms - through your choices, and the roll of the dice. No matter who you play, or what you roll, the world and its inhabitants will react to your story
- Player-initiated turn-based mode - allows you to pause the world around you at any time even outside of combat. Whether you see an opportunity for a tactical advantage before combat begins, want to pull off a heist with pin-point precision, or need to escape a fiendish trap. Split your party, prepare ambushes, sneak in the darkness -- create your own luck!
Cross-play and cross-platform progression
Larian’s Patch 8 announcement says PC, Mac, Xbox and PS5 support multiplayer cross-play and cross-platform progression through the Larian Network. That means you do not necessarily need the same platform as your friends, or the same platform on which you began a campaign, provided you configure the required accounts and settings. Steam Deck is not separately named in the announcement; it runs the PC version, but Larian’s listed supported platforms are PC, Mac, Xbox and PS5.
To set up cross-play, connect your platform account to a Larian account and enable “Allow Cross-Play” in the game. Cross-play saves may also require cross-play to be enabled. If the lobby uses mods, make sure the joining players have matching mod versions; console players cannot use third-party mods.
Rank #2
![NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dWUfwFl5L._SL160_.jpg)
- 1205504
- High-quality material
- Durable
- robustness
For Xbox buyers, Larian announced Xbox Play Anywhere availability on August 3, 2026. Check the Xbox Store in your region for the current purchase terms and eligibility details rather than assuming a particular bundle or price.
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How PC requirements compare with your hardware
Larian publishes these Windows specifications. They are minimum and recommended requirements, not promises of a specific frame rate in every area or at every setting.
Rank #3
- Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI.
- Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes and character interactions, additional voiceover, and a reloaded soundtrack.
- Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters.
- Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.
| Windows specification | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 10 | 64-bit Windows 10 |
| Processor | Intel i5-4690 or AMD FX 8350 | Intel i7 8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Nvidia GTX 970 or AMD RX 480, with 4 GB or more VRAM | Nvidia RTX 2060 Super or AMD RX 5700 XT, with 8 GB or more VRAM |
| Graphics API | DirectX 11 | DirectX 11 |
| Storage | 150 GB free on an SSD | 150 GB free on an SSD |
Larian lists macOS requirements separately on the same requirements page. These Windows figures should not be treated as a performance comparison with PS5, Xbox or Steam Deck; the available specifications do not establish a current, like-for-like benchmark across those platforms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Moving saves between platforms: what cross-save keeps
Cross-platform progression is useful when you want to continue a campaign on another supported system, but Larian’s server copies are not permanent backups. Its account FAQ says, “With Cross-Save enabled, your Larian Account will also sync a copy of your last 10 saves.” The FAQ says those server-held copies are kept for up to six months before older copies are deleted. That limit applies to copies on Larian’s servers, not saves stored locally on a PC or console. Keep important saves on your device or in another backup location.
The FAQ also notes that inactive cross-saves older than six months displayed on Larian Accounts expire on September 29, 2026. Check Larian’s account information FAQ for the account and cross-save details.
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Make the choice
- Choose PC if your computer meets Larian’s requirements and you value configuration or supported mods.
- Choose PS5 or Xbox if you already own that console and prefer a console-first setup. Xbox buyers should verify current Play Anywhere terms in their region.
- Choose Steam Deck if portability is the deciding factor and you accept the loss of split-screen.
- Choose based on your friends’ platforms only when needed: cross-play now covers PC, Mac, PS5 and Xbox after account linking and settings setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
