For Baldur's Gate 3's anniversary, Larian Studios has released an array of fascinating statistics that shed light on player preferences and choices. These insights reveal the epic achievements, unique playstyles, and whimsical moments that define the community's journey in the Forgotten Realms.

Baldur's Gate 3 Anniversary Stats

Romance in the Forgotten Realms

As Baldur's Gate 3 celebrates its anniversary, Larian Studios unveiled captivating statistics on Twitter (X), offering a deep dive into player behaviors and preferences. From romantic entanglements to quirky in-game decisions, these numbers provide a rich tapestry of the community's adventures.

Romance plays a pivotal role in many players' journeys through Baldur's Gate 3. A staggering 75 million companion kisses were shared, with Shadowheart leading the pack at 27 million, followed by Astarion at 15 million, and Minthara at 169,937. During Act 1's Celebration night, 32.5% of players opted to spend the night with Shadowheart, 13.5% with Karlach, and 15.6% chose to sleep alone. By Act 3, Shadowheart's charm continued to captivate, with 48.8% of players experiencing her final romance scene, while 17.6% enjoyed a romantic dinner with Karlach, and 12.9% held hands with Lae'zel.

For those seeking more adventurous romantic encounters, 658,000 players found themselves in spicy situations with Halsin, with 70% preferring his human form and 30% opting for his bear form. Additionally, 1.1 million players engaged in intimate encounters with the Emperor, with 63% choosing the Dream Guardian form and 37% exploring the unique experience of mind flayer tentacles.

Fun and Fanciful Feats

Beyond the epic battles and dramatic choices, players embraced the game's playful side. A remarkable 1.9 million players transformed into cheese wheels, showcasing the game's humorous mechanics. Friendly dinosaurs were visited by 3.5 million players, while 2 million players freed Us from the Colony, highlighting a love for quirky side quests. The Dark Urge, known for its darker inclinations, saw 3,777 players find a way to spare Alfira, indirectly boosting the game's lute rock scene.

Animal companions also played a significant role in the Baldur's Gate 3 experience. Scratch, the loyal dog, was petted over 120 million times, thanks to his perfect fetch record. The Owlbear Cub, another beloved companion, received over 41 million pets. Interestingly, 141,600 players attempted to pet His Majesty, the cat—the same number who conquered Honour Mode, adding a whimsical twist to the stat.

Character Class and Race Preferences

Despite the allure of pre-made characters, a staggering 93% of players opted to create their own custom avatars, highlighting the desire for personalization in the expansive world of Baldur's Gate 3. Among the pre-made characters, Astarion, the vampire rogue, was the most popular with 1.21 million players, closely followed by the wizard Gale at 1.20 million and the cleric Shadowheart at 0.86 million. Notably, 15% of custom avatars were inspired by the enigmatic Dark Urge, reflecting players' fascination with mysterious backstories.

In terms of class selection, the Paladin class led with nearly 10 million players embracing its holy warrior role. The Sorcerer class, known for its versatility and arcane power, attracted over 7.5 million players. The Fighter class, with its straightforward combat prowess, matched the Sorcerer's popularity. Other classes like Barbarian, Rogue, Warlock, Monk, and Druid also saw significant representation, though each fell short of the 7.5 million mark. Rangers and Clerics rounded out the list, with Rangers chosen by 5 million players and Clerics by fewer than 5 million.

Racial choices were diverse, with Elves leading at over 12.5 million selections. Half-Elves and Humans tied for second place, each with 12.5 million players. Tieflings, with their infernal heritage, attracted over 10 million players. Drow and Dragonborn followed, each exceeding 7.5 million. Less common but still notable were the Half-Orcs, Githyanki, and Dwarves, each chosen by over 2.5 million players. Gnomes and Halflings, while fewer in number, still made their mark with less than 2.5 million each.

Delving deeper, specific class-race combinations emerged as favorites. Dwarves predominantly chose the Paladin class, with 20% embracing this role, while Dragonborn were most likely to be Sorcerers, reflecting their innate magical abilities. Halflings leaned towards Bard and Rogue, classes that align well with their cultural traits. Gnomes and Tieflings also showed unique class preferences, with Gnomes favoring Bards and Druids, and Tieflings balancing between Paladin, Barbarian, and Warlock.

Epic Achievements and Surprising Outcomes

Baldur's Gate 3 has witnessed numerous heroic and dramatic moments. A total of 141,660 players successfully conquered the game's challenging Honour Mode, showcasing their skill and perseverance. In contrast, 1,223,305 playthroughs ended in defeat, underscoring the game's demanding nature. Of those who faced defeat, 76% opted to delete their saved games, while 24% chose to continue their adventure in custom mode, demonstrating resilience and determination.

In terms of endings, players faced tough choices. A significant 1.8 million betrayed the Emperor, reflecting a willingness to make morally complex decisions. Meanwhile, 329,000 players convinced Orpheus to live as a mind flayer, highlighting the appeal of unique narrative paths. A substantial 3.3 million players chose to kill the Netherbrain, with 200,000 of these having Gale sacrifice himself in the process. A rare and poignant choice saw 34 players as Avatar Lae'zel opt for self-sacrifice after being rejected by Vlaakith, adding a touching element to their journey.

Baldur's Gate 3's anniversary stats paint a vibrant picture of the game's community. From serious accomplishments to whimsical moments, these numbers highlight the diverse ways players have engaged with the game. Whether conquering epic challenges, exploring quirky side quests, or forging romantic connections, the journey in the Forgotten Realms has been anything but ordinary.