This is your sign for the new Baldur's Gate 3 character launch in 2026

I made a commitment to play at least once a year Baldur's Gate 3. When I first finished the game at about hour 90, I immediately knew that its replay potential was endless. With unfinished quest lines and unexplored areas, Baldur's Gate 3 he waved me back. I finished the game 3 times already. I also have a few playthroughs that I have abandoned. But my cardinal sin since committing to replays is the fact that the only games I've finished have been ones with the same exact Tav. I know, I know.

Playing every game with the same Tav can seem counterintuitive to repetition. After all, wouldn't I want to explore other avenues? In a sense I have. That Tav made different decisions and prioritized different paths each time. And where Tav has kept me in the dark in the 350+ hours I've spent with her (I've played 460+ in total), hours of Let's Play videos and spoilers have helped. Don't blame my Tav – I'm just a creature of habit. Familiarity makes me feel warm and fuzzy and safe.

However, 2026 looks different. Not in the stereotypical “I'm going to do Pilates” kind of way, but in the “I'm going to go outside my comfort zone” kind of way. I'll take that gut feeling as a sign to finally move on and make a new Tav. Here are my reasons why you should start a new one Baldur's Gate 3 characters in the year 2026. Because if they can make someone like me say goodbye to traditional game patterns, they can surely help you too.

After 392 hours in Baldur's Gate 3, I still regret recruiting this party member

While I initially liked this character and her story, I ended up regretting adding her to my party in Baldur's Gate 3, and here's why.

Patch 8 made Baldur's Gate 3 complete

April 2025 marked a new chapter of the Larian Studios magnum opus. Baldur's Gate 3's Patch 8 was released as the game's last major update. With the new Patch came quality-of-life improvements that took the game of 2023 to new, smoother heights, including sought-after features like cross-play and Photo Mode. But most notably, it also came with a whole bunch of resources for people like you and me to create a new Tav and Durge to go with.

New Subclasses Added in Patch 8 Breathe new life into combat

If you have ever felt limited Baldur's Gate 3classes and subclasses, Patch 8 steps in to save the day. Patch 8 added 12 new subclasses, one for each class. With this addition comes a whole new way of embodying D&D 5e chaos in style. Whether it's combat effectiveness or storytelling, these new subclasses are too good to pass up. Here are some of my standout subclasses to watch out for:

Wizard Bladesinger: If you've ever played a defenseless wizard, you know how hard it is when they're forced into close combat. Well, it's time to put down the stick and pick up the real sword. The Bladesinger subclass gives wizards flexibility in combat by letting them upgrade weapons the same way they upgrade magic.
Druid Circle of Stars: At worst, this subclass is pretty to look at with its pristine aesthetics. At its best, this subclass excels for those who want to take a cosmic connection rather than an animal approach.
Way of the Drunken Master Monk: The Way of the Drunken Master Monk finally makes alcohol a relevant consumable BG3. This subclass can remove the negative effects of drunkenness, give you a performance skill, and even help you negate the disadvantage with Ki points at higher levels. It's not the easiest subclass, but it's definitely the most fun.

The Baldur's Gate 3 mod scene is in its golden age

If only because Patch 8 was the end of a chapter Baldur's Gate doesn't mean it was the end of the road for fans. On the contrary, Baldur's Gate 3 the fandom is alive and well. That means its fashion scene is booming. Console players can try out a plethora of mods thanks to the added in-game mod manager BG3 Patch 7. Meanwhile, PC gamers are spoiled for choice as their wildest modding dreams can come true.

Cosmetic modifications: From hairstyles to new races, cosmetic mods can help your new Tav or Durge be completely unique to your game. Create a hottie who commits to a serial romance. Create an absolutely cursed creature that is a little hard to look at. Really, it's up to you.
Ultimate Cut Content Restoration mode: Baldur's Gate 3 has a lot of content that didn't make the final cut. However, the Ultimate Cut Content Restoration mod brings them to light. This mod brings back over 90 items including clothing, armor and weapons for your character and companions. This mod also brings back cut consumables, abilities and feats.

BG3 The best Bard Rogue Illusion Wizard subclass

One Baldur's Gate 3 subclass is best as a completely different class

One subclass of Baldur's Gate 3 struggles to excel, while another class does its job even better, making the switch a smarter choice for players.

Your new Baldur's Gate 3 character doesn't even have to be Tav or Durge

Baldur's Gate 3characters shine. Their writing is tight, solid, and each companion's dilemmas are compelling enough to make them the stars of their own show. So your “new character” may actually be an old friend.

Playing as the original character Baldur's Gate 3 is absolute goodness. You'll gain access to new dialogue options, new cutscenes, and special introspection that would otherwise be inaccessible. You can't go wrong here either: play as your least favorite teammate so they talk less, or play as your old camp flame to see them kiss someone else. It's literally fanfiction, but in motion.

The best BG3 Tav or Durge is the one you haven't played yet

This is more of a note to self. But really, if there's a Tav or Durge you haven't played as, then you're probably missing out. Every character you create Baldur's Gate 3 they should approach the world in their own unique ways: their biases, their experiences, and their characters' morals should influence how you interact with the vast world that Larian presents to players. And before you simply hit “randomize” in the character creator, there may be a method to your madness:

Try a non-optimal figure. What if your bard has low charisma? Until you try it BG3Honor Mode, it will probably be fine.
Think about the background. I think we've all tried wing a Baldur's Gate 3 build, and that's largely fine. But the reason I remain “glued” to my tired Tav is because I proceeded to create it D&D-style. I wrote her story. I knew what set her off. I knew her fears, her drives and her dreams. Playing around with the backstory before loading the character creator will make your Tav or Durge feel more intentional than just a vessel.
Think of your companions. Your companions will take you several hours Baldur's Gate 3so keeping them at the forefront of your mind is not a bad idea. If you know you won't be recruiting Minthar this game, make a Paladin. If you want a romance between enemies and lovers, try creating fabulous shoes for Astarion to naturally graft on. Balancing your companions is a great way to get the most out of their stories.

Baldur's Gate 3 it brings joy to builds that exist for narrative reasons, not tables. And the character you create can only enhance that experience if you think about it with intention. Go for it. 2026 is the year of new characters Baldur's Gate 3 for you and me and Faerun is our oyster.