Developed by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 was released August 3, 2023, for Windows, with a PlayStation 5 and macOS release following shortly after on September 6, 2023, and September 22, 2023. The hit game, however, is still missing from the major Xbox Series X|S console. After no updates since late August about the state of that version, players were recently reassured that the RPG will still come to X|S by the end of the year.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is the third main installment in the Baldur’s Gate franchise, releasing 23 years after its predecessor. The series takes place in the Dungeon & Dragons land of the Forgotten Realms and features similar mechanics to its tabletop inspiration. Baldur’s Gate 3 was received with widespread critical and fan acclaim, quickly soaring to become one of the highest-rated PC games of all time.
Although most have already started their journey in the Forgotten Realms, players have been wondering about the state of progress on the Xbox Series X|S version, which is still set to release by the end of 2023. In a statement on X/Twitter, Larian CEO Swen Vicke confirmed that it is being playtested and still on track to release this year, although the team is unsure of the exact date.
Latest on the Xbox – being actively playtested, still on schedule for this year. We’ll announce the exact release date when we’re sure it’s done.
— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) October 31, 2023
Apparently, the biggest holdup in the launch was due to Microsoft wanting parity between the Series S and Series X versions of the game. As Baldur’s Gate 3 needed split-screen co-op for both systems, Larian Studios had to find a workaround before launch, meaning Series S will not have split-screen co-op right away but will receive the game nonetheless.
For those who have Series S or Series X as well as a save file for Baldur’s Gate 3 on another system, Larian previously confirmed that cross saves will be possible between PC or PlayStation to Xbox, so already established adventures in the Forgotten Realms won’t have to be left behind on another system.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently available to purchase for PC, macOS and PlayStation 5.