Yo gamers, let's have a real talk. 2025 is here, and while everyone's still buzzing about Baldur's Gate 3's cinematic glory, my heart keeps pulling me back to Rivellon. Yep, I'm talking about Divinity: Original Sin 2. It dropped in 2017, but honestly? It's the RPG that truly taught me how to play. It's like that one tough-love mentor—doesn't hold your hand, but the lessons stick for life. If you loved BG3 but secretly crave something that really makes you sweat and think in combat, DOS2 is your game. It's the ultimate sandbox where your imagination isn't just a suggestion; it's the law.

Let's get straight to it. BG3 has a learning curve, sure. But DOS2's combat? Man, it's a whole other beast. It's intense, daunting at first, and demands you learn the systems inside out. But the payoff... oh, the payoff is chef's kiss. Every victory feels earned. The game throws you into the deep end, and swimming feels incredible.

🎮 The Ultimate Character Creator Playground

Where this game really flexes is in character customization. BG3 lets you build cool heroes, but DOS2 lets you craft legends. The depth here is just... wild.

• Class & Perk System: It's insanely detailed. You want a sneaky rogue who can also summon undead and manipulate surfaces? Go for it. The freedom is almost overwhelming.

• Layered Builds: You can tweak and refine every little aspect of your build. It goes further than BG3 in letting you get weird with it. The versatility is the real star of the show.

• Origin Stories: Just like BG3, you can pick pre-made characters with rich backstories (The Red Prince, Fane, Lohse—icons, all of them!). But the way you can then mold their skills? Unmatched.

The creativity it allows is the game's superpower. You're not just using spells; you're manipulating the entire environment. Think you can't win a fight? Just remember: everything is an ingredient for chaos.

🔥 My Favorite Elemental Combos:

1. Rain → creates a water surface.

2. Cast Lightning → electrifies the water, stunning everyone standing in it.

3. Throw a fireball → turns the steam into a cloud, then electrify that for a shocking mist.

4. Sit back and watch the fireworks. It's pure, unadulterated player agency.

👥 Companions: Tropes with a Heart of Gold

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. BG3's companions are cinematic masterpieces with branching stories that feel alive. DOS2's crew? They embrace classic fantasy tropes—the noble lizard, the witty skeleton, the possessed singer—but they do it with so much heart and personality that it never feels lazy. They're compelling in their own right.

While they might not have as many intimate, movie-like cutscenes, their ties to the main story are incredibly satisfying. Each one has a personal quest that feels integral, not tacked-on. And their personalities? Distinct as hell. Just because a character is a "trope" doesn't mean they can't steal every scene they're in. The Red Prince's arrogance, Fane's morbid curiosity, Lohse's... internal struggle—they all add incredible flavor.

📖 The Narrative: It's All About the Crew

Here's the real secret: the base story of DOS2 (become a God) isn't its strongest point. But what elevates it into something special is how the characters shape that story. The tale you experience is completely different depending on who you are and who you travel with.

If Your Main Character Is...	The Story Feels More Like...
The Red Prince	A grand saga of reclaiming a lost empire and destiny.
Fane	A mind-bending mystery uncovering the secrets of all existence.
Lohse	A personal, haunting thriller against a demonic presence.
A Custom Character	Your unique journey through a world of gods and source.

This is where DOS2 mirrors BG3's greatest strength: the characters are the heart of the narrative. Because of this, every playthrough can feel radically different. It's like getting multiple games in one package. That feeling of discovery on a second or third run, seeing how events unfold from a new perspective? Priceless.

🏆 The Verdict: Why It Still Holds the Crown

So, let's break down why I, a hardened RPG vet, still think DOS2 has the edge in some crucial areas:

✅ Deeper, More Complex Gameplay: The sheer freedom and tactical depth are still largely unmatched. The "rule of cool" is a real game mechanic here.

✅ Ultimate Customization: More layered and versatile than BG3. You can create truly unique builds that break the mold.

✅ Replayability Factor: The unique character origins fundamentally change the narrative tone, making each run feel special.

✅ Unapologetic Challenge: It respects your intelligence. Winning a tough fight in DOS2 gives a sense of accomplishment that's hard to replicate.

Look, Baldur's Gate 3 is a monumental achievement in storytelling and cinematic RPG design. It deserves all the praise. But if we're talking about pure, unbridled gameplay—the mechanics, the systems, the sheer creative problem-solving—Divinity: Original Sin 2 is, in my opinion, Larian's magnum opus. It's the hardcore, thoughtful cousin that asks more of you but gives back tenfold.

With Larian's next game confirmed to be a return to Divinity, the big question is: will it lean into the cinematic style of BG3 or double down on the deep, systemic gameplay of DOS2? Personally, I'm hoping for a glorious fusion. But until then, DOS2 remains that special, spark-filled challenge sitting in my library, always ready to remind me what real player freedom feels like. It's not just a game; it's a playground for your imagination. And sometimes, that's exactly what I need.