Google Devours BG3 Stats: Frisky Fans, Cheesifications Revealed

Larian Studios celebrated Baldur's Gate 3's anniversary by unveiling fascinating player statistics, offering a captivating glimpse into player preferences and in-game choices. From romantic entanglements to bizarre escapades, the data reveals a diverse and engaging community experience.

A Look at Romance in the Forgotten Realms

Larian's Twitter (X) post yesterday showcased the sheer scale of player romances. A staggering 75 million companion kisses were recorded, with Shadowheart leading the pack at 27 million, followed by Astarion (15 million) and Minthara (169,937). Act 1's celebratory night saw 32.5% of players with Shadowheart, 13.5% with Karlach, and 15.6% choosing solitude. By Act 3, Shadowheart's popularity soared, with 48.8% experiencing her final romance scene, compared to 17.6% with Karlach and 12.9% with Lae'zel.

For those seeking more unconventional pairings, 658,000 players pursued Halsin, with 70% opting for his human form and 30% his bear form. An impressive 1.1 million players engaged in intimate encounters with the Emperor, favoring the Dream Guardian form (63%) over mind flayer tentacles (37%).

Whimsical Adventures and Companion Affection

Beyond the romantic, players indulged in a wealth of quirky activities. 1.9 million players became cheese wheels, showcasing the game's playful nature. Friendly dinosaurs welcomed 3.5 million visitors, while 2 million players liberated Us from the Colony, demonstrating a love for side quests. Surprisingly, at least 3,777 Dark Urge players spared Alfira, unexpectedly boosting the game's lute rock scene.

Animal companions also received considerable attention. Scratch, the loyal canine, enjoyed over 120 million pets, likely a testament to his flawless fetching skills. The Owlbear Cub wasn't far behind, receiving over 41 million pets. A curious 141,600 players attempted to pet His Majesty, the cat—the same number who mastered Honour Mode, adding an unexpected parallel.

Character Creation and Class/Race Preferences

A remarkable 93% of players crafted custom avatars, highlighting the game's strong character customization. Among pre-made characters, Astarion (1.21 million players) was the most popular, followed by Gale (1.20 million) and Shadowheart (0.86 million). Intriguingly, 15% of custom characters were Dark Urge-inspired, reflecting the allure of mysterious backstories.

The Paladin class dominated, with nearly 10 million players embracing the holy warrior role. The Sorcerer and Fighter classes followed closely, each exceeding 7.5 million players. Barbarians, Rogues, Warlocks, Monks, and Druids also enjoyed considerable popularity, though each fell below the 7.5 million mark. Rangers and Clerics trailed behind, with fewer than 5 million players for each.

Elves reigned supreme in racial choices, with over 12.5 million selections. Half-Elves and Humans tied for second place (12.5 million each), followed by Tieflings (over 10 million), Drow, and Dragonborn (both exceeding 7.5 million). Half-Orcs, Githyanki, and Dwarves also had a significant presence (over 2.5 million each), while Gnomes and Halflings were less common (under 2.5 million each). Certain class-race combinations proved particularly popular, such as Dwarven Paladins and Dragonborn Sorcerers.

Epic Feats and Storyline Choices

141,660 players conquered Honour Mode, a remarkable feat of skill. Conversely, 1,223,305 playthroughs ended in defeat, underscoring the game's challenging nature. Of those defeated players, 76% deleted their saves, while 24% continued in custom mode.

Players faced difficult decisions, with 1.8 million betraying the Emperor, and 329,000 convincing Orpheus to remain a mind flayer. A significant 3.3 million players killed the Netherbrain, with 200,000 involving Gale's self-sacrifice. A rare outcome saw 34 players experiencing Avatar Lae'zel's self-sacrifice after rejection by Vlaakith.

These anniversary statistics vividly illustrate the diverse and engaging Baldur's Gate 3 community, showcasing both epic achievements and lighthearted moments. From romantic choices to unusual side quests, players have crafted unique and memorable experiences within the Forgotten Realms.