Complete Newbie is completely lost

[jas123]

I am confused on how to play this game (never played BG before). I read the manual which goes into great detail about spells, weapons, etc.. but very little on how to actually play the game. I made my character, formed a party, battled a couple of small imp like creatures, problem is beside movement I have no idea how to cast spells (I memorized them), use weapons, etc.. Is it all done automatically by the computer AI? How to you cast a spell? Pick what spell to cast? Use a weapon or potion etc? I am obviously missing something in the rules. How to you stop action to cast a spell prior to combat? I can stop action with the space bar but then confused on what to do. I appreciate any help you can offer. thanks

[Tasi]

this is not perfect tutorial (and it is for BG1) but at least it should help you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hodMcyazKX8

Just search youtube and you will see

[Saelune]

Do you also own Baldur's Gate 1? If so, I recommend starting there, since I am pretty sure 2 starts you well above level 1, and thats alot for someone new. BG1 starts at level 1 in Candlekeep which is all set up as a tutorial section.

[V4.Skunk]

Originally posted by jas123:

I am confused on how to play this game (never played BG before). I read the manual which goes into great detail about spells, weapons, etc.. but very little on how to actually play the game. I made my character, formed a party, battled a couple of small imp like creatures, problem is beside movement I have no idea how to cast spells (I memorized them), use weapons, etc.. Is it all done automatically by the computer AI? How to you cast a spell? Pick what spell to cast? Use a weapon or potion etc? I am obviously missing something in the rules. How to you stop action to cast a spell prior to combat? I can stop action with the space bar but then confused on what to do. I appreciate any help you can offer. thanks

You have no common sense or logic.

[SMJSMOK]

Just clicking the enemy attacks them with the equipped weapon. If you want to cast a spell, click on that spell and then on the enemy. Ideally, you want to issue commands while the game is paused (the entire combat system is actually named after this mechanic - real time with pause), then unpause and let the battle unfold. Pause again when you need to change or issue new commands etc.

[Multihog]

I recommend reading, or at least skimming through, the player manual on Steam. Right click on the game in your library, and "View player manual".

[V4.Skunk]

Also if you have a dual class mage and you wear armour you cannot cast spells.

[ruppe27]

Everything a character can do is listed in the bottom bar when you click on him/her.
The moon and stars icon represents spells, click on character then on the star and moon and you will see their spell list.

Weapons and items you equip in the weapon/item slots of your character are also on the bar.
On the far right of the bar is a small star icon, this button contains special abilities that some classes have.

[jas123]

thank you very much for your assistance. I have never played any games on computer like this before so it is rather new. I do not own BG 1 just BG 2 with enhanced edtion. I did not see a tutorial for this version, have read the on-line manual. Just going slow and confusing especially spells and when to use them. Thanks again for your help.

[ruppe27]

It might be a good idea to play Baldur's gate 1 enhanced edition (it's on sale) first because it's meant to teach you the game.

There are alot of tutorials in the beginning of 1 and because you start at level one you have less abilities so it's a bit easier to get into it.
Balur's gate 2 can be overwhelming if you haven't played 1 because you start at a higher level.

Once you get the basics down they are really fun games, have fun.

[Leeux]

Alternatively, you could always watch a BG1 playthrough/walkthrough on YT to get you up-to speed.

I can suggest a very good one, if you want to go that route... but you'd probably also find several very quickly if you'd search "Baldur's Gate" + Playthrough or Walkthrough on YT.

Keep in mind that I wouldn't suggest to keep watching until the end if you wan't to play the game by yourself at some point... maybe just watch the introductory videos, and a couple of the following ones, and then bail out.

[red255]

why are you starting with the second part of the adventure?

Fine. its DnD, you set your spells with the priest or mage spell tab, then you rest, then you can cast spells.

this sort of thing happens often enough that I'm occasionally tempted to record the tutorial from BG1:EE and add a bit of voice over commentary for EE and whats actually relevant.

but in all respects you probably should start with BG1.

[Multihog]

Originally posted by red255:

why are you starting with the second part of the adventure?

Because BG1 is a boring and primitive game. BG2 is one of my favorite games of all times, and I've done like 5 playthroughs, but to this day I haven't been able to finish a playthrough of BG1.

I'd advise *against* playing BG1 because it's likely that those people will drop BG1 and never even try BG2. It's better to start with BG2, imo. Time has not treated BG1 well at all.

[Abrakadabra]

Trying out BG1....why not.

You dont need it to understand BG2 though. I started with BG2 and only later, after I finished it a few times did I try out BG1 and sadly didnt like it.

BG2 ToB is the best rpg ever, its awesome, you gonna love it and maybe you love BG1 as much, but I didnt.

What I would recommend is to check this forum or other forums and also youtube for a class guide, a class you like, how to build it and also how to create a solid party that covers all skills and tools you gonna need.

Initially the game can seem a bit overwhelming. So many skills, spells, tabs and so much stuff. Its also quite big. The maps are huge and its not always clear where you should go for quests. Of course, you could just run around and explore everything on your own. I didnt do that at least, not 100 % of the time.

Id determine first what kind of class i really like. I always loved spell swords and its my by far favorit class in BG2. Figthers that use magic to run and attack much faster, that use spells to protect with conventional weapons as well as spells. Very strong class and its not so hard to understand how to play them. I think my first playthrough was a Beserker and no dual or multiclass. Whatever class or mixed class you like, id check some guides or hints how to build it, what skills to choose, how you could play it, with melee weapons or with bows or two handed or dual wield.

Theres also some good guides that suggest which quests are good for your level. I always had sorcerers place or something similar open in the background to briefly check if Im heading in the right direction and that I didnt miss any quests and all that. I just read the gist of it, where to go and didnt read everything about the quests so I didnt know everything that would happen.

1. Find a class you like and check at least one simple and brief guide how you could build it.

2. Check what kind of party other ppl use, where you can find a good tank for your group, a good wizard/sorcerer a good cleric and so on and which npcs ppl prefer. You can mix things up but its good to have a strong party and some idea how to equip them and where to find that equipment.

3. I dont have a link but youll quickly find some guides concerning where to find quests suited to your level. As I said, id also have a walkthrough open in the background, as a general guide, where to go and what to do.

4. You gonna have a great time. That game is awesome.

[Multihog]

The maps are huge and its not always clear where you should go for quests.

It's clear. I never got lost once in BG2. If you can follow simple directions, then it's easy.