Baldur’s Gate 3’s First Map Highlights Incompetence of Druids and Goblins in Act One

The initial conflict in Baldur’s Gate 3 revolves around various factions, however, the limited size of the map clearly showcases their incompetence in fulfilling their duties.

As Baldur’s Gate 3’s Acts take place on expansive maps with interconnected smaller regions, they do not have the advantage of following the pace of the plot in D&D. In D&D, there is no need for DMs to consider travel or distance, as players always arrive at the perfect time to tell the most compelling story possible.

Despite not having this luxury, Baldur’s Gate 3 still has thriving settlements surrounded by perilous dungeons. It’s astonishing that anyone can accomplish anything in the city with Death Knights lurking in the sewers and secret cults scattered throughout.

In Act I, scale is a prominent concern, as noted by members of the Baldur’s Gate 3 subreddit in their discussion on the Druid Grove’s proximity to a nest of Harpies. These monstrous creatures, not part of the natural animal kingdom, use their deceptive ways to lead unsuspecting individuals to their demise, yet their presence remains unaddressed.

In addition, the Goblins are actively searching for the Druid Grove, a key plot point in Act I, despite the fact that the two locations are in close proximity to each other.

Baldur's Gate 3's Druid Grove quest has secrets that are still being found — Larian Studios

The Druids are fine with the monsters outside their home

“One user pointed out that distances on BG3 maps are likely compressed, suggesting that the harpy nest may be farther away than it appears in-game. Another user added that Kagha may have been hoping for unsuspecting Tieflings to wander into the nest and meet their demise.”

A frequently given explanation is that the scale used in the game is not accurate. As one user expressed, “Honestly, I don’t think the game map is drawn to scale. People are constantly searching for things that are just a stone’s throw away.”Another user added, “It doesn’t make sense for the Goblins to miss the Grove if their camp is only a few minutes away and they have scouts as far as Moonhaven, which is visible from the gate of the Grove.”

It appears that Larian is anticipating that viewers will need to suspend their disbelief in regards to the size of the map. If the distances between locations were more realistic, players would either have to endure a lot of uneventful walking or face a greater separation between areas, such as the Githyanki creche.

Despite making the Druids and Goblins appear incompetent, a hint of disbelief actually enhances the game in this scenario.