Main Missions vs Side Quests in Baldur’s Gate 3 : What Should You Do First?

Starting Baldur’s Gate 3 can feel overwhelming in a good way. The moment you land in Faerûn, the game throws urgent main missions at you while quietly tempting you with side quests that whisper, “Just one more thing…”

If you’re playing on console and picked it up during a baldurs gate 3 ps5 sale, the big question hits fast:

Do you rush the main story, or slow down and explore everything first?

Short answer?

Neither extreme works well.

Long answer? Let’s break it down properly.

What actually happens if you focus only on main missions?

You’ll move fast but you’ll miss depth.

Main missions push the core narrative forward: the parasite, the factions, and the choices that shape your ending. They’re gripping, cinematic, and very tempting to follow non-stop.

But here’s the catch:

• You’ll be under-leveled in later Acts
  
• You’ll miss companion development
  
• Some outcomes feel rushed or undercooked
  

Honestly, Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t built for speedrunning on a first playthrough. Even if you’re checking the baldurs gate 3 ps5 price and trying to “get value,” the value is in the detours.

Why side quests matter more than they seem

Side quests aren’t filler here, they’re the soul of the game.

In many RPGs, side quests mean fetch quests. Not here. In BG3, side content:

• Unlocks alternate endings
  
• Deepens companion loyalty
  
• Grants unique spells, gear, and story paths

Some side quests even change how main missions play out later. Skip them, and the world feels thinner. Do them thoughtfully, and the game opens up in surprising ways.

Quick Tip:

If a side quest involves a named NPC or moral choice, it’s probably worth doing.

Main missions vs side quests: a quick comparison

So… what should you actually do first?

Blend them. Always.

A smart flow looks like this:

• Start a main mission
  
• Explore nearby side quests
  
• Level up + gather context
  
• Return to the main path stronger
  

This pacing feels natural and keeps the story impactful. It’s also how most experienced players avoid frustration later on.

Is Baldur’s Gate 3 worth diving into right now?

A quick PS5 buyer’s snapshot

If you’re still deciding whether now’s the right time to jump in, here’s a grounded take, especially if you’ve been browsing discounts lately.

Specification Box

• Platform: PS5
  
• Genre: CRPG / Narrative RPG
  
• Playtime: 70–120+ hours
  
• Replay Value: Extremely high
  

Reasons to Buy

• Deep choice-driven storytelling
  
• Tactical combat that rewards patience
  
• Incredible side quest design
  

Reasons to Avoid

• Slow start for action-only players
  
• Heavy dialogue (by design)
  

Best Deals / Price Note

If you spot a solid Baldur’s gate 3 ps5 discount, it’s one of the safest RPG buys right now, especially compared to more linear releases.

Note:
This isn’t a “play for 20 minutes” game. It rewards commitment.

How BG3 pacing compares to other PS5 games

To be fair, not every game demands this level of patience. Fast-paced shooters like black ops 6 ps5 cheap deals cater to instant action, short sessions, and reflex-based fun.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is the opposite:

• Slower
  
• Heavier on thinking
  
• More emotionally layered
  

Neither approach is better, it just depends on what kind of experience you want right now.

When should you ignore side quests?

Rarely, but sometimes.

You can skip side quests if:

• You’re already over-leveled
  
• The quest conflicts with your role-play choices
  
• You’re nearing an Act transition

Otherwise, doing at least the context-rich side content makes the main story hit harder.

Final thoughts: there’s no rush in Faerûn

Baldur’s Gate 3 rewards curiosity.
Rushing main missions strips away nuance. Ignoring the main story entirely creates confusion.

The sweet spot?

Let side quests prepare you and let main missions test you.

Whether you bought it at full baldurs gate 3 ps5 price or grabbed it during another baldurs gate 3 ps5 sale, the best value comes from balance, not speed.

FAQs

Q1. Should I complete all side quests before main missions?

Not all, but the meaningful ones. Focus on quests with story weight or companion ties.

Q2. Can I miss side quests permanently?

Yes. Some quests expire after major story decisions or Act transitions.

Q3. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 beginner-friendly?

Mechanically deep, but forgiving. Side quests help you learn systems safely.

Q4. Is it better than other PS5 RPGs right now?

If you enjoy choice-driven stories, yes. It offers depth most games don’t even have compared to action titles like black ops 6 ps5 cheap options.