Larian Studios crafted a detailed world inBaldur’s Gate 3, bringing Faerun to life with complex characters and factions. Yet, one race is notably sidelined: goblins. While goblins have extensive lore inDungeons & Dragons, they are mostly reduced to mindless henchmen of the Absolute in the game. Their unique history, culture, and moral complexities are largely ignored in favor of portraying them as disposable enemies.
With Larian moving on fromBaldur’s Gate 3andDungeons & Dragons, the future ofBaldur’s Gatelies in the hands of an as-yet-unknown developer. Whoever takes the reins for a potentialBaldur’s Gate 4has an opportunity to explore goblins beyond their villainous stereotype, integrating more of their established lore into the game’s worldbuilding.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Ignores Goblin Cultural Complexity
In Faerun’s lore, goblins are not just marauding monsters but a people shaped by divine influence. They were originally fey creatures before Maglubiyet, their god, enslaved them into a culture of violence and conquest. This backstory explains their deeply ingrained behaviors, as their society revolves around serving their war-hungry deity. However,goblins inBaldur’s Gate 3are mostly depicted as chaotic foot soldierswith little exploration of their origins.
While there are rare instances of morally complex goblins inDungeons & Dragons—such as the intelligent and kindhearted goblin in R.A. Salvatore’sDark Mirror—Baldur’s Gate 3fails to showcase any goblins who challenge their predetermined fate. Even Sazza, the only goblin with significant screen time, serves as little more than a pawn in the Absolute’s army. A futureBaldur’s Gategame could rectify this by depicting goblins in a broader spectrum, from devout zealots to reluctant participants in their violent culture.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Reduces Goblins to Cannon Fodder
The goblins in Act One primarily serve as obstacles to be cut down in combat. Whileleaders like Dror Ragzlin and Mintharahave distinct personalities, the majority of goblins exist to fill enemy encounters. Players are given little incentive to see them as anything other than threats, reinforcing a one-dimensional view of the race.
This contrasts with other groups in the game, such as the drow orgithyanki, who, despite their historically violent tendencies, receive nuanced portrayals. The game allows for positive interactions with these races, showcasing a variety of beliefs and motivations. Goblins, however, are mostly denied this complexity. Even their relationships with hobgoblins and bugbears, their traditional allies in goblinoid society, are barely touched upon. Future developers should consider introducing goblin factions with distinct political and religious divisions.
Baldur’s Gate 4 Could Give Goblins a Fresh Perspective
If anew developer takes onBaldur’s Gate 4, it would be an opportunity to expand on goblin lore in waysBaldur’s Gate 3did not. Goblins could be depicted in their natural settlements, not just as invaders or lackeys. These societies could showcase their survivalist nature, trade networks, and even rare instances of rebellion against Maglubiyet’s control.
Goblins’ connection to the Feywild could also play a role because, whileMaglubiyet’s influence dominates most goblins, there are still those in the Feywild who have avoided his corruption.
ABaldur’s Gatesequel could introduce goblins who retain their fey heritage, contrasting them with their warlike kin. Additionally, the game could include goblins who have broken free from Maglubiyet’s grasp, similar to howBaldur’s Gate 3portrays Shadowheart’sstruggle with Shar. A goblin character navigating this conflict would add depth to the race, giving players a reason to view them as more than just enemies.
