How to Preload Baldur's Gate 3? Baldur's Gate 3 Preload Explained

Baldur's Gate 3 cannot be preloaded on PC ahead of its release due to its early access status on Steam, meaning players will have to wait until the official launch date to download and play the game.

by Rubaditsha | Updated Aug 04, 2023

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Baldur's Gate 3 Preload Explained

Baldur's Gate 3 does not offer a preloading option ahead of its release time. The game's massive size, approximately 122 GB, has been confirmed by Larian Studios.

Preloading is a feature that allows players to download and install a game in advance of its official release date. This way, players can have the game ready to play as soon as it becomes available, avoiding potential delays caused by the high demand on release day.

However, in the case of Baldur's Gate 3, despite its large size and high anticipation, preloading is not available for the game. This means that players will have to wait until the official launch time, which, according to the information provided, is on August 3 at 5 pm Gent time, or the equivalent time in your non-Belgian time zone.

Once the game is officially released, players will be able to download and install Baldur's Gate 3 on their PCs. Given the game's substantial size, the download process may take a considerable amount of time, depending on the speed of your internet connection.

While waiting for the download, you can use the time to plan your character by exploring the available classes and races in Baldur's Gate 3. This way, you can jump right into the game and start your adventure once the download is complete. Despite the desire of players to preload Baldur's Gate 3 due to its large content and map size, the game does not offer this option. Players will need to wait until the official release time on August 3 to download and start playing the game.

How to Preload Baldur's Gate 3?

Baldur's Gate 3 does not offer a preloading option ahead of its release time. Here is what you can do to keep yourself updated with the latest news and events on Baldur's Gate 3 and play the game on the day of its release. 

  • Purchase the Game: Firstly, ensure that you have purchased Baldur's Gate 3 on Steam. If you haven't already done so, go to the Steam store and buy the game.
  • Enable Automatic Updates: Even if preloading is not available, make sure you have enabled automatic updates for the game. This way, when the full version of Baldur's Gate 3 is officially released, Steam will automatically begin downloading and installing the update.

  • Launch Steam on Release Day: On the release day of Baldur's Gate 3, which is Aug. 3 according to the previous information, open Steam. The game should start updating automatically if you have enabled automatic updates.

  • Download the Full Version: Once the automatic update starts, Steam will begin downloading the full version of Baldur's Gate 3, which includes all the content and improvements from the early access version. The download size might be substantial, requiring 122 GB of free space, so ensure you have enough space on your hard drive.

  • Start Playing: After the download and installation process is complete, you'll be able to start playing the complete and polished version of Baldur's Gate 3.

When Can You Pre-Load Baldur's Gate 3?

Preloading Baldur's Gate 3 is not possible. The game does not offer a preloading option ahead of its release on PC. Larian Studios, the developers of the game, confirmed that preloading is not supported for early access titles on Steam. Enabling preloading could potentially break the game for players who are currently enjoying the early access version.

Therefore, players who are eagerly awaiting the release of Baldur's Gate 3 will not have the option to download and install the game in advance. Instead, they will need to wait until the official launch time, which is on August 3 at 8 AM PDT. At that time, the game will become available for download, and players will need to install it from scratch.

There is no preloading option for Baldur's Gate 3, and players will have to wait until the release day to download and play the game. The release time for the game varies depending on the region, and it will require 122 GB of free storage space on the computer to install.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Launch Times

Baldur's Gate 3 is set to launch on August 3 at 8 AM PDT, which is a departure from the midnight release that many players are accustomed to. This means that the game's availability will vary depending on the region you live in.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of Baldur's Gate 3 launch times across major regions:

  • 8 AM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
  • 11 AM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
  • 12 PM BRT (Brasília Time)
  • 4 PM BST (British Summer Time)
  • 5 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time)
  • 1 AM AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on August 4
  • 3 AM NZST (New Zealand Standard Time) on August 4

Players in different time zones will need to take note of the corresponding launch time for their region to be ready to dive into the game as soon as it becomes available.

Can You Preload Baldur’s Gate 3 on PC?

No, you cannot preload Baldur's Gate 3 on PC. The game's full release is scheduled for August 3, 2023, and it comes with a massive file size of approximately 122 GB. Despite the high demand from players to have a preloading option to avoid lengthy downloads on the release day, Larian Studios, the developers of Baldur's Gate 3, have confirmed that preloading will not be available.

The specific reason for this decision has not been stated, but it is likely due to the significant size of the game files. Players will need to wait until the official launch time and then download and install the game from scratch. Furthermore, any save files from the Early Access version will not be compatible with the full release, encouraging players to start fresh and explore the new content and possibilities the game has to offer.

Will Baldur's Gate 3 Run on Steam Deck?

Baldur's Gate 3 is set to be compatible with the Steam Deck upon its launch, and Larian Studios is actively working to get it Steam Deck Verified as well. However, players may need to exercise some patience as it might take a few days for the game to officially receive the badge. Despite this, Larian reassures players that the game is currently running well on the Steam Deck, so there shouldn't be significant concerns about performance.

One aspect that won't be available at launch is FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 2.0, an advanced upscaling technology that enhances performance without compromising visuals. Players will have to wait until September 6 for the FSR 2.0 implementation in the game.

The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device by Valve that allows players to play their favorite PC games on the go. With Baldur's Gate 3 being compatible with this platform, fans of the game can look forward to enjoying it on the Steam Deck without any major issues. The Steam Deck verification process is an additional assurance that the game will run smoothly on this handheld device.

Larian Studios is dedicated to providing a great gaming experience for Steam Deck users and is actively working to optimize the game for this platform. Players can expect a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience on the Steam Deck with Baldur's Gate 3, with further enhancements to come with the addition of FSR 2.0 on September 6.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

How to Preload Baldur's Gate 3:FAQs

1. Can I preload Baldur's Gate 3 on PC?

No, preloading Baldur's Gate 3 is not possible. Players will have to wait until the official release date, which is August 3, 2023, to download and install the game on their PCs.

2. When does Baldur's Gate 3 launch in different regions?

Baldur's Gate 3 launches at 8 AM PDT on August 3. The release time varies for different regions: 11 AM EDT, 12 PM BRT, 4 PM BST, 5 PM CEST, 1 AM AEST (August 4), and 3 AM NZST (August 4).

3. Will my Early Access save files be compatible with the full release?

No, Early Access save files will not be compatible with the full release. Due to significant changes and updates during Early Access, it is recommended to start afresh for a better experience.

4. How big is the file size for Baldur's Gate 3?

The full release of Baldur's Gate 3 will require approximately 122 GB of storage space.

5. Will Baldur's Gate 3 be available on the Steam Deck?

Yes, Baldur's Gate 3 will be playable on the Steam Deck upon its launch. Larian Studios is actively working to get it Steam Deck Verified, which might take a few days after release, but it should run well on the device.