Baldur’s Gate 3 players discover in-game showers and more in recent update

Larian Studios
Larian Studios /
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In the world of Dungeons & Dragons and Baldur’s Gate 3, adventures can lead to intense battles, and these battles often leave characters and companions drenched in blood. However, when the dust settles, and the romance or intense cutscenes are about to unfold, it’s a little challenging to woo your companions or maintain an immersive experience when everyone is covered in gore.

One player, Reddit user u/Inactivism, recently stumbled upon a nifty solution to this issue. They shared their discovery in a wildly popular post on r/BaldursGate3 titled “Did you know you can take a shower?” on October 3.

In their post, they highlighted the practicality of standing under a waterfall in the game to wash off the blood. “You know how you are always super bloody after a fight?” they wrote. “Stand under a waterfall and shower, and you look clean! I discovered that yesterday and don’t know if everyone already knew that but I want EVERYONE to know!”

Now, the secret’s out: you can take a shower in Baldur’s Gate 3. While this may seem like a minor feature, it serves an essential purpose by removing distracting grime that could otherwise disrupt the immersive quality of the game’s intimate or intense cutscenes. And in a more practical sense, it’s a good reminder that staying clean can help reduce the risk of staph infections—both in-game and in real life.

Reddit users celebrated this revelation, with many emphasizing the importance of maintaining hygiene, even in the digital realm. u/Inactivism later added an important update to their post: “Edit: […] I am happy to inform you I now took a shower in real life too because hygiene and stuff. I didn’t have the blood thing though.”

As if answering the community’s showering needs, Baldur’s Gate 3’s Hotfix 9, released on October 6, introduced even more exciting in-game features. One significant addition allows players to edit the appearance of paid party members, known as Hirelings, using the Magic Mirror, just like they can with their main character. Additionally, players can now change their names in this mystical mirror.

Furthermore, developer Larian Studios included several notable changes in this update:

  • GPU crashes on PS5 Vulkan should be ameliorated.
  • PS5 players should no longer experience a black screen in split-screen mode while eavesdropping.
  • Characters now exhibit smoother animations if players choose to skip their dialogue.
  • Minthara’s romance will no longer “unreliably trigger.”
  • The Adamantine Splint Armour won’t give you invisible legs.
  • Characters will take off their underwear for all romance scenes.

With these updates, Baldur’s Gate 3 not only enhances its gameplay and immersion but also adds a touch of realism by acknowledging the importance of cleanliness, even in the midst of epic adventures. So, whether you’re fighting off hordes of monsters or engaging in heartfelt conversations with companions, it’s good to know that a refreshing digital shower is just a waterfall away.

What change in the latest update are you most excited about, and which character are you most eager to see clean up? When was the last time you showered in-game or in real life? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

The discovery of in-game showers in Baldur’s Gate 3 highlights an interesting aspect of modern video game design – the attention to detail and immersion that developers aim to achieve. While taking a virtual shower might seem like a minor feature, it’s part of a broader trend in the gaming industry where developers are focusing on realism and player immersion to create more captivating experiences.

In recent years, we’ve seen a growing emphasis on realism and player agency in games. Developers are investing heavily in technologies like ray tracing, physics engines, and artificial intelligence to create worlds that feel more lifelike than ever before. This extends to the characters themselves, with advanced facial animations and motion capture techniques allowing for more expressive and believable digital actors.

The inclusion of in-game showers in Baldur’s Gate 3 is just one example of how these efforts to enhance realism are seeping into every aspect of gaming. Players now have the ability to affect their characters’ appearance and cleanliness, mirroring real-life considerations like hygiene and grooming.

But it’s not just about showers. The gaming industry is continually exploring ways to make virtual worlds more immersive, whether it’s through realistic weather systems, day-night cycles, or dynamic ecosystems. These elements not only serve to make the game worlds more convincing but also provide players with new challenges and opportunities for creative problem-solving.

In the case of Baldur’s Gate 3, taking a shower not only cleans your character but also underlines the importance of hygiene, even in a fantasy realm. It’s a small but meaningful detail that can add depth to a character’s story and relationships with companions. It’s a reminder that the choices players make in-game can have consequences, no matter how mundane they may seem.

This trend towards realism and immersion is not limited to Baldur’s Gate 3. Many other games, from sprawling open-world adventures to intimate narrative experiences, are embracing similar principles. As technology continues to advance and developers push the boundaries of what’s possible, we can expect even more impressive feats of immersion in the games of the future.

So, next time you find yourself covered in virtual blood after a hard-fought battle in a game, remember that there might be a digital shower waiting for you to wash away the grime and keep the immersion intact. As gaming continues to evolve, these small details can make a big difference in how players connect with the worlds they explore.

As for Baldur’s Gate 3 players, they can now enjoy both the thrill of epic adventures and the satisfaction of staying clean, all thanks to a waterfall in a fantasy world. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of gaming and the dedication of developers to create ever more immersive experiences for players to enjoy.

What are your thoughts on the trend towards realism and immersion in video games? Have you discovered any other unexpected features in your favorite games that enhance your immersion? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.