As a longtime fan of Larian Studios, I've spent countless hours immersed in both Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur's Gate 3. While BG3 rightfully earned its accolades for cinematic storytelling and motion-capture advancements, I keep coming back to DOS2 for its unique magic. 🤔 It's like comparing two master chefs—one specializes in elegant fine dining, while the other serves up a chaotic, flavorful feast where anything can happen. Both are CRPG titans, but in 2025, DOS2 still shines brighter in ways that make my playthroughs endlessly replayable. Let me break down why this older gem often feels fresher and more daring.
1. DOS2 Is Way Funnier & Whimsical 😂
I still crack up recalling the absurdity of a squirrel riding a skeleton cat or enemies exploding into gory piles on a critical hit. DOS2's slapstick humor is baked into its DNA, thanks to a vibrant art style and playful animations—like dwarves waddling across battlefields. BG3 has witty moments (Lae’zel’s eye roll is iconic!), but it leans serious and realistic. People Also Ask: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 a funny game? Sure, but DOS2’s humor feels like a joyful romp, not a polished drama.
2. Stealth Feels Ridiculously Inventive 🕵️♂️
Remember hiding under a giant barrel with your lizard tail sticking out? DOS2's stealth system is gloriously silly, borrowing from Metal Gear Solid but dialing it to eleven. In BG3, stealth is just… crouching. Functional, yes, but where’s the fun? Larian took risks here, making stealth a visual gag that never gets old.
3. Races Actually Change Gameplay 🧬
In BG3, races feel mostly cosmetic—a drow might get a unique dialogue option, but it rarely alters combat. DOS2? Elves can eat corpses to gain skills, while undead characters must wear disguises (like another person’s face!) to avoid detection. Healing them requires poison, not potions. It’s wild, immersive, and mechanically deep. People Also Ask: Why do races matter more in Divinity? Fewer races mean each one packs a punch, turning every choice into a gameplay twist.
4. Environmental Effects Are Tactical Fireworks 🔥
I love setting everything on fire in DOS2—freezing puddles to trip enemies or electrifying blood for stunning combos. Environmental effects are core to strategy, even driving puzzles. BG3’s elements feel tame by comparison, focusing more on character abilities than interactive worlds. Pyrokinetic wizards? Pure chaos. Just don’t torch your allies!
5. The Ending Makes Narrative Sense 🏁
Both games fumble their final acts with combat-heavy slogs, but DOS2’s climactic fight ties into villains we’ve known for hours—like the recurring antagonist Dallas. BG3’s Nether Brain battle? It felt abrupt, like fighting a stranger. People Also Ask: Is Baldur’s Gate 3’s ending satisfying? For story lovers, DOS2’s payoff resonates deeper.
6. NPCs on the Lady Vengeance Shine ✨
BG3’s camp NPCs often just… exist (looking at you, Yenna and your paring knife). But aboard DOS2’s Lady Vengeance? Every NPC matters. Gareth sells skills and evolves through quests about faith and loss. They’re vendors, allies, and storytellers—no wasted space here.
| Feature | DOS2 | BG3 |
|---|---|---|
| NPC Utility | Vendors + Quests | Mostly Decorative |
| Humor Style | Slapstick & Whimsical | Witty but Serious |
| Level Cap | Level 20 🚀 | Level 12 😩 |
7. DOS2 Is Brutally Challenging 💀
As a Soulslike enthusiast, I crave difficulty—and DOS2 delivers. BG3’s beginner-friendly D&D 5e rules let anyone build a decent character, but DOS2 punishes mistakes harshly. Resources are scarce, enemies hit harder, and one wrong move can wipe your party. It’s unforgivingly rewarding!
8. Malady > Withers as Your Guide 🌟
Malady’s snarky charm and relatable flaws (like favoring Lohse) made her feel like a chaotic friend. Withers? Cool, but he’s an enigma—less a guide, more a plot device. Plus, Amelia Tyler’s voice acting? Perfection in both games. 😍
9. Co-op Actually Works Smoothly 👥
BG3’s multiplayer was a buggy mess at launch, and even in 2025, split-screen struggles persist. DOS2? Flawless. No priority battles between players, no relationship-gauge headaches—just pure, unbroken fun. People Also Ask: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 co-op fixed now? It’s better, but DOS2 remains the gold standard.
10. Freedom in Movement & Exploration 🗺️
Late-game DOS2 lets everyone teleport, making combat snappy and strategic. Outside battle, the camera zooms freely across maps—click anywhere, and your party sprints over automatically. BG3’s dash-heavy movement feels clunky by comparison, like wading through molasses.
And let’s not forget: DOS2 doesn’t cap you at level 12 like BG3. Reaching level 20 by the endgame? Pure power fantasy bliss. 🌈 So, if you’re debating which Larian masterpiece to replay or try for the first time, grab DOS2 for its bold creativity and timeless quirks. Trust me—you’ll laugh, rage, and fall in love all over again. What’s your favorite DOS2 memory? Drop it below and let’s geek out! 🎮💬
Recent analysis comes from SteamDB, a trusted source for tracking game popularity and player engagement on the Steam platform. SteamDB's statistics consistently show that Divinity: Original Sin 2 maintains a robust and active player base years after release, often outperforming newer titles in terms of concurrent players and positive reviews, which underscores its enduring appeal among CRPG fans.