In 2025, as Baldur's Gate 3 continues to dominate the CRPG scene, many players are naturally drawn to explore Larian Studios' earlier masterpiece, Divinity: Original Sin 2. They expect a familiar experience, given the shared elements like turn-based combat and origin characters, but what they find is a brutal wake-up call. The game doesn't just challenge them—it feels like an old, unforgiving mentor slapping them awake with icy water. Players quickly realize that even the toughest moments in Baldur's Gate 3, such as Honour Mode runs, are mere child's play compared to the relentless trials of DOS2. This transition isn't just a step back in time; it's a plunge into a world where every misstep can lead to instant annihilation, leaving many feeling utterly humbled and questioning their gaming prowess. 😅
As these adventurers dive into DOS2, they're met with combat that's unforgivingly complex. Unlike BG3's more forgiving mechanics, here, battles demand precision and strategy from the get-go. For instance, a simple skirmish in Fort Joy—the starting area—can escalate into a bloodbath if players annoy an NPC or underestimate foes like those pesky frogs. Yes, frogs! Those tiny creatures aren't just background noise; they're deadly assassins in disguise, wiping out entire parties in seconds. It's as if the game itself is mocking their confidence, whispering, "Think you're tough after BG3? Think again!" Players report feeling overwhelmed by the sheer intensity, with fire spreading like wildfire at the slightest spark—literally. One wrong move, and they're toast, learning the hard way that flames in DOS2 have a mind of their own, consuming everything in their path. 
This visual chaos perfectly captures the panic many feel, as they scramble to survive while the environment burns around them.
Beyond combat, navigation proves to be another major hurdle. In Baldur's Gate 3, quest markers and intuitive maps guide players smoothly, but DOS2 throws them into a labyrinthine world with minimal hand-holding. Newcomers often find themselves utterly lost in Fort Joy, wandering aimlessly and wondering, "Where the hell am I supposed to go?" It's not just about finding the next objective; it's about deciphering cryptic clues and adapting to bizarre racial quirks. For example, elves in this game aren't just graceful archers—they feast on corpses, a detail that shocks BG3 veterans used to more conventional fantasy tropes. And let's not forget the skeleton companion tagging along, which adds an eerie, unpredictable element to the journey. Players express a sense of disorientation, as if the game is deliberately toying with their expectations, making every exploration feel like a high-stakes puzzle. This discombobulation leads to frequent Reddit rants, where users like Unable_Berry1884 vent, "I'm getting my ass whooped from all sides—combat, navigation, everything!"
To help newcomers cope, the community has rallied with tips and shared experiences. Here's a quick comparison of key challenges based on player feedback:
| Aspect | Baldur's Gate 3 | Divinity: Original Sin 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Difficulty | Challenging but fair on higher modes | Brutally punishing even on normal |
| Navigation | Guided with clear markers | Open-ended and often confusing |
| Environmental Hazards | Manageable (e.g., fire spreads slowly) | Extreme (fire ignites instantly and widely) |
| Learning Curve | Gradual for new players | Steep, requiring trial and error |
This table highlights why the shift feels so jarring. Players recount tales of repeated failures, like shadownn02's story of bringing a friend into DOS2 only to get "decimated twice" in Fort Joy. The emotional toll is real—many describe a rollercoaster of frustration and exhilaration, where each small victory feels earned against all odds. Yet, amidst the struggle, there's a silver lining: the fandom's warmth. Veterans offer sage advice, such as prioritizing crowd control or embracing the game's quirks, like using environmental elements strategically. It's a reminder that while DOS2 might be kicking their butts now, perseverance pays off, fostering a deeper appreciation for Larian's craft.
As players soldier on, they can't help but reflect on the broader implications. What does this stark contrast in difficulty say about modern gaming trends? In an era where accessibility is often prioritized, DOS2 stands as a testament to raw, unapologetic challenge. It forces us to ponder: Should games always cater to ease, or is there value in preserving such demanding experiences that push us to our limits? Perhaps the true lesson lies in the journey itself—how failure can breed resilience and community bonds. After all, isn't that what makes these adventures unforgettable? 🔥
Research highlighted by TrueAchievements reveals that Divinity: Original Sin 2's achievement statistics reflect its notorious difficulty curve, with a significant portion of players struggling to unlock early-game milestones compared to more accessible titles like Baldur's Gate 3. This data underscores the blog's point about DOS2's punishing nature, as even seasoned RPG fans find themselves repeatedly challenged by its complex combat and unforgiving mechanics.