As the holiday season approaches, gamers everywhere are wondering what to expect from Baldur’s Gate 3’s Black Friday sales. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer looking to add another copy for couch co-op or a newcomer finally ready to experience the Game of the Year winner, understanding Larian Studios’ pricing patterns can help you make an informed decision about when to buy.
Understanding Baldur’s Gate 3’s Pricing History
Before diving into Black Friday expectations, it’s essential to understand how Baldur’s Gate 3 has been priced since its launch in August 2023. The game, which swept nearly every major Game of the Year award, has maintained a relatively stable price point with strategic discounts throughout its lifecycle.
According to SteamDB data, Baldur’s Gate 3 launched at $59.99 and has followed a predictable discount pattern. For the first year, Larian Studios was conservative with price reductions, offering only modest 10% discounts during major Steam sales. However, as the game entered its second year, the discounts became more frequent and deeper.
The Evolution of BG3 Discounts
The pricing history reveals a clear evolution in Larian’s discount strategy:
- Winter Sale 2023: 10% off ($53.00)
- Spring Sale 2024: 10% off ($53.00)
- Summer Sale 2024: 20% off ($47.99)
- Autumn Sale 2024: 20% off ($47.99)
- Winter Sale 2024: 20% off ($47.99)
- September 2025: 25% off ($44.99) – New lowest price
This pattern shows that Larian has gradually increased the discount threshold over time, settling at 20% as the standard discount with occasional 25% reductions during special promotions.
Will Baldur’s Gate 3 Have a Black Friday Sale in 2025?
This is the million-dollar question for would-be Baldurians. The answer, based on historical data, is complicated but promising.
The Steam Sale Calendar Shift
One crucial factor to understand is that Steam doesn’t technically run an official “Black Friday sale.” Instead, Black Friday deals typically coincide with Steam’s Autumn Sale. However, Steam’s sale calendar has undergone significant changes in 2025.
In 2024, the Autumn Sale aligned perfectly with the Black Friday shopping window, offering players 20% off Baldur’s Gate 3. However, the 2025 Autumn Sale started much earlier than usual, beginning on September 19th rather than late November. This shift means that Black Friday 2025 may not see an automatic discount for BG3 through Steam’s seasonal sales.
Themed Sales and Publisher Promotions
While Steam’s seasonal sales are the most reliable source of discounts, Larian Studios has occasionally run themed sales outside of Steam’s regular calendar. These have included:
- Back to the Academy Sale: September 2025 (25% off)
- Easter Sale: April 2025 (20% off)
- Anniversary Sale: September 2024 (20% off)
These themed promotions suggest that Larian is willing to create special discount events, which could potentially include a Black Friday-themed sale in 2025.
Predictions for Baldur’s Gate 3 Black Friday 2025
Based on the available data and patterns, here’s what we can reasonably expect for Baldur’s Gate 3’s Black Friday sales in 2025:
Most Likely Scenario: 20-25% Discount
The most probable outcome is a 20-25% discount during the Black Friday period. This aligns with Larian’s established pricing pattern and would bring the game down to either $47.99 (20% off) or $44.99 (25% off). Given that 25% has been offered as recently as September 2025, there’s a good chance we could see this deeper discount again.
Timing Considerations
Unlike previous years where Black Friday deals were guaranteed through Steam’s Autumn Sale, 2025 presents a different scenario. With the Autumn Sale having already occurred in September, any Black Friday discount would need to be:
- A separate publisher-initiated sale by Larian Studios
- Part of a broader Black Friday gaming promotion
- A surprise discount tied to holiday shopping trends
Alternative: Wait for the Winter Sale
If no Black Friday deal materializes, the next best opportunity will be Steam’s Winter Sale, historically the largest sale event of the year. The 2025 Steam Winter Sale is scheduled to run from December 18, 2025, through January 5, 2026. This is when many developers, including Larian, typically offer their deepest discounts of the year.
Platform-Specific Considerations
It’s important to note that pricing and discounts can vary by platform. While we’ve primarily focused on Steam pricing, Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on multiple platforms:
PC (Steam and GOG)
Both Steam and GOG have shown similar discount patterns for Baldur’s Gate 3, typically offering identical percentage discounts during sales events.
PlayStation 5
The PS5 version, priced at $69.99, has seen fewer discounts than the PC version. However, PlayStation’s Black Friday sales often include significant price drops on popular titles.
Xbox Series X|S
Similar to PS5, the Xbox version has maintained its premium pricing with occasional discounts during major sales events.
Tips for Getting the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Deal
Whether you’re planning to buy during Black Friday or wait for a better opportunity, here are some strategies to ensure you get the best possible price:
1. Set Up Price Alerts
Use price tracking websites like IsThereAnyDeal to monitor price changes across multiple platforms. These services can notify you when Baldur’s Gate 3 goes on sale, ensuring you never miss a discount.
2. Wishlist the Game
Add Baldur’s Gate 3 to your Steam wishlist. This not only helps you track the price but also makes you more likely to receive personalized discount notifications from Steam.
3. Check Multiple Retailers
While Steam is the most popular platform, don’t forget to check authorized third-party retailers like Green Man Gaming, Fanatical, and Humble Bundle. These platforms sometimes offer additional discounts or bundle deals that can save you even more money.
4. Consider Regional Pricing
If you have friends in other regions, be aware that Steam uses regional pricing. Some countries may offer better deals due to currency exchange rates or regional promotions.
5. Don’t Forget About Physical Copies
While digital is convenient, physical copies sometimes see deeper discounts during Black Friday, especially for console versions. Check retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop for potential deals.
The Value Proposition: Is Baldur’s Gate 3 Worth Full Price?
Even if you don’t find the discount you’re hoping for, it’s worth considering whether Baldur’s Gate 3 justifies its full price tag. With hundreds of hours of gameplay, multiple romance options, countless story branches, and unprecedented player freedom, many would argue that $59.99 is a fair price for the experience.
The game’s replayability is exceptional, with different classes, races, and choices leading to dramatically different playthroughs. Plus, with ongoing updates and the potential for future expansions, your investment continues to provide value long after the initial purchase.
What to Expect From Baldur’s Gate 3’s Black Friday Sales: Final Thoughts
As we approach the 2025 holiday season, what to expect from Baldur’s Gate 3’s Black Friday sales remains somewhat uncertain but promising. While the shifting Steam sale calendar means we can’t guarantee a Black Friday discount, historical patterns suggest that a 20-25% reduction is likely, whether through a publisher-initiated sale or as part of broader holiday promotions.
For the best chance at significant savings, keep an eye out for announcements from Larian Studios in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, and be prepared to act quickly when deals appear. If no Black Friday discount materializes, the Steam Winter Sale in December remains your best bet for the lowest price of the year.
Remember, the goal is to embark on your journey through the Forgotten Realms, and whether you pay full price or secure a discount, Baldur’s Gate 3 promises an adventure that’s worth every copper piece. Happy gaming, and may your savings roll a natural 20!