Baldur's Gate 3's Moonrise Towers Were Almost Double the Size - But Cut Due to "Too Big" Game

The iconic Moonrise Towers, a key location in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3, were initially planned as two separate towers, potentially doubling the size of this already formidable dungeon. However, Larian Studios director Swen Vincke revealed in a recent interview with BAFTA that the second tower was ultimately cut due to the game's sheer scale.

Spoiler Alert: This article discusses plot points from Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3.

Vincke explained that the decision to trim down Moonrise Towers was "purely production." He said, "The game was getting too big so we had to cut that out." While the second tower was scrapped, traces of it can still be seen in the game's files.

The decision to cut a significant section of the game is not surprising given the sheer scope of Baldur's Gate 3. The game already boasts a vast world, a complex story, and a plethora of side quests and activities. Adding another full-fledged tower would have undoubtedly strained the development process further.

The omission of the second tower raises questions about its potential content. Would it have been a completely separate area with its own unique challenges and rewards? Or would it have been a smaller expansion of the existing tower, offering additional rooms and secrets?

While the specifics of the second tower remain a mystery, Vincke's description suggests it was intended to be a fully realised space, not just a minor addition to the existing structure. This suggests the inclusion of a second tower would have significantly increased the game's size and complexity.

Despite the absence of the second tower, Moonrise Towers remains a memorable and challenging location in Baldur's Gate 3. Players can access the area through various paths and infiltrate the tower using diverse tactics, making for a dynamic and rewarding experience. The climactic encounter with Ketheric, the main antagonist of Act 2, even introduces a brand new area connected to the tower, further enriching the player experience.

Looking back, Vincke's decision to cut the second tower appears to have been the right one, ensuring that Baldur's Gate 3 remained a cohesive and enjoyable experience. While some players may be disappointed by the loss of this potential content, the game's vast scope and captivating narrative ultimately outweigh the omission.

This news also sheds light on the difficult choices developers often face when balancing ambitious visions with the reality of production constraints. Ultimately, the decision to cut the second tower allowed Larian Studios to create a game that is both massive and meticulously crafted, solidifying Baldur's Gate 3 as a modern masterpiece in the RPG genre.