At this point, you may not want to bother starting the Early Access version of Baldur's Gate 3. Progress on the Early Access version of the full-length RPG will not carry over to the August 3 launch, so at this point, "an Early Access purchase is essentially equivalent to a preorder," according to Larian Studios. Since the Early Access launch in 2020, players have been working on Act 1 but if they create their dream character now and start the storyline, they will soon have to start all over.

"We encourage players not to purchase the early access version of 'Baldur's Gate 3' for the purpose of playing its content. Basically, the games are so vastly different that it is impossible to make these save files compatible."

Again, the early access version of the game is still playable. However, Larian recommends not playing them. Unless you have a special desire to experience the Early Access version of the game and preserve it for posterity.

If you purchase the Early Access version between now and launch, you will still get all the digital goodies that come with the Digital Deluxe version (dice skins, song pack, digital OST, art book, etc.), but you will not get the 72 hours of advance play that was originally advertised.

We're not disappointed that Baldur's Gate 3 will arrive ahead of schedule, as it will give us more time to spend with Forgotten Realms before Starfield is released, but it certainly results in a lot of schedule clarity.

One more time, just in case: