Baldur’s Gate 3 players disagree about whether Aradin deserves compassion
The Baldur’s Gate 3 community is divided over whether or not the character Aradin deserves their sympathy.
Aradin is one of the most controversial NPCs in BG3. Players meet the character in the first act, where he and his crew face off against a group of goblins in the Druid Grove. Depending on how things develop, the adventurer may appear again in Act 3.
The disagreement arises from several points of contention. Some players can’t ignore his prejudices against the Tieflings. Others think he is too self-serving to be a good leader.
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However, there are also BG3 players who consider Aradin and his band of mercenaries to be overwhelmed. This line of thinking is especially true for a particular ending to a story that doesn’t end well for those in Aradin’s circle.
A Reddit user recently shared a Baldur’s Gate 3 screenshot of a scene that makes her question her opinion of the NPC in question.
The screenshot pauses in a moment of regret for Aradin, noting that there was no mention of conflict with goblins in the Nightsong contract. If he had known what to expect, Aradin said he would have prepared his crew better. “I can’t believe I feel sorry for this guy of all people,” the Redditor commented.
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A few other people spoke up and said they felt the same way. One user put the situation into perspective by pointing out that the cards were stacked against Aradin from the start.
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“Imagine getting a Merc job at Baldur’s Gate. Nothing crazy, just find an artifact in an ancient temple. Bring the essentials, pack some gear and a capable crew and hit the road… Suddenly you’re caught up in a goblin cult battle between some druids and Tiefling refugees, your druid leader nowhere to be found and half your crew was slaughtered.”
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Those who don’t meet Aradin in the third act of Baldur’s Gate 3 seem to be friendlier towards him. One such answer is: “…I never told him where Nightsong was. In my opinion he is a likeable guy. The man just lost a lot of friends and the ones who survived are really wrecked.”
Larian StudiosHowever, many fans say they found Aradin less likable after reuniting with him in Act 3. One Redditor wrote: “Well, in Act 3 he could break into your hotel room and try to kill you in your sleep. “I found him less likable at that point.”
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Another comment in the thread shows how deep the contempt for Aradin runs among some people. “I hate Aradin and will beat him every time in the Emerald Grove after the fight at the gate. He is bigoted towards the Tieflings and ultimately the leader of a group that allowed themselves to be killed.”
Last but not least, the different opinions about Aradin prove the strength of BG3’s award-winning storytelling.
