Baldur's Gate 3 keeps receiving patches to make the gaming experience smoother by removing glitches, improving balancing, and adding whole new features. Patch 5 adds two entire game modes for fans to try out: Custom Mode and Honour Mode.

The latter will be of particular interest to fans who are ready to test their skills and play the deadliest, most challenging version of Baldur's Gate 3 yet. But what exactly does this mode offer, and what do players get for completing it? Read on below to know what it entails and whether one is ready to take it on.

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How To Activate Honour Mode in BG3?

Honour mode menu option Baldur's gate 3

Honour Mode is only available by starting a new game. One of the ideas behind it is removing all the exploits players use to make the game easier, whether they are fair or were put there intentionally by the devs.

It would not be right if players could play to the end of the game on Balanced difficulty and then switch to Honour Mode just before delivering the last blow to the final boss. So, select New Game in the opening menu, then scroll to the second-to-last icon on the right to start an Honour Mode game.

What Does Honour Mode Change?

Honour Mode detailed overview

As described in the game's community notes and the warning before embarking on the journey, Honour Mode does all it can to make the game extremely hard:

  • Players have one save file, removing the ability to save scum
  • The run is over if the whole party is wiped out
  • "Action economy rules and damage bonus rules are made stricter towards the end of the game" (as described in the detailed overview from the menu when starting an Honour Mode run)
  • Bosses now have legendary actions
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What Happens If The Party Is Wiped Out?

If players fail a run in Honour Mode, they can continue their file in Custom Mode (where they can adjust numerous gameplay settings). However, they will not receive the reward for completing the game in Honour Mode.

What Are Legendary Actions?

Those familiar with the tabletop game will know what legendary actions are and can already imagine how they will translate to the gameplay. Bosses will now be able to perform special actions after another character's turn, making encounters even harder and more unpredictable.

What Is The Action Economy?

The action economy simply refers to the number of actions players and allies have during a turn. With this point noting "towards the end of the game," it perhaps has to do with builds that take advantage of bonus actions used to gain a dramatic advantage in later-game encounters.

What Is The Reward For Completing Honour Mode?

The baldur's gate companions

For beating the game, players receive a Golden D20 or the 20-sided die used for skill checks. It may seem inconsequential, but it is the permanent mark that the player bested Baldur's Gate 3's most significant challenge.

Who Should Attempt Honour Mode?

If it is unclear by now, Honour Mode is intended for the most experienced players. It should not be attempted as a first run through the game. It will only serve to frustrate any player who tries.

Baldur's Gate 3 Tag Page Cover Art

Platform(s)
PC, macOS, PS5, Xbox Series X
Released
August 3, 2023
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
Publisher(s)
Larian Studios