Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

In short: Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is an RPG game released in 2000 by BioWare, available on PC. Our score: 9.5/10 (highly recommended).

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

A classic isometric RPG known for its rich story, deep character progression, and tactical combat. Players continue their adventure in the Forgotten Realms.

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is a critically acclaimed role-playing game developed by BioWare and released in 2000. It is the direct sequel to Baldur's Gate and continues the saga of the Bhaalspawn. Set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of Dungeons & Dragons, the game plunges players into a meticulously crafted world filled with political intrigue, ancient evils, and profound moral choices. The narrative begins with the protagonist imprisoned by the enigmatic wizard Jon Irenicus, setting the stage for an epic journey across the titular city of Athkatla and beyond. The game is renowned for its expansive world, detailed lore, and compelling storytelling, building upon the foundations of its predecessor while significantly expanding in scope and complexity. At its core, Baldur's Gate II offers an unparalleled RPG experience characterized by deep character customization and tactical real-time-with-pause combat. Players can create a custom protagonist, choosing from a wide array of races, classes, and alignments, each with distinct abilities and role-playing opportunities. The party-based combat system allows for intricate strategies, requiring players to utilize spells, abilities, and environmental factors to overcome challenging encounters. Beyond combat, the game excels in its rich character interactions. The companions encountered throughout the journey are not just戦闘 units; they are fully fleshed-out individuals with their own backstories, motivations, and evolvin…

Game details

Our review

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is not just a game; it's an epic journey, a masterclass in storytelling, and a benchmark for the RPG genre. From the moment you're thrust into the clutches of the enigmatic Irenicus, the narrative grips you with its intricate plot, morally ambiguous choices, and a cast of unforgettable characters. The Forgotten Realms come alive with rich lore and diverse environments. The gameplay, built on the robust AD&D 2nd Edition ruleset, offers unparalleled depth. Character customization is extensive, allowing for countless builds and playstyles. Combat, though real-time with pause, demands tactical prowess, rewarding clever spell usage and party composition. While the isometric graphics, even for their time, might seem dated to modern eyes, the art direction and detailed environments still hold up, conveying a sense of grandeur and atmosphere that few games achieve. The sheer amount of content, from sprawling main quests to countless side adventures and meaning…

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FAQ

Is Baldur's Gate II beginner-friendly?
Baldur's Gate II has a steep learning curve due to its complex D&D ruleset and tactical combat. New players might find it challenging, but persistence is rewarded with one of the deepest RPG experiences.
How long is Baldur's Gate II?
Completing the main story can take anywhere from 60-100 hours. A thorough playthrough with side quests and exploration can easily extend to 200+ hours, offering incredible value.
Do I need to play Baldur's Gate I first?
While not strictly necessary, playing Baldur's Gate I (and its expansion, Tales of the Sword Coast) will enrich your understanding of the story, characters, and world. The Enhanced Editions allow you to import your character.
Are there mods for Baldur's Gate II?
Yes, there's a vibrant modding community for Baldur's Gate II. Mods can enhance graphics, add new content, fix bugs, and alter gameplay. The Beamdog forums and Gibberlings3 are good places to start looking.
What classes are recommended for a first playthrough?
For a first playthrough, fighter-mage or cleric-fighter multi-classes are powerful and flexible. A pure fighter or paladin is also solid for melee, while a sorcerer offers great arcane power without memorizing spells. Avoid highly specialized classes initially.

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Last updated: 01/04/2026