Larian confirms new fantasy RPG is in development as studio moves beyond Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios has confirmed that work is underway on a brand new fantasy RPG, marking the studio’s next major step after Baldur’s Gate 3. The project does not return to the Baldur’s Gate or Dungeons & Dragons universes, but instead aims to establish an original setting and story.

While details are still limited, the confirmation closes months of speculation about what the Belgian developer would tackle next after its critically acclaimed 2023 release. For players, it sets expectations that Larian remains committed to large scale, narrative driven role playing games rather than pivoting to smaller experiments.

Larian’s next game will not be Baldur’s Gate 4

Larian leadership has been clear that the studio is stepping away from the Baldur’s Gate license for now. The team has stated previously that it does not plan to create expansions or a direct sequel, and this new project continues that direction by focusing on a fresh universe.

That means players should not expect carryover saves, returning companions or unresolved plot threads from Baldur’s Gate 3 to form the backbone of the next game. Instead, Larian is treating the new title as a clean creative slate, free of existing canon and external license holders.

Early hints at scope and design

Although the game has not been formally revealed with a title or trailer, the studio has shared a few hints about its ambition. Internally, Larian describes the project as its most expansive to date, with a focus on deep systemic storytelling and player choice, two pillars that defined its recent work.

Recruitment posts on Larian’s website suggest the next RPG will once again blend real time presentation with turn based combat, complex dialogue systems and a strong emphasis on party based exploration. Listings reference next generation platforms and high end PC hardware, which points to a project designed to take advantage of current console and GPU capabilities.

What this means for Baldur’s Gate 3 players

For fans still invested in Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian has indicated that the game will continue to receive technical support and quality of life improvements for the foreseeable future. However, players should not expect large new story arcs or additional companions layered onto the existing campaign.

This approach is consistent with how many single player RPGs are handled once they reach a stable, mature state. The focus shifts from large content drops to maintaining performance, fixing lingering issues and ensuring that new platforms or hardware revisions do not break the existing experience.

Why an original IP matters for the studio

Working on an original setting gives Larian more control over long term plans. Unlike licensed properties, an internally owned universe can be revisited across sequels, spin offs and different genres without negotiating external approvals or lore restrictions.

It also gives the team freedom to design mechanics and narrative structures that are not tied to tabletop rulesets. While Baldur’s Gate 3 earned praise for adapting Dungeons & Dragons, an original IP lets Larian rethink character progression, magic systems, factions and world building from the ground up.

What players should expect in the coming months

Right now, the new game is still early enough that Larian is not attaching dates or detailed feature lists. The studio typically avoids announcing specific launch windows until development is well advanced, which makes a near term release unlikely.

Players can expect a gradual ramp up: concept art teases, early cinematic shots and technical discussions about engine upgrades often appear before full gameplay showcases. Given the scale of Baldur’s Gate 3, it would not be surprising if this next RPG followed a similarly long public lead in with iterative player feedback once it reaches a more complete state.

How this fits into the broader RPG landscape

Larian’s confirmation arrives at a time when large scale single player RPGs are again in high demand, with publishers investing heavily in both fantasy and science fiction worlds. A new original project from a studio with recent success raises expectations across the genre.

For players, the takeaway is straightforward: Baldur’s Gate 3 is entering a stable, maintenance focused phase, while Larian’s creative energy is shifting toward a new fantasy universe. Those interested in story rich, tactical party RPGs have another major project to watch, even if the wait is likely to be measured in years rather than months.