The Baldur’s Gate 3 rumor mill never stops spinning. Just when fans thought Larian Studios had moved on from their 2023 masterpiece, leaker NateTheHate drops a bombshell claiming the studio “would love to port” the game to PlayStation 5. But with Larian’s recent comments about other platforms and Wizards of the Coast owning the IP, this rumor feels more complicated than it first appears.
The NateTheHate PS5 Port Claim
The rumor surfaced through Reddit’s GamingLeaksAndRumours community, where NateTheHate – one of gaming’s most reliable insiders – stated Larian “would love to port Baldur’s Gate 3” to PS5. Given Larian’s history of console excellence (the PS5 version launched flawlessly in September 2023 after crushing PC Early Access), fans immediately latched onto the idea of an upgraded native PS5 version optimized for DualSense features and PSSR upscaling.
Context matters here. Baldur’s Gate 3 currently runs on PS5 through backward compatibility from the PS5-disc version that shipped in 2023. A full native port could unlock 60fps modes, native 4K, advanced DualSense haptics for spellcasting, and PS5 Pro enhancements. Sony’s State of Play events consistently lack CRPG representation, so Larian filling that gap with a definitive PS5 experience makes business sense.
However, timing raises eyebrows. Larian declared Baldur’s Gate 3 “finished” after Patch 8 in April 2025, which added crossplay, Photo Mode, and 12 new subclasses. The studio shifted focus to their next major RPG (codenamed “Excalibur” or Divinity 5), meaning any PS5 port would need to justify diverting resources from new development. Nate’s comment suggests internal enthusiasm exists, but external factors might prevent it from happening.
Larian’s Recent Platform Comments
Larian CEO Swen Vincke’s January 2026 Reddit AMA clarified the studio’s stance on ports. When asked about Nintendo Switch 2, Vincke said Larian “would have loved to” bring Baldur’s Gate 3 there, but “it wasn’t our decision to make.” This points squarely at Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro, who own the Baldur’s Gate IP and Dungeons & Dragons license. Larian developed the game under license, meaning major platform decisions require publisher approval.
The Switch 2 situation mirrors what could happen with PS5. Larian handled the technically challenging Xbox Series S port (delayed six months due to split-screen co-op optimization), proving their console expertise. Wizards likely blocked Switch 2 to protect Nintendo exclusivity deals or avoid diluting the brand across too many platforms. A PS5 native port faces similar IP gatekeeping, especially since Sony rarely promotes Western CRPGs despite critical acclaim for titles like Final Fantasy 16.
Larian’s recent Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2 shows they’re still active on consoles. That upgrade path included native 4K/60fps, DualSense support, and modernized UI – exactly what Baldur’s Gate 3 PS5 fans want. But Divinity uses Larian’s own IP, giving them full porting freedom that Baldur’s Gate lacks.
Technical Reality Check
Baldur’s Gate 3’s PS5 version already performs admirably. The backward compatible disc runs at dynamic 1440p-2160p with stable 30fps, leveraging the same engine optimizations that powered PS5’s launch version. Larian maintained patch parity across PC/PS5/Xbox through 2025, meaning PS5 players enjoyed Honour Mode, crossplay, and mod support alongside PC.
A native PS5 port wouldn’t reinvent the wheel technically. Developers could build on the existing console foundation, adding:
- Native 60fps mode (currently locked at 30fps)
- DualSense adaptive triggers for weapon/spell feedback
- Haptic feedback for environmental interactions and combat
- PS5 Pro PSSR 8K upscaling and enhanced ray tracing
- Improved load times via SSD optimizations
The real barrier isn’t technology – it’s economics and licensing. Larian employs 500+ developers focused on their next RPG. Diverting a 20-30 person team for 6-9 months on a PS5 port yields questionable ROI when the game already sells 25+ million copies across existing platforms.
| Platform | Status | FPS Target |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Native (Early Access 2023) | Unlimited |
| PS5 | Backward Compatible | 30fps |
| Xbox Series X | Native | 30fps |
| Switch 2 | Not Happening | – |
Why Wizards Might Say No
Hasbro/Wizards prioritize D&D’s premium positioning. Baldur’s Gate 3 elevated CRPGs to mainstream success, but flooding platforms risks brand dilution. Sony’s RPG ecosystem favors Japanese titles (Persona, Final Fantasy, Tales), leaving little marketing push for Western CRPGs despite critical acclaim.
Larian’s post-BG3 trajectory matters too. The studio rejected sequels, massive buyout offers, and AAA publisher deals to retain independence. Porting an “finished” game distracts from their next original RPG, rumored to “dwarf BG3 in scope.” Swen Vincke emphasized creative freedom over revenue maximization.
FAQs
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 getting a native PS5 version?
NateTheHate claims Larian wants to port it, but Wizards of the Coast owns the IP and likely holds final say. Current PS5 version runs well via backward compatibility with all patches included.
Why did Larian say no to Switch 2?
Swen Vincke confirmed Larian “would have loved to” port BG3 to Switch 2, but Wizards blocked it. IP licensing trumps developer preference for major platform decisions.
Does PS5 need a native BG3 port?
The current version delivers 30fps at dynamic 1440p-4K with full patch parity. A native upgrade could add 60fps and DualSense features, but isn’t essential given solid performance.
When did Larian finish Baldur’s Gate 3?
Officially “finished” after Patch 8 (April 2025) adding crossplay, Photo Mode, and 12 subclasses. Minor hotfixes continue, but major development shifted to Larian’s next RPG.
Will we get Baldur’s Gate 4?
No. Larian rejected sequel rights. Wizards may license the IP elsewhere, but Larian focuses on original RPGs rather than franchise obligations.
How does BG3 run on PS5 Pro?
Excellent via PSSR upscaling. Dynamic 1440p base renders upscale cleanly to 4K with minimal artifacts. 60fps mode would elevate it to elite status.
What’s Larian working on next?
New original RPG (possibly Divinity 5) targeting 2028-2029. CEO Swen Vincke promises it will “dwarf BG3 in ambition” with next-gen features current consoles can’t handle.
The Reality Check
Larian loving the idea doesn’t make PS5 ports happen. Wizards guards D&D fiercely, Larian builds new games, and current PS5 performance suffices for most players. NateTheHate surfaces interesting internal sentiment, but business realities likely keep this as wishful thinking. Enjoy BG3 where it lives – Faerûn awaits across PC, PS5, and Xbox regardless of native ports.