Wyll Ravengard, the charming Blade of Frontiers from Baldur’s Gate 3, has captured the hearts of many players. Yet, some feel his personal story doesn’t quite hit the mark compared to companions like Astarion or Karlach. It’s like ordering a feast and finding one dish a little less flavorful than the rest. After several post-launch updates to the game’s ending and epilogue, some players felt Wyll’s conclusion seemed rushed.
As an SEO content strategist who’s obsessed with video game storytelling, I’ve spent countless hours analyzing why some characters resonate more than others. Let’s explore why Wyll’s story might feel a bit incomplete.
Why Does Wyll’s Story in Baldur’s Gate 3 Feel Underdeveloped?
During a recent Reddit AMA, Larian developers addressed these concerns. Senior writer Kevin VanOrd admitted that Wyll’s content felt “sparser” than intended. According to VanOrd, Wyll’s narrative got split between his pact with the devilish Mizora and his connection to the Ravengards. In the initial Early Access version, the team wasn’t satisfied with his quest. The team opted to rework his story. The issue? This overhaul happened late in development, leading to less-than-ideal circumstances.
Think of it like trying to renovate a house while everyone’s already moved in – things can get a little chaotic.
How Did the Timing of the Rewrite Affect Wyll’s Questline?
When Larian restarted Wyll’s story, the core narratives for other main characters were mostly set. This put Wyll at a disadvantage, as much of his final version came together later. One specific example VanOrd mentioned was a significant event at Baldur’s Gate within the Red War College. This event was meant to feature Wyll prominently but ended up being cut. This decision led to the creation of Wyll being Duke Ravengard’s son. VanOrd developed this plot point shortly before falling ill, and then revisited it again after the epilogue’s release.
What Was the Intention Behind the Wyrmway Sub-Quest?
The Wyrmway, a sub-quest available after saving Ulder Ravengard (or if Wyll breaks his pact with Mizora), was initially conceived as a standalone dungeon. VanOrd explained that the team had resources for a dungeon and decided to connect it to Wyll. He said he “couldn’t get more than a dungeon boss” out of the location and started writing only after the encounters were in place.
Could Wyll’s Arc Have Been Improved With More Focus?
VanOrd considers dividing Wyll’s arc a “mistake in hindsight.” Despite this, he remains proud of the character’s sincerity, good nature, and eager heroism. He wishes the Blade of the Frontiers could have had a more satisfying conclusion, something fans have tried to create on their own.
What Does Larian Games Say About Wyll’s Ending?
Larian Studios acknowledged that Wyll’s ending could have been more fleshed out. This acknowledgment from the developers highlights their commitment to player feedback and their willingness to reflect on areas where the game could be improved.
What Elements of Wyll’s Character Did the Writers Focus On?
The writers focused on Wyll’s inherent goodness and desire to be a hero. Despite the challenges in developing his storyline, the team prioritized his sincerity and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right.
What Can We Learn From Wyll’s Development Process?
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, creative projects face limitations and compromises. The story of Wyll’s development shows how game development can be a complex and iterative process. It shows the challenges and trade-offs that developers often face.
Do you think the writers should revisit Wyll’s story in a future update, and what changes would you like to see?