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Baldur's Gate 3 - Patch #2 Now Live!
(store.steampowered.com)
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a story-rich, party-based RPG set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, where your choices shape a tale of fellowship and betrayal, survival and sacrifice, and the lure of absolute power. (Website)
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So if your friend stops playing, their character isn't taking up a slot in your party. If they come back, you can get their character back. They aren't "removed," they're just temporarily stuffed in a magical wardrobe.