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Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II remain cult classics not only among D&D fans, but cRPG gamers in general. With countless hours of gameplay, captivating stories, colorful characters, and many memorable locations they're one of the most intense and extensive role-playing experiences you can get while sitting in front of your PC. But to say that they didn't age at all might be a bit of a stretch. That's why some people would go a great distance modding and upgrading both those titles to combine them into one, seamless, visually updated game--an enhanced edition, if you will.

We're well aware of a commercial project aiming to achieve that goal. Originally, actually, that was scheduled to release today. That didn't happen, unfortunately, but that does give us a great reason to tell you how to make your own enhanced edition of Baldur's Gate. It's very nearly hassle-free and (especially with the sale going on) it won't cost you much at all. There's one catch, though: you need copies of both Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2 in order to enhance your game. Let's see how! One of our users, GoJays2025, committed his time to write a comprehensive guide on the topic. We know not all of you dare to venture into our forums, so we thought that sharing this guide here, might be a good idea!

So, are you ready to enhance your GOG.com edition of Baldur's Gate saga and play both games as one, seamless adventure with the visually superior BG2 version of the engine and its updated mechanics, and with high-res graphics better suited for your modern wide-screen display? Here's how you do it, according to GoJays2025!

1. Fully install Baldur's Gate: The Original Saga
2. Fully install Baldur's Gate II Complete.
3. Download Baldur's Gate II Fixpack (Download links are on the left side) and extract it to your Baldur's Gate II directory.
4. Run the newly extracted setup-bg2fixpack.exe (if not automatically started).
5. It is safe to select yes for all the optional fixes, but if you want to learn about each in detail, consult the readme file that comes with the fixpack.
6. Download BGT-WeiDU and extract it in your Baldur's Gate II directory.
7. Run the newly extracted Setup-BGT.exe and follow the instructions. You may need to run it in administrative mode in Windows Vista/7.
8. Enter Baldur's Gate I's directory when asked (if not already provided)
9. Wait for BGT-WeiDU to finish installing.
10. OPTIONAL: Download and install Baldur's Gate 1 Unfinished Business as well as BG 2 Unfinished Business. These mods restore things that were previously cut from the released product, so while you don't need them, and they do add new content, they're pretty nice to have, especially if this is not your first time.
11. OPTIONAL: Download and install any user-created material (banter packs, expansion mods, new NPCs, etc.)
12. Go to your Baldur's Gate II directory, then find and run the file Setup-BGTMusic.exe and select 'Hybrid Baldur’s Gate/Shadows of Amn/Throne of Bhaal music'. This makes it possible to hear the original Baldur's Gate music when playing Baldur's Gate I.
13. OPTIONAL: (for more experienced users) Download Baldur's Gate II Tweak Pack (if this link doesn't work, please try the emergency mirror site) and apply it in the same way as the fixpack. Consult the readme file for details of each tweak - too many to list here. If you don't know what a tweak does even after consulting the readme, just skip it.
14. OPTIONAL: Download and install the Bigger Fonts for BGII mod if you plan to play in really high-res and don't want to strain your eyes reading tiny text.
15. Download the widescreen mod and apply it in the same manner as the fixpack. This makes it possible to play the game in high resolutions and in widescreen format.
16. Remove the Baldur's Gate I installation if you wish - it's done its job!

Now you should be able to play the game all the way from Baldur's Gate I to the end of Throne of Bhaal in one continuous game! Enjoy!

Note: If you're on Windows 7 you might want to install the games in a directory other than C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86) to avoid potential problems. C:Games should work.

The original forum thread, that also includes some other installation options, can be found here:
Baldur's Gate saga essential mods by GoJays2025
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BewareofCrisps: Hey. I followed all the suggested steps to the end but when I try to run the game it just doesn't start. I try to run BG2 and it starts to run but then stops, no error messages or anything.

The only thing I think I may have done wrong is installing BG1 Unfinished Business in the BG2 directory - since the end step is to optionally delete BG1 since the WeiDU essentially links the two into one I thought this was what I had to do. Should I just delete everything and re-download it all or have I done something else wrong?
You're correct in your assumption that you're meant to install the BG1 UB into the BG2 directory, so that isn't the issue. I'm afraid it sounds like you may have to start again. I'd run the BG2 uninstaller rather than just deleting the folder, btw. It's generally bad practice to just delete a game's files (unless you're told it's ok to, as in the case of BG1 here): proper uninstallers go a bit further and clean up any registry issues which may cause trouble if you try to reinstall. In this case, I don't think there'll be any issue, but it's just good practice.

Once the games are reinstalled, the first thing to check is whether the two games work without mods or not, so try both of them and see if you can get past the issue. If not, contact GOG for support (assuming you bought the games on GOG; if not, ask for help in the forums). I'd also try redownloading the installers first, as it could easily be that the download got corrupted. Do mention in your support ticket that you've tried that, as it'll save you some time when they tell you to try that solution :P

Assuming the games work in vanilla, redownload all the mods and install them again. Test whether BG2 is still working after steps 5, 9, 14 and 15. If it works all the way through, then congratulations: it's now working, and was obviously just a hiccup. If it stops working at some point, then stop following the guide and post where the issue started.

Incidentally, if you post in here you risk your post getting buried. I'd suggest making a thread (marked as a question) in the BG subforum, with a link to this thread. Also, when exactly does the game crash? Before the introductory menu with play, view readme, etc?* As soon as the game appears and goes full screen? After the cutscenes? When you begin playing? If the game gets far enough into loading, try going into windowed mode (using alt-enter): I've had a similar sounding issue in the multiplayer menu which going out of full screen dealt with. In my case, I found I was able to reenter full screen (using the same key presses) after getting through the menu and into the game, so give that a try if that turns out to be the issue.

Hope that helped.

*Assuming the GOG edition doesn't remove this menu, which is possible
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supahdave: Hey gang, I had a question...

I followed the whole list, as offered by the charming people at GoG.com for my BGT mod. However...

When I install Unfinished Business for Baldur's Gate 1, and use BG2 to start a new character (as it is suggested above), will the Unfinished Business pack for BG1 actually do anything? Because I'm kind of circumventing BG1 by playing it through BG2...

Or am I missing the point. :)
You install UB for BG 1 into BG2, which contains BG1
hi i followed all the instructions it all works fine, nice, buuuuuuuuuuuut (had to be one didnt there) none of the TotSC expansion is in game which blows. worse is i have only just noticed after getting all the way to chapter 6..........joy of joys. any one any ideas or is it a stuffed it no way to get it without starting again?

cheers folks
Hey, I'm at the point where I have the BGT weidu unzipped into my BG2 folder. Whenever I run the setup-bgt app, it detects my BG1 folder, but whenever I say i confirm it, it gives me this error "Invalid Baldur's Gate directory, or incorrect Baldur's Gate installation. It is is safe to abort this installation by closing this window or pressing Ctrl+C. Enter the full path to your Baldur's Gate instsallation then press Enter."

I've tried manually typing in the address, and I've also repaired my install. What else can I do to troubleshoot this?
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SirrDavidd: Hey, I'm at the point where I have the BGT weidu unzipped into my BG2 folder. Whenever I run the setup-bgt app, it detects my BG1 folder, but whenever I say i confirm it, it gives me this error "Invalid Baldur's Gate directory, or incorrect Baldur's Gate installation. It is is safe to abort this installation by closing this window or pressing Ctrl+C. Enter the full path to your Baldur's Gate instsallation then press Enter."

I've tried manually typing in the address, and I've also repaired my install. What else can I do to troubleshoot this?
May I ask what OS you're using? Is the installation path in the Programs folder or somewhere else? The troubleshooting section of the BGT ReadMe seems to describe a problem similar to yours, I think. It probably won't hurt to check it out, anyway. It's located here: http://readme.spellholdstudios.net/BGTReadme.htm#troubleshooting
Post edited September 08, 2014 by Turante
Hello,
I just installed everything step by step, except optional steps 11 and 13.

I can start both games individually.
When I start BG2, I can oly choose "Shadows of Amn" or "Throne of Baal".
They both starts their corresponding adventure, not BG1.

Any idea ?

Thanks,
Imarion
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Imarion: Hello,
I just installed everything step by step, except optional steps 11 and 13.

I can start both games individually.
When I start BG2, I can oly choose "Shadows of Amn" or "Throne of Baal".
They both starts their corresponding adventure, not BG1.

Any idea ?

Thanks,
Imarion
Are you sure it's not working as intended? If the mod is installed correctly, you should be presented with the options of SoA and ToB. If you click on SoA, you should be given a number of options including "new game" and "new BG2 game" (or "new SoA game", or words to that effect; I don't have the game installed on this computer so can't check right now). If you click on "new game" it should start you from the beginning of BG1: after character creation, the opening narration will begin "nestled above the...". Run through the new game options to that point, and see what comes up.
Hello,
thanks for the answer.

After selecting Soa I have 6 options: 1 player, multiplayer, quit (or exit), cinematic (movies ?), settings, and back.

When I click one player I can do: new game, load, back and training.

If I choose SOA and create a character I start a game in a tavern for some kind of training.
Not around the castle of BG1.

Imarion
Hello,
I reinstalled everything from scratch and it works now.

Probably I made a mistake in the process.

Imarion
PS: for the story: Imarion is the pseudo I created for my necromancer when I first played BG1 back at the time ...
Post edited December 09, 2014 by Imarion
Great forum, I'll skip all the praise but recognize it's very deserved.

Hopefully someone can just update me on the 'seamlessly' play BG1 and BG2 after following the exceptional mod advice.

BTW, it installed great with minor glitches which I mostly resolved. I played thru BG1 all the way to the end battle with Sarevok. I reported back to Duchal palace and it shows some cut scenes where my party get's wiped out, all my stuff is missing (just like the Original BG1 & BG2, as well as the EE versions - I own em' all) and then I find myself in the cage/cell where Imoen walks up.... - this is the 'seamless'? Just curious.

I was under a false assumption (yeah, I know...) that 'seamless' meant that I get to keep my party, my stuff and travel from BG1/TOSC to BG2/TOB with the mod's.

If it helps, this 'go thru with the BG series' is with the BG Original Saga and BG 2 Complete install(with the 15 step mod guide provided here at GOG).

Thanks ahead of time for any assistance or feedback.
Post edited December 09, 2014 by KGAGoodOlGames
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GOG.com: Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II remain cult classics not only among D&D fans, but cRPG gamers in general. With countless hours of gameplay, captivating stories, colorful characters, and many memorable locations they're one of the most intense and extensive role-playing experiences you can get while sitting in front of your PC. But to say that they didn't age at all might be a bit of a stretch. That's why some people would go a great distance modding and upgrading both those titles to combine them into one, seamless, visually updated game--an enhanced edition, if you will.

We're well aware of a commercial project aiming to achieve that goal. Originally, actually, that was scheduled to release today. That didn't happen, unfortunately, but that does give us a great reason to tell you how to make your own enhanced edition of Baldur's Gate. It's very nearly hassle-free and (especially with the sale going on) it won't cost you much at all. There's one catch, though: you need copies of both Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2 in order to enhance your game. Let's see how! One of our users, GoJays2025, committed his time to write a comprehensive guide on the topic. We know not all of you dare to venture into our forums, so we thought that sharing this guide here, might be a good idea!

So, are you ready to enhance your GOG.com edition of Baldur's Gate saga and play both games as one, seamless adventure with the visually superior BG2 version of the engine and its updated mechanics, and with high-res graphics better suited for your modern wide-screen display? Here's how you do it, according to GoJays2025!

1. Fully install Baldur's Gate: The Original Saga
2. Fully install Baldur's Gate II Complete.
3. Download Baldur's Gate II Fixpack (Download links are on the left side) and extract it to your Baldur's Gate II directory.
4. Run the newly extracted setup-bg2fixpack.exe (if not automatically started).
5. It is safe to select yes for all the optional fixes, but if you want to learn about each in detail, consult the readme file that comes with the fixpack.
6. Download BGT-WeiDU and extract it in your Baldur's Gate II directory.
7. Run the newly extracted Setup-BGT.exe and follow the instructions. You may need to run it in administrative mode in Windows Vista/7.
8. Enter Baldur's Gate I's directory when asked (if not already provided)
9. Wait for BGT-WeiDU to finish installing.
10. OPTIONAL: Download and install Baldur's Gate 1 Unfinished Business as well as BG 2 Unfinished Business. These mods restore things that were previously cut from the released product, so while you don't need them, and they do add new content, they're pretty nice to have, especially if this is not your first time.
11. OPTIONAL: Download and install any user-created material (banter packs, expansion mods, new NPCs, etc.)
12. Go to your Baldur's Gate II directory, then find and run the file Setup-BGTMusic.exe and select 'Hybrid Baldur’s Gate/Shadows of Amn/Throne of Bhaal music'. This makes it possible to hear the original Baldur's Gate music when playing Baldur's Gate I.
13. OPTIONAL: (for more experienced users) Download Baldur's Gate II Tweak Pack (if this link doesn't work, please try the emergency mirror site) and apply it in the same way as the fixpack. Consult the readme file for details of each tweak - too many to list here. If you don't know what a tweak does even after consulting the readme, just skip it.
14. OPTIONAL: Download and install the Bigger Fonts for BGII mod if you plan to play in really high-res and don't want to strain your eyes reading tiny text.
15. Download the widescreen mod and apply it in the same manner as the fixpack. This makes it possible to play the game in high resolutions and in widescreen format.
16. Remove the Baldur's Gate I installation if you wish - it's done its job!

Now you should be able to play the game all the way from Baldur's Gate I to the end of Throne of Bhaal in one continuous game! Enjoy!

Note: If you're on Windows 7 you might want to install the games in a directory other than C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86) to avoid potential problems. C:Games should work.

The original forum thread, that also includes some other installation options, can be found here:
Baldur's Gate saga essential mods by GoJays2025
When i try to run Baldur's Gate II fixpack it tells me im not running it in the rite directory and that it should be running in the infinity engine game directory. which i dont have because i used the GOG installer.
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barkon23: When i try to run Baldur's Gate II fixpack it tells me im not running it in the rite directory and that it should be running in the infinity engine game directory. which i dont have because i used the GOG installer.
What directory are you trying to run it in?
Post edited February 27, 2015 by ssokolow
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barkon23: When i try to run Baldur's Gate II fixpack it tells me im not running it in the rite directory and that it should be running in the infinity engine game directory. which i dont have because i used the GOG installer.
When you install the fixpack, and it highlights the default Atari location in blue ( under "Destination Folder")
Click on browse (to the right) and direct it to your GOG installation.
Before you click install.
Hello! So I'm new to Baldur's Gate...completely. No D&D experience and I've never played any of the games. I chose to go with the Original version instead of the enhanced.

My question is, are kits unavailable in the original Baldur's Gate or was that just a change in the enhanced edition? I'd heard that they made a big difference, but when I went to create my paladin I never got a kit option.

Thanks!

Nick
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nburgmei: My question is, are kits unavailable in the original Baldur's Gate or was that just a change in the enhanced edition?
Kits were introduced in BG II. Vanilla BG I never had any of the overpowered kits. AFAIK, the BG EE engines are based off of the BG II engine, hence kits. If you really need them there are a couple different mods that let you play BG I in the BG II engine assuming you own both.

No D&D experience and first time playing I would choose vanilla Baldur's Gate: The Original Saga, but then that's how I typically play the first one.
Post edited March 02, 2015 by Gydion