Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), developed by Larian Studios, is a deep and immersive RPG based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset. It offers countless ways to interact with the world—through combat, stealth, persuasion, and even music. One of the more creative and immersive features allows you to play musical instruments as a bard or bard-influenced character. But players often ask: how to get money from playing instrument BG3?
The answer lies in understanding the bard class, roleplaying opportunities, and clever use of the game’s mechanics. This article explores how you can make gold as a musician in Baldur’s Gate 3, even if it’s not as straightforward as looting corpses or completing quests.
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The Bard and Musical Instruments in BG3
First introduced in Patch 8 during early access and fully developed in the full release, the Bard class in BG3 brings a new layer of roleplaying and utility. Bards can inspire allies, manipulate others with charm, and perform music using various instruments. Even non-bards can play instruments, although they may lack the finesse or bonuses that bards enjoy.
Musical instruments include:
- Lutes
- Flutes
- Lyres
- Drums
- Violins
Instruments can be found, bought, or picked up across the game world, and your character must be proficient (or classed as a bard) to get the most out of them.
Can You Actually Make Money Playing Music?
Technically, BG3 does not currently include a formal in-game mechanic that allows you to earn gold simply by playing an instrument. That said, there are creative ways to simulate or roleplay this experience to generate in-game income.
Here’s how:
Roleplaying to Gain Tips in Taverns or Public Areas
Although there’s no mechanic where NPCs throw coins at your feet, roleplaying a bard performance in a tavern or busy area can lead to indirect rewards. You might:
- Attract NPCs who provide quests or information
- Gain favor with certain characters (especially in social hubs like the Emerald Grove or Last Light Inn)
- Create distractions to steal or pickpocket while performing
For example, you might start playing in a tavern and have another character sneak around while NPCs are distracted. This won’t directly give you gold from the performance, but it’s an effective way to combine music with mischief.
Using Performances as Distraction for Theft
This is one of the most practical answers to “how to get money from playing instrument BG3.” While you perform music in a public area:
- Nearby NPCs will gather to watch the show
- They become less attentive to their belongings
- Your party members (or even your performing bard) can sneak into rooms, pickpocket, or open containers unnoticed
With a stealthy build or companion like Astarion, you can earn significant loot using this distraction technique.
Entertainment in Camps and for Companion Approval
Though not directly tied to income, playing instruments in camp can raise approval with certain party members. Higher approval often unlocks:
- Personal quests (with valuable loot)
- Extra dialogue options
- Romance and alliance benefits
All of which can lead to rewards, money, and stronger party synergies in the long run. So while not a gold-generating action on its own, music in camp has indirect financial value through improved outcomes and gear from companions.
Using Bard Class Skills for Extra Money
Bards have access to several abilities that can be used in social and economic encounters:
- Persuasion and Performance checks: Used to convince NPCs to give discounts, pay for services, or hand over coins
- Deception: Bards can con or bluff NPCs, especially during quests or barter interactions
- Selling stories or entertainment: In some scenes, you can talk or perform your way to gold rather than fight for it
These roleplaying-driven opportunities open multiple paths to earn income using music, charisma, and social skill trees.
Performing During Events or Unique Quests
In certain story areas, your bard might be asked to perform as part of a celebration or special scene. These rare but rewarding moments can:
- Lead to quest advancement
- Gain gold or gifts from NPCs
- Build your reputation in the region
As BG3 evolves, more scripted opportunities for bards may appear, including musical contests or diplomatic performances. Keeping a bard in your party ensures you’re ready for these moments.
Bartering and Selling Loot from Musical Events
After using performances to distract or impress, the resulting loot you gather can be sold to vendors. While not direct “payment” for playing, it’s a profit-driven loop tied to musical interaction.
For example:
- Distract NPCs with a song
- Loot their room or secret stash
- Sell the loot to a merchant
- Profit!
It’s an unconventional bard hustle, but it works—especially with high charisma or good deception rolls.
Final Thoughts
While Baldur’s Gate 3 does not yet offer a direct “play music, earn gold” mechanic, there are multiple creative and effective ways to use music to gain money. Through distraction, companion bonding, social manipulation, and immersive roleplaying, bard characters (or musical non-bards) can carve out a profitable niche.
So the next time you’re walking into a tavern or setting up camp, don’t forget your lute. Whether you’re charming nobles, tricking guards, or entertaining friends, your instrument might just be the most profitable tool in your inventory.
FAQs: How to Get Money from Playing Instrument in BG3
Q1: Can I earn gold directly by playing an instrument in BG3?
A: No, the game doesn’t currently have a direct mechanic where NPCs give you gold for performing music. However, you can use music for distractions, gaining approval, or opening new opportunities that lead to money.
Q2: Do I need to be a bard to play instruments?
A: No, any character can pick up and play an instrument, but bards have special bonuses and better performance interactions due to their class features and proficiencies.
Q3: What instruments can I find in BG3?
A: Common instruments include lutes, flutes, drums, lyres, and violins. These can be found in shops, chests, or as quest rewards.
Q4: Can playing music help with stealing or pickpocketing?
A: Yes. Performing in populated areas can serve as a distraction, drawing NPC attention away and allowing other party members to steal without being detected.
Q5: Will future updates add more bard-related money-making features?
A: Possibly. Larian Studios has been expanding class-specific content, and future patches or mods may introduce bard contests, paid performances, or more interactive tavern events.
If you’re looking to make gold in BG3 with flair, charm, and a few musical notes, the bard path is perfect for you. Just remember: sometimes gold comes not from the music itself, but from the doors it opens.
