Creating a Baldurs Gate 3 Experience on a Budget

So you've been playing baldur's gate 3, but you want a full dnd map that has similar flow to it.  Here's a great place to start. 

Creating a diverse and engaging D&D world in a 25x22 grid can be a fun challenge! Here are some approaches you can take:

1. Divide by Function:

7-10 Regions: These are the main areas with distinct purposes and features. Think: bustling market square, sprawling forest, ancient elven ruin, treacherous swamp, forgotten dwarven mine, treacherous mountain range, hidden coastal village, ominous necromancer's tower, etc.

5-8 Secondary Areas: These offer smaller points of interest within the main regions. Cave system in the forest, goblin camp on the mountain slopes, abandoned watchtower guarding the swamp, hidden alchemist's lair within the dwarven mine, etc.

3-5 Landmarks: These are unique features within the regions, not tied to any specific function. Giant petrified tree in the market square, hidden spring in the forest, crumbling watchtower on the mountaintop, mysterious obelisk in the ruins, etc.

2. Theme-Based Approach:

Divide by biome: Forest, grassland, mountain, swamp, coast, etc. Each biome can have its own sub-regions and points of interest.

Divide by culture: Human kingdom, elven enclave, orcish hoard, goblin tribe, gnomish tinkering guild, etc. Each culture can have its own distinct areas within the grid.

Divide by history: Ancient battle site, lost civilization ruins, haunted graveyard, cursed forest, abandoned mine, etc. Each historical element can form a sub-region within the larger grid.

3. Random Generation:

Use online map generators or dice rolls to determine the general layout of the regions.

Fill in the details based on the randomly generated terrain and add points of interest that fit thematically.

Additional Tips:

Vary the size and shape of your regions: Not everything has to be a perfect square.

Connect the regions with natural pathways: Rivers, roads, tunnels, etc.

Consider your party's level and interests: Tailor the challenges and points of interest to their capabilities and preferences.

Leave room for improvisation: Don't plan everything down to the last detail. Allow for unexpected discoveries and player-driven events.

Remember, there's no single "right" approach. Have fun, be creative, and let your imagination run wild!

I hope this helps you craft your overworked D&D world!