The Official Baldur's Gate 3 Coloring Book, released on August 11, offers fans a new way to engage with the acclaimed RPG, packed with intricate illustrations and subtle Easter eggs. Illustrator Jaki King has revealed that the 80-page book, featuring beloved companions and iconic locations from Faerûn, contains numerous hidden references that even seasoned players might miss.
King shared details about some of these hidden elements in a recent Reddit post and video, highlighting specific examples that demonstrate a deep understanding of the game's lore and mechanics. One notable inclusion is on the page depicting the devil Raphael. He is shown engaged in a game of chess, with the board meticulously set to move 18 of "The Immortal Game," a famous 1851 match known for its dramatic sacrifices. King stated this was a fitting nod to the sacrifices players often make within the game.
Further examples of these detailed callbacks include the art for the Goblin Camp leader, which features two small spiders in the background, representing the giant spiders players can encounter and ally with. The illustration of the mechanical boss Grym includes a geometric pattern behind him that mirrors the forge room's floor, with the underlying lava texture referencing a common player strategy for defeating him. In the Arcane Tower illustration, the framing patterns around the automaton Bernard mimic the design of the tower's moving elevator platform.
Even the portrait of Minsc and his miniature giant space hamster, Boo, contains a subtle reference: the cracked stonework is traced from the actual floor plan of the room where these characters are found in the game. The page dedicated to the Iron Throne features a gnome character named Obelia Toobin, one of the individuals players are tasked with saving during the "Save the Gondians" questline.
King acknowledged that such detailed references might be easily overlooked, noting that she only knew about the chess reference because she put it there herself. The coloring book, available at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon for under $20, provides a low-stakes yet detailed way for players to revisit the world of Baldur's Gate 3. It serves as a reminder of the many subtle details players might have missed even after multiple playthroughs.