1st Complete run-thru questions?

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I am planning to do a complete run-thru for the first time and I am not sure how to start? I have BG1, ToSC, BG2 SoA, and BG2 ToB installed and fully patched. I have used Tutu to run thru BG1 before (only a few mods) but I am not sure if this is the best starting point.

What would be a good set up to run and what mods do most use? I usually run a fighter/cleric or ranger/cleric for my PC.

 

It's usually better to go extremely light on mods for your first playthrough. It's your *only* chance to experience the game the way it was designed so do yourself a service and DO NOT SPOIL IT!

However, just to minimize the most aggravating factors, you could try G3 Fixpack / BG2 Tweak Pack (from Gibberlings3) to remove the "You must gather your party" sound and other minor stuff like that. I personally like to remove the stacking limits on common items such as potions, scrolls and especially ammunition as well - doesn't change gameplay at all but removes a whole lot of unnecessary inventory management.

 

I'd stay away from tweak packs for a first run. I only used the Baldurdash fix pack, which was very good.

Note --

Fix: fixes items which have been identified (and verified) as bugs or errors on the part of the designers never addressed by patches.

Tweak: incorporates items which represent fixes to make the game closer to existing rules (but have not been identified as errors by the designers). Some of these rules were intentionally altered by the designer to enhance game play (in their mind). Some tweaks also remove the more annoying aspects of the game.

 

I'd second whst T2Bruno said.
Latest official patch + Baldurdash fix pack und you're set.

 

Don't use Tutu, just play vanilla

 

Uhmm why not use G3 fixpack instead of Baldurdash? The fixpack fixes more errors than what Baldurdash does.

 

I appreciate the responses. I think I'm going to do the following:

Tutu fix
BG mini quests and encounters
Unfinished business
BG2 tweak pack

 

Shaitan, I (and perhaps hannibal555 as well) can only recommend what I have tried. Baldurdash worked well during my run throughs and I was happy with the results. I have never used G3's fix pack.

 

I think, the G3 has its merits, but I don't like that it tries
to 'fix' too many things.
Sometimes, in my opinion, G3 even 'balances' instead of just fixing or they just flat out change what they think is best.

For example the two lesser Golems in the first dungeon aren't immune to backstab, all others are. So G3 'fixes' it. But who says it is but only a balance decision of the original designers, after all it is the first dungeon, and the players are weak. This is debatable, of course, but there are so many similar fixes, and I just think the G3 team does overdo it.

More examples?
Magically created weapons in vanilla have a weight. Makes sense to me, other weapons have weight why not magically created ones.
Just because most other magically created item like e.g. goodberries have zero weight, G3 team changes ALL magically created items AND weapons to zero weight.
Again this is debatable, but pushed too hard in my opinion.

G3 also changed some spellbooks, Jaheira e.g. looses Zone of sweet Air because Druids aren't supposed to know it.
But who says, the original designers just wanted to give her a personal touch over a generic Druid?
After all she knows Harper's Call, which other generic Druid don't know either.
Mazzy also knows strength and has an ability similar to Lay on Hands, which fighters aren't supposed to know. It is just a personal touch of her.

I could go on and on.

I went over every point they 'fixed' and there are just too many things I find disputable.

Maybe that the good old Baldurdash doesn't fix EVERY bug, but at least it just fixes and nothing more.

 

It's up to the player of course. I first used a fixpack of sorts around 2005... even the official patch was "new" to me by then.

@T2: Sure it works well.

@Hannibal555 with that argument you could say the same of Baldurdash, but surely to a smaller degree.

Edit:

AFAIK one or more original designer were involved in the discussions behind the rationale behind many fixes in the G3 Fixpack.

Sorry for misusing the thread BTW