• Mod Title: Dinner With Strahd - A Curse of Strahd Story Mod
  • Developer: Ocelot
  • Required Stage: Act 3 (Rivington)
  • Technical Highlights: 600+ fully voiced and animated lines
  • Key Features: Castle Ravenloft exploration, Strahd romance options, unique combat encounters, and custom loot
  • Installation: LaughingLeader’s Baldur’s Gate 3 Mod Manager recommended

Barovia Comes to Baldur’s Gate: A Veteran’s Take

If you’ve been hanging around the D&D scene as long as we have, the name Count Strahd von Zarovich likely triggers a mix of trauma and excitement. While Larian gave us a masterpiece, the modding community is now filling the void for those of us who want to mix our illithid problems with some classic Ravenloft gothic horror. Ocelot’s "Dinner With Strahd" isn't just a shallow cosmetic tweak; it's a meaty custom campaign that lets your party take a detour from the Absolute to grab tea—and potentially a fistfight—with the most iconic vampire in tabletop history.

We’ve seen plenty of ambitious projects like "Project Strahd" making waves, but this specific mod offers a focused, high-quality narrative "break" from the main quest. It hits that sweet spot of roleplay and action that BG3 players crave.

The Meat of the Mod: Dialogue, Combat, and... Romance?

Voice Acting and Animation

The standout stat here is the "over 600 fully voiced and animated lines of dialogue." For a fan project, that is an absurd level of polish. You aren't just clicking through silent text boxes; you’re engaging with a Strahd who wants to quiz you about those "brain tadpoles" over biscuits. It’s this kind of dedication to immersion that separates the top-tier mods from the simple stat-buffs.

Player Agency: Punching vs. Flirting

The modder clearly understands the BG3 player base. According to Ocelot, there is a "secret for the Strahd romancers," but for those who prefer the classic hero route, you can also just punch him in the face. Whether you want to min-max your way through Ravenloft’s battles or find out what’s under that cape, the mod covers both bases. We believe this variety is exactly why the BG3 modding scene is currently the healthiest in the RPG space.

Integration and Technical Logistics

To get started, you’ll need to head to Rivington in Act 3. Look for a woman near a cart and ox to trigger the storyline. If you’re a player who hasn't reached Act 3 yet or you’ve lost your saves, Ocelot has provided a "shortcut" via an optional tiefling bard save file in the mod's files. This is a massive quality-of-life win for players who just want to jump straight into the Barovian madness.

For a smooth experience, stick to the meta and use LaughingLeader’s Baldur’s Gate 3 Mod Manager. It’s the gold standard for a reason.

What’s Next for Castle Ravenloft?

This isn't a "one and done" release. The modder has already signaled plans to expand the experience, including:

  • Additional rooms within Castle Ravenloft
  • New character introductions
  • Visual upgrades (including giving the vampires proper fangs)

Our take? "Dinner With Strahd" is a mandatory install for anyone looking to extend their Act 3 experience. It bridges the gap between Larian's world and the wider D&D multiverse in a way that feels organic and earned. If you’re finished with this, we also suggest keeping an eye on the "Return to Candlekeep" and "Path to Menzoberranzan" mods to keep your campaign rolling.