BioWare Corporation's 1999 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1999 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- BioWare Corporation
- Publisher
- SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
- MobyScore
- ★ 7.99
The history
Developed by BioWare Corporation and published by SEGA Enterprises Ltd., Tales of the Sword Coast arrived as a significant add-on to the original Baldur's Gate. It was designed to expand the world of the Forgotten Realms without extending the main plot of the base game.
The expansion mattered because it provided a substantial bridge of content for players who had completed the main story, adding depth to the world through new areas and challenging encounters. It reinforced BioWare's early commitment to creating immersive, sprawling role-playing experiences.
How it plays
The gameplay loop focuses on exploration and questing through newly added regions of the game world, most notably the town of Ulgoth's Beard and the formidable Durlag Tower. Players engage in a series of four large-scale quests, each designed to take several hours to complete.
Beyond the narrative missions, the expansion introduces new items, voices, and abilities, enhancing the character customization and combat options available to the player's party.
How it was received
The expansion was met with critical acclaim, mirroring the success of the base game. It earned high marks across the board, including a 92% from GameRanger, 91/100 from Metacritic, and 9.4/10 from IGN. Other strong scores included a 9/10 from both MaxPC and EPD, as well as 5/5 ratings from Computer Games Strategy Plus and NGen.
In the magazines
The period press.
Specialist publications were highly favorable, with PC Gamer US awarding it 94/100 and Computer Games World giving it a 4/5.
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
BioWare would go on to become a titan of the RPG genre, continuing to evolve the systems introduced in these early titles. Tales of the Sword Coast remains worth seeking out today for its dense dungeon design and for providing a complete experience of the first game's era.
What it's worth
Copies surface on the second-hand market from time to time, but listings are sparse enough that there's no reliable price band to quote — check the live search for what's available right now.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: GOG or the original disc under DOSBox. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
As a piece of retro gaming history, this expansion holds up as a masterclass in how to add value to a world without bloating the main narrative. The inclusion of Durlag Tower provides a challenging gauntlet that still feels rewarding.
If you enjoy the methodical pace of classic isometric RPGs, this is an essential addition that transforms the original map into a much richer playground.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.