In BG3 Tav name has been an interesting confusion for many players as there is no explanation of what it signifies in the game or who it refers to. Naturally, there have been many speculations and conjectures regarding the potential meaning of it.
Embarking on your epic journey through the realms of Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is a thrilling adventure. As you painstakingly mold your character, pouring hours into selecting their race, class, background, abilities, and above all, their appearance, a simple name awaits you at the final stage of creation: Tav, the default moniker in BG3.
You’re not boxed in, though – a chance to switch it up with a name of your own, up to 20 characters, lies ahead. Yet, the BG3 Tav name slot often lurked in the shadows of character creation, causing many players to unknowingly christen their hero as Tav, oblivious to the possibility of a change.
What is the exact meaning of BG3 Tav name?
But, hey, is Tav really the ultimate title for BG3’s protagonist? Truth be told, there’s no iron-clad canon name for the star of Baldur’s Gate 3. Some RPGs slap a “canon” label on their main characters, even though you, the player, can still wield the renaming power, much like the likes of Link in the time-worn Legend of Zelda series, Frisk and Chara from the quirky Undertale universe, or the diverse protagonists of the Persona saga.
In BG3 Tav, it turns out, carries a nod to the bygone days of BG3’s conception. Flashback to when the game was a mere spark in the development bonfire: Larian Studios‘ mastermind and big cheese, Swen Vincke, spilled the beans in the Divinity: Original Sin documentary circa 2018. Their next big venture post-Divinity: Original Sin II was none other than “Project Gustav,” a nomenclature lovingly borrowed from Vincke’s trusty canine companion.
Peek under the hood of BG3’s inner workings, and you’ll find many a .pak file sporting the moniker Gustav. Dive into the multiplayer campaign, and lo and behold, the character you’ll meet goes by none other than Gustav. It’s a heartfelt salute to the origins of Baldur’s Gate 3’s tale and a tribute to Vincke’s four-legged pal.
As for the CEO’s penchant for integrating his furry friends’ names into his magnum opuses, well, that’s not a one-time affair. Just like Larian Studios itself, which draws its moniker from another of Vincke’s canine companions, his dogs continue to leave their paw prints on the grand tapestry of his most ambitious undertakings.
Meanwhile, your name is not the only thing you can change while creating your character, as you know. However, it is also possible to change your appearance once after you start your campaign as well. To figure out how to do so, make sure to check out our article on how to change your appearance in Baldur’s Gate 3. Also, if you ever need more of a strategic assist in the game, don’t hesitate to refer to our other articles as well, such as the one about where to find all companions in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Featured image credit: Larian
