BG and IWD are completely separate stories, so don't worry about that.

BG 1 -> SOD (optionally) -> BG 2

IWD 1 -> IWD 2 (available at GOG, for example)

The IWD series is much more linear with a focus on combat. No NPC companions in them. You create your complete party yourself.

IWD 1 is less beginner friendly than BG 1, because for example, arcane scrolls are distributed in very limited ways throughout the game. And merchants add higher level scrolls only as the story progresses. IWD 1 also isn't capped at 161,000 XP, which means you don't stop at level 8-10 as in BG 1. There's more to learn because you will need to choose higher level spells.

yea IWD is less RP and harder both. There are a couple of fights that are just brutal if you don't know the game and what to do. It might be better last even if its 'first'

What is IWD?

Originally posted by MiraPrower:

What is IWD?

https://steamhost.cn/app/321800/Icewind_Dale_Enhanced_Edition/

According to the FR timeline (the years are measured in Dale Reckoning or DR) it's:
IWD 1281 DR->IWD2 1312 DR->BG 1368 DR->SOD ->BG2 1369 DR

The events of IWD do factor into SOD a little, but they're separate stories.

IWD 2 is not really a sequel to IWD. I actually played IWD before BG1, no problem. The game engine and rules are the same, but the party approach and story sequence are very different.

However, IWD 2 is a completely different game system (AD&D 3.5 as opposed to 2nd for IWD/BG1.) So there is no compatibility between them. Characters and parties won't transfer and the story is not contiguous.

I'll say that playing BG1 before IWD will make your IWD experience a bit easier because you'll have some understanding of the mechanics ahead of time. IWD has a strong benefit from mechanical knowledge

Originally posted by Centurion:

IWD 2 is not really a sequel to IWD.

IWD2 still have lot of references and quite few locations from IWD1.

BG and IWD are itotally independent and also quite different design - IWD is way more linear and focused on combat than BG.

It should be noted that Beamdog changed some fundamentals within the engine, when updating BG1 into EE, to the same settings as BG2.. I do not know about IWD

Originally posted by Lets Go Brandon! FJB:

It should be noted that Beamdog changed some fundamentals within the engine, when updating BG1 into EE, to the same settings as BG2.. I do not know about IWD

The same. IWDEE runs like BGEE/BG2EE. In fact, it basically incorporates the BG2 game system (kits, proficiencies, etc.) There are some differences in spells, and especially spell effects. Perhaps the biggest is that the alignment restrictions of the original IWD are gone. You can now play the story with a party of assassins and blackguards, if you want (not optimal.)