Big RPGs are full of choices, but finding the right path isn't always one of them. You want to know where to go, what to craft, and which side quests are worth your time. That's where a video game strategy reference earns its shelf space. The challenge is that the guides available for today's biggest releases differ widely in size, price, and specialty. Some are hefty doorstops, others are slim enough to slip in a bag. Some cover a single completed epic, others focus on a specific edition or franchise. This comparison looks at four unofficial guides: one each for Baldur's Gate 3, Skyrim Anniversary Edition, Starfield, and 007 First Light.
Quick Take
Here's the short version:
- The Baldur's Gate 3 guide is the deepest reference in the group, with the highest price.
- The Starfield guide is a strong all-rounder for players who want a single reference for a massive sandbox.
- The Anniversary Edition guide is a thorough companion for Skyrim Anniversary Edition.
- The 007 First Light guide is the smallest, lightest, and least expensive option.
Listed Price Comparison
The four guides span a price range of $26.79 to $55.95. The table below shows the listed price for each paperback.
| Guide | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| 007 First Light Guide | $26.79 | |
| Skyrim Anniversary Guide | $29.39 | |
| Starfield Guide | $49.95 | |
| Baldur's Gate 3 Guide | $55.95 |
Decision Matrix
Not sure which one fits your next game night? Use this quick matrix.
| Use Case | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Story-driven RPG with branching choices | Baldur's Gate 3 guide | Complete walkthrough, turn-based combat, and decision coverage |
| Skyrim Anniversary Edition playthrough | Anniversary Edition guide | Map plus alchemy, enchanting, smithing, and secrets |
| Starfield campaign | Starfield guide | Ship building, factions, planets, and crafting |
| Quick stealth missions | 007 First Light guide | Missions, stealth tactics, gadgets, weapons, and boss strategies |
Product Notes
Baldur's Gate 3 Unofficial Complete Game Guide and Walkthrough
If you're trying to manage a mind flayer tadpole, companion quests, and the consequences of every dialogue choice, this 670-page paperback is the deepest reference in the group. It walks through the turn-based combat, exploration, and decision points that define Larian's RPG. The trade-off is price and portability: at $55.95 and 2.43 pounds, it's the most expensive and least mobile option. You'll want to keep it on a desk next to your keyboard rather than in a backpack. Pick this guide when you want a single source that covers the whole campaign with room to breathe.
Anniversary Edition Complete Game Guide Step By Step Walkthrough Book Map
This companion for The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Anniversary Edition bundles a step-by-step walkthrough with sections on alchemy, enchanting, smithing, all collectibles, and secrets. The included map is a nice touch when you're hunting Daedric artifacts or Creation Club content. At $29.39, it sits mid-pack in price among the four. One thing to keep in mind: this is specifically a Skyrim guide, so if your next playthrough is in another Elder Scrolls game, you won't get the same coverage. Choose it when your adventure is firmly set in Skyrim.
STARFIELD The Ultimate 2025 Compete Game Guide WALKTHROUGH + by Betty R. Mason
When you want more than the main quest, this Starfield companion delivers: it covers ship building, companions, faction quests, planets, crafting, and 100% completion tips. It's a substantial paperback for players who plan to explore the game thoroughly. The cost is $49.95, which places it near the top of the price spread, and that may feel like a lot if you only need a quick answer to one question. The main reason to pick it up is the breadth: one guide that touches nearly every system Starfield puts in front of you.
007 First Light: Game Guide - 2026 Unofficial Edition Complete Walkthrough, Miss
If a compact handbook is more your style, this 007 First Light guide is the lightest of the four. At 95 pages and 7 ounces, it covers missions, stealth tactics, gadgets, weapons, boss strategies, and completion tips. The listed price is $26.79, making it the least expensive option here. The obvious limit is length: a 95-page guide can't offer the encyclopedia-level coverage of the 670-page Baldur's Gate 3 guide. But when you're on a single playthrough and want clear direction without a heavy book, this is the one to carry.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
If you want the deepest story-driven companion, the Baldur's Gate 3 guide is the one to buy. For a sweeping space sandbox, the Starfield guide is worth the higher price. For Skyrim Anniversary Edition, the Anniversary Edition guide offers a focused walkthrough at a mid-range price. And if you're starting small or need a compact companion, the 007 First Light guide is the least expensive and most portable option.
