Venturing through Faerun alone is not recommended. A CRPG is incomplete without a party full of interesting, unique personalities. Baldur's Gate 3 provides players with all the resources needed to create an unstoppable group of heroes. There are plenty of different characters to choose from.
Companions are an important part of the game. Without them, you will not have as much advantage in fights, nor will you be able to explore intricate stories different from your own. They add depth to your gameplay and spice to the story. This guide will detail everything you need to know about companions.
This article was written for the Early Access version of Baldur's Gate 3. Information is subject to change.
What Are Companions
Companions are not just side characters. They are vital characters you can control whenever you want. You will need to use them to create a party of four. They all have different races and classes, allowing you to mold a well-balanced team of fighters.
Aside from helping in battle, companions have their own strong opinions and personal stories.
By gaining their trust, you can delve into their past and help them face whatever conflict they may be fighting alone.
Getting closer to companions provides extra side quest activity that lasts the whole game. You can also take control of your companions by selecting their party icon on the left side of the screen.
Even if you have a custom character, you can gain control of a companion and speak to NPCs as them, using their dialogue and traits.
How Do Companions Work
Companions work by finding them in the game and choosing to recruit them. They can be found in obscure areas or in plain sight.
For instance, Shadowheart is found at the very beginning of the game banging on a door. Lae'zel can be found trapped by some Tieflings and in need of assistance.
You can find different companions in unique situations. It is up to you to decide if you want to help them. Even if you help them, you are not obligated to recruit them to your party.
You could solo the game if you wanted; it would just be very difficult as the game is designed for parties.
They will help you in battle since most fights will require a decent number of party members to help because even your enemies don't fight alone.
Companions can offer insight on story beats while you are traveling with them or by speaking to them at your camp.
Romance
The best part about companions is romancing. Like with other open-world, choices-matter RPGs, you can craft a relationship in Baldur's Gate 3. As you earn the trust of your companions, and they let you in, you will have the option to pursue romance.
The game has sex scenes and detailed cutscenes dedicated to your virtual relationship.
To earn the trust of a companion, you have to increase your Approval with that character by making choices they would agree with.
Every Available Companion
Each companion has a unique personality. You will have characters like Lae'zel, who look down upon the rest of the crew and has her own selfish needs. Then you have characters like Gale, who is happy to cooperate with others and crack jokes.
Who you choose to be in your party is up to you. You can even start the game as one of the characters themselves. Whatever you decide, it is best to balance out the team so there is one of every vital class.
For instance, you should have some sort of Rogue thief that can handle lockpicking.
You will also want to have a ranged character, like a Wizard. It's also important to have a tank, such as a Fighter or Paladin.
Click a companion's name below to be taken to an article about the best builds for that character.
Companion | Info | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| A stubborn fighter that wants nothing more than to please her Githyanki queen and become a respected member of her people. Lae'zel will stop at nothing to do so. | |
| A mysterious and sarcastic elf with a deeper secret. She carries a strange, powerful, and important object, yet Shadowheart won't share what it is. | |
| A sly elf that tries to kill you at first. Astarion might just be in it for the entertainment of it all. He loves tricking people and coming out on top. | |
Wyll |
| A noble warrior that honors battle. Leader of the Blade of Frontiers. Wyll is controlled by a demon and keeps this secret under wraps. |
| Gale is light-hearted and full of good intentions. He has regular morals, the only difference being that he wants to be the best wizard. In attempting to accomplish that, he has a disastrous curse upon him. | |
Karlach |
| A Tiefling that was enslaved by demons to fight the infamous wars in the Nine Hells. Everyone despises the Hells and anything that comes with it. Karlach is just trying to seek vengeance and have freedom again. |