Baldur's Gate 3 Companions System Explained

In “Baldur’s Gate 3,” companions are playable characters who can join your party and fight alongside you. Each character has their own motivations, personality, and viewpoints, making them unique additions to your adventure. This guide will delve into the various companions you can recruit, their backgrounds, and how they can enhance your gameplay experience.

Types of Companions

Origin Companions

Origin companions are playable characters with rich backgrounds and connections to the world of Baldur’s Gate. These characters can be recruited shortly after completing the prologue and can be played as the main character (PC) instead of creating a custom character. Each origin companion has a unique story, attributes, and skills. Notably, all six origin companions can develop romantic relationships with the player’s character, regardless of race or gender. However, whether these relationships last depends on the game’s storyline and player choices.

Recruitment Locations:

• Lae’zel: Found in a cage above a cliffside.
• Shadowheart: Located in the ship’s cabin of the Nautiloid.
• Gale: Near the cliffside teleportation point.
• Astarion: Northwest of the wrecked beach.
• Wyll: In the Goblin Camp.
• Karlach: By the river below the inn on the Path of Ascension.

Standard Companions

Standard companions are characters who can join your party as the story progresses. While you cannot play as these characters from the start, they can still be controlled during gameplay. They have their own approval ratings, can be equipped with gear, and can level up or multiclass.

Recruitment Locations:

• Halsin: Found in a cage in the Goblin Camp temple.
• Minthara: In the Goblin Camp.
• Minsc: Located in an abandoned cistern beneath Lady Jannath’s estate.
• Jaheira: In the Last Light Inn.

Approval System

The approval system is primarily used to establish romantic relationships with NPCs. Companion approval affects interactions but does not impact game difficulty or the final outcome. If a companion dies in battle, their approval rating will drop but won’t reach zero. If a companion is controlled or defeated, the approval rating remains unchanged.

Party Composition

You can only select up to four companions in your party, so you’ll need to make strategic choices based on your preferences and the overall strength of your team.

Recommended Companions for New Players

• Wyll: As a Warlock, Wyll is ideal for new players due to his ability to recover all spell slots after a short rest. His “Eldritch Blast” is a powerful spell that can deal significant damage.
• Gale: A versatile Wizard, Gale’s “Magic Missile” is a first-level spell that can hit targets with high accuracy and damage. His spellcasting abilities are comprehensive, providing both offensive and supportive capabilities.
• Lae’zel: A formidable Fighter, Lae’zel is a primary damage dealer and is highly recommended for new players due to her straightforward combat skills.
• Shadowheart: As a Cleric, Shadowheart excels in healing and restoring health, significantly boosting the party’s survivability. Her “Bless” spell is particularly useful, providing bonuses to attack rolls and saving throws.

Conclusion

Companions in “Baldur’s Gate 3” add depth and complexity to your adventure. By understanding their unique backgrounds, skills, and how to recruit them, you can create a balanced and effective party. Exploring the diverse Baldur’s Gate 3 characters and understanding the role of the Baldur’s Gate 3 guardian can further enrich your gameplay experience.