Highlights
- Make your own custom character and enlist the aid of 3 companion characters for a more immersive experience and to uncover all their unique stories.
- Each companion has their own motivations and conflicts, leading to tough decisions and potential tensions within the party.
- The companions in Baldur's Gate 3 have diverse backgrounds and abilities, adding depth and complexity to both the gameplay and the storyline.
Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the latest video game adaptations of the widely popular tabletop role playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. The rules for the game are heavily inspired by the 5th edition of D&D’s ruleset, with some changes here and there from the sourcebooks.
Throughout your journey, you will have many companions to choose from, as well as the option to make your own custom character. It is advised that you should make your own custom character and enlist the aid of 3 companion characters to get the most out of your first playthrough and to experience all of their stories. It will take 3 playthroughs to experience every companion story to their end.
Updated by Chad Thesen on August 11, 2023: This list has been updated to include some new embedded links for easier navigation to other articles. These articles include leveling guides for the various kinds of Barbarians and Druids that you will be able to build some of the companions towards.
10 Karlach
Karlach was once a prisoner, and she was forced to fight in a battle referred to as the Blood War. In her own words, it was “an eternal battle between bad and worse.” Karlach’s class will be a Barbarian, and her primary Strength Stat of 17 is of great value for her class.
You will be able to find and recruit this companion at The Risen Road. Her quest, like many stories, is one of revenge — to find the one that sold her into her enslavement.
9 Halsin
When you encounter Halsin, he is being held against his will. Halsin is a Druid and is part of the Druid Grove. He went missing after setting off on an expedition with an NPC known as Aradin. While on this expedition, he was captured and is now a prisoner of some goblins.
You will be able to find this companion at the Worg Pens, which you will come across while in the Shattered Sanctum. Freeing him will make you his ally — and will make a lot of other NPCs your enemies.
8 Minthara
Minthara is of the Drow race and a Paladin. She is planning an attack on the Druid Grove. This is a key instance where choices of one companion will directly conflict with another and cause tension.
It is for this reason you should separate having a group of good guys for one playthrough, and a group of evil ones for another. Helping her find Druid Grove will make you her ally. Just like Halsin, you will be able to find Minthara in the Shattered Sanctum.
7 Astarion
Astarion is an aristocratic, High Elf, blood-sucking vampire Rogue. He's well versed in using Finesse Weapons, including dual-wielding daggers, allowing him to deal adequate damage on the front line.
Alongside Astarion’s abilities and skills, his character development is both entertaining and compelling. While he can be a bit too whiny for some players, beneath his spoiled noble brat facade, he’s a very complex and interesting character.
6 Gale
A significantly skilled human Wizard who made the mistake of falling in love with the Goddess of Magic, Gale has always strived to become Faerun's greatest spellcaster in history. While Mystra may not have need of him anymore, Gale is a very handy and capable companion for any party combination.
Adding him to the party won’t bore or annoy players, which is an added bonus to what he brings to the combat table. And, while all 5 of the companions are romanceable, Gale’s complicated yet heartfelt connection is possibly the most impactful of them all, keeping players completely entranced even outside of battle.
5 Lae’zel
A substantially trained and highly talented Githyanki Fighter, Lae’Zel is skilled in annihilating illithids — and anyone else who gets in her way. She's the first companion you meet, practically ambushing players while they navigate through the prologue.
Lae’Zel is a great asset to have during combat, though many players feel her personality can be frustrating and tiring during gameplay. She’s focused on her mission and doesn’t have time for shenanigans; hospitality and common courtesy are on the back burner.
4 Wyll
The Blade of Frontiers and a legend of Faerun, Wyll is a human Warlock who has a pact with a succubus. You can find him at the Druid’s Grove after the initial battle with the goblins, mentoring Tiefling children. Wyll comes off as a fighter when hearing about his heroics, but don’t be fooled; his prowess with spells is undeniable.
He is a very complex person, and his dialog and backstory are exceedingly captivating. The combination of his skills and personal storyline makes him a great asset to any playthrough. However, keep in mind that anything the player does to help goblins will earn his disapproval and runs the risk of him leaving the party.
3 Shadowheart
A High Half-Elf Cleric of the Trickery Domain and worshiper of Shar, Shadowheart is vital to any party formation. She is the second companion you can recruit, after Lae’zel, in a pod on the Nautiloid ship. If you don’t party her on the ship, you can still find her either outside the entrance of the Dank Crypt or in the Druid's Grove.
Shadowheart is arguably the easiest companion to get along with. Her personality and dialog are more agreeable for many players, with an enthralling backstory and fun secrets to find out. Her expert spellcasting and captivating storyline make her beneficial during combat and provides the player with ample entertainment while adventuring through Baldur’s Gate 3.
2 Jaheira
Jaheira is a returning face from the Baldur’s Gate franchise. She is a Druid, just like Hasin, and has a deep love of nature. She also has a deep dislike of the progression of society and how it claims more and more land.
She is quoted saying, “This city is a blight on the landscape. Better to have the land grow wild.” This is a great indicator of what sort of actions will help you gain approval with her and what actions might move it down. Be an ally to nature, and she will be an ally to you.
1 Minsc
Minsc is a Ranger and a fan favorite among veteran Baldur’s Gate players. He is accompanied by his fuzzy little hamster friend, Boo. Minsc often speaks to Boo and is convinced that Boo is a miniature giant space hamster. Minsc is one of the few companions that will not be an Origin character.
This means you will need to go out and find him, rather than having the option to start with him. Minsc has appeared in Baldur’s Gate, Baldur’s Gate 2, and Baldur’s Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal. What's more, he will be voiced by a very prominent voice actor from the popular podcast, Critical Role.