Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Companions, Ranked

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best games ever made for many different reasons, including is the amazing companion characters in the game. Each companion is incredibly unique, and has their own associated story-beats that help flesh them out as deep and interesting characters.

There are more than a dozen possible companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, and while they are all great in their own right, some are clear standouts among the cast. Larian Studios showed that they are talented at making strong characters, with complex motives, all with intertwining stories. The companion characters are the backbone of the game, and without them, Baldur’s Gate 3 would likely not have been as well received as it was.

Updated on September 12, 2024, by Antonio Samson: Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with great and memorable characters that players can recruit to their party. With the recent Patch 7 update, players may want to revisit these characters. Whether it’s their gameplay abilities or intriguing story lines, there are some companions that stand out more than the rest. This article was updated to include more information and to meet CBR’s editorial and formatting standards.

10 Minsc Brings a Companion of His Own

He Is A Legendary Ranger Returning With His Trusted Hamster

Returning from Baldur’s Gate II, Minsc brings his furry friend Boo along with him to join the player’s party. Minsc is found in the sewers of the city of Baldur’s Gate, where he is being manipulated by a group of Bhaal cultists. Players need to defeat the cultists, but be careful to not kill Minsc and only use nonlethal attacks to knock him out. After some convincing, Minsc will join the party.

Minsc’s default class is a ranger, and he brings along his miniature giant space hamster, Boo. As a ranger, Minsc specializes in controlling the battlefield through ranged attacks, and spells that can hinder movement. Boo can only speak to Minsc, even using a Speak with Animals spell will not allow players to talk to Boo. Minsc and Boo make for a dynamic duo, giving the player two companions in one.

Minsc’s bond with Boo adds a delightful dynamic to the party, with Boo serving as a symbol of Minsc’s unpredictable yet endearing personality. Minsc excels not just as a combatant but also as a morale booster, bringing humor and warmth to otherwise grim situations. His background as a legendary ranger, combined with Boo’s ever-present wisdom (or so Minsc claims), positions him as a tactical leader on the battlefield. His long-standing reputation in the Baldur’s Gate series also gives players a sense of continuity, making his presence both nostalgic and invaluable.

9 Jaheira Returns to the Baldur’s Gate Franchise as a Companion

She Is A Powerful Druid Leading The Harpers In Their Fight

Also returning from Baldur’s Gate II, Jaheira is the leader of a group of Harpers, a group dedicated to fighting evil across Faerun. Starting as a druid, Jaheira has access to many powerful spells, as well as the ability to wild shape into various animals. This combination of spells and wild shapes makes Jaheira a formidable combatant, able to take down foes quickly.

Jaheira is found in Act II, leading the Harpers stationed at Last Light Inn. Jaheira and her crew are investigating Moonrise Towers, with her goals overlapping with the players. After raiding Moonrise Towers, Jaheira will join the player on their journey to stop the Absolute. Jaheira will then become a companion to be used in Act III.

Jaheira’s strength isn’t just in her combat prowess but also in her leadership and wisdom. As an established figure in Faerûn, Jaheira’s deep ties to the Harpers provide the player with valuable insight into the game’s broader political and social landscape. Her ability to switch between devastating spells and brutal wild shape forms makes her adaptable to any situation, while her seasoned demeanor stabilizes the party. Her return bridges past and present, giving long-time fans of the series a rewarding experience.

8 Lae’zel Has a Massive Character Arc

She Is A Githyanki Warrior Torn Between Duty And Rebellion

The first companion that joins the player on their journey is the Githyanki warrior Lae’zel. Helping players escape the Nautiloid, Lae’zel wants to rid herself of her mindflayer parasite and return the mysterious artifact to the Githyanki for her goddess, Vlaakith. Lae’zel starts the game as a fighter, making her a well-rounded combatant, dealing high damage and being able to tank many enemy attacks.

Lae’zel’s quest ties directly into the main quest of the game, with players discovering that the mysterious artifact is a prison for Orpheus, the Githyanki Prince and true leader of the Githyanki. Lae’zel goes through the biggest transformation of any of the companions. Once devoted to Vlaakith, she instead turns to Orpheus and wants to help him overthrow the false Queen and take his rightful place as the leader of the Githyanki.

Lae’zel’s defining trait is her unwavering determination, making her an exceptional combat asset. Her fighter class, bolstered by her Githyanki heritage, gives her access to abilities that allow her to excel offensively and defensively. As her story unfolds, Lae’zel’s personal growth mirrors her increasing effectiveness as a companion. Her internal struggle between loyalty to her people and the revelation of Vlaakith’s lies creates an emotionally charged arc that resonates with players, making her a compelling figure whose strength comes from both her physical prowess and her evolution.

7 Wyll Offers Powerful Abilities and a Deep Narrative Arc

He Is a Warlock Haunted by a Fiendish Pact

Wyll, also known as the Blade of Frontiers, is a key companion in Baldur’s Gate 3, bringing a strong sense of morality and a compelling backstory. Unlike many companions, Wyll’s character arc is deeply intertwined with the consequences of a pact he made with a devil. This pact granted him immense power, but at the cost of his freedom and autonomy, leaving Wyll constantly battling with the fiendish patron who controls his fate. His struggles add weight to his interactions and decisions throughout the game.

Wyll’s warlock class allows him to wield powerful magic, including eldritch blasts and a range of other potent spells, making him a versatile damage dealer in the player’s party. His patron offers him abilities that can devastate enemies from a distance while supporting his allies. However, what sets Wyll apart is his tragic backstory and the personal sacrifices he has made in pursuit of his goals. Throughout the game, players face choices that influence whether Wyll can break free from his cruel master, Mizora, or if he will ultimately embrace the dark path.

Wyll’s ability to summon eldritch powers and his struggle with his infernal bond add depth to the gameplay and narrative. His quest centers around themes of redemption, loyalty, and self-discovery, with players having the option to steer Wyll toward reclaiming his honor or embracing the demonic powers he once sought to escape. This narrative arc, combined with his unique abilities, makes Wyll a memorable and valuable companion, offering raw magical strength and emotional complexity.

6 Gale’s Quest Ends in Two Extreme Ways

He Is A Wizard Struggling Between Self-Sacrifice And Godhood

A charming wizard from Waterdeep, Gale is quick to befriend players and eager to join their adventuring party. However, if players want, they can ignore Gale, and leave him to die stuck in a portal if they want to do so. As a wizard, Gale is adept at using spells to control the battlefield through various means.

Gale is possessed by a Netherese orb, an incredibly powerful magical artifact that needs magical items to consume, or its arcane hunger will cause Gale to explode like a nuclear bomb. Gale’s quest involves the goddess Mystra, who controls the magical weave. She tasks Gale with detonating the orb to destroy the Absolute, both of which are threats to Mystra’s power. Gale can follow Mystra’s wishes and sacrifice himself for the greater good, or Gale can discover The Power of the Crown of Karsus, combining it with the power of the Netherese orb, and become a god himself.

Gale’s arcane knowledge makes him indispensable as a strategist, not just a spellcaster. His wide array of spells offers control, damage, and support, allowing him to adapt to whatever challenges arise in battle. His struggle with the Netherese orb gives him a deeper complexity, as players must weigh his survival against his potential for godhood. Gale’s sharp intellect and charm make him a joy to have around, and his potential to either sacrifice himself for the greater good or ascend to unimaginable power adds gravitas to the player’s decisions regarding his fate, placing him at the number 5 spot.

5 Halsin Can Become One of Tav’s Most Powerful Allies

This Druid’s Personal Quest Wins His Loyalty

Depending on which choices the player makes between the druids and tieflings and the goblin camp during Act 1, Halsin is a powerful potential companion who can be missed entirely. Siding with the goblins will lead to this powerful druid suffering a terrible fate, but rescuing him from the goblin dungeon brings him on board with the rest of the party. His ability to shapeshift into a bear, coupled with his magical abilities, make him an ally players won’t want to miss, but there is a caveat to taking him on.

Halsin doesn’t officially become a battlefield companion until Act 2, when the player successfully completes his quest to find and rescue a young boy named Thaniel from the Shadow Realm. Winning Halsin’s approval by saving the very embodiment of nature itself is essential to bringing him on board to finish out Act 2 and join the player fully during Act 3.

Halsin is also a potential romance option, and his wild love scene beneath the full moon is still one of the most talked about by fans. He’s not big on commitment, but that just means Tav won’t have to break things off with Astarion or Shadowheart if they’ve already started a relationship with either of them. The other romance options aren’t so forgiving.

4 Astarion Can Become a Vampire Lord or Let Go of His Fear

He Is A Rogue Facing His Dark Past & Former Master

Trying to kill the player when first encountered, Astarion quickly becomes a companion early into the game. While trying to hide his dark secret, it is quickly uncovered that Astarion is a vampire spawn. True to his sneaky nature, Astarion’s starting class is a rogue, hiding in the shadows to take out enemies.

Astarion needs some convincing before he reveals his backstory, as it is quite a touchy subject. Throughout the game Astarion will allude to his past, and how he came to be a vampire. This leads the player to his quest where Astarion will confront his vampire master, Cazador, once and for all. This leads to Astarion either taking the high road and stopping Cazador’s ritual to become a vampire lord or to take his place and become vampire lord himself.

Astarion’s roguish abilities and vampiric nature make him an incredibly versatile companion. His sneak attacks are deadly, and his vampiric powers give him a unique edge, including the ability to drain life from enemies, making him a resilient fighter even in the heat of battle. Beyond his combat usefulness, Astarion’s internal struggle between embracing his monstrous side or breaking free from it gives his character real depth. Depending on the player’s choices, Astarion can either become a dark, powerful figure or a redeemed soul, giving his storyline significant weight in the game’s narrative.

3 Karlach’s Heart of Gold Is Actually an Infernal Engine

She Is A Barbarian In A Tragic Race Against Time

The most optimistic character in the game, Karlach is a loyal friend until the end. Starting as the barbarian class, Karlach can go into a rage. Combining that with her unique ability to consume soul-coins make her great at dealing a lot of damage. Karlach also has some unique interactions with Wyll, who previously hunted her in the hells of Avernus.

Karlach has one of the most tragic backstories of any of the companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. She has a consistent history of being used by people for her strength and combat skill. Karlach was sold by Enver Gortash to the Archdevil Zariel, and her heart was replaced with an infernal engine. Outside of the heat of Avernus, this engine is overheating and will combust soon. Karlach’s quest is a race against time to get revenge on Gortash for his betrayal and to enjoy her freedom before it is too late.

Karlach’s fiery determination is matched by her powerful barbarian abilities, making her a relentless force on the battlefield. Her infernal engine, while a ticking time bomb, enhances her combat capabilities in unique ways, as it can amplify her rage and damage output to frightening levels. Her optimism and loyalty make her an emotional anchor for the player, providing moments of fun and camaraderie. Despite the tragic nature of her backstory, Karlach’s refusal to succumb to despair adds depth to her character, making her a valuable fighter and a source of inspiration within the party.​​​​​​​

2 Shadowheart Can Embrace or Forget Her Past

She Is A Cleric Divided Between Two Goddesses

Shadowheart is one of the earliest companions found in Baldur’s Gate 3, first on the Nautiloid and then immediately on the beach after the ship crashes. Her default class is cleric, which makes her very versatile in battle, allowing for both support and damage. Shadowheart is also one of the most popular romance options in the game.

Shadowheart starts out as a devout follower of Shar, the goddess of night. She aspires to become a Dark Justiciar, a militant follower of Shar who carries out the most important tasks for Sharrans. Her own personal quest sees Shadowheart either question or fully embrace her religion, depending on player choice. The ending to her quest sees her renounce her faith and embrace Selune, goddess of the moon, or become Mother Superior of the Sharrans after cleansing the temple of corruption.

Shadowheart’s versatility as a cleric allows her to support the party with healing and protective spells while still dealing significant damage when necessary. Her internal conflict between Shar and Selune adds layers to her character, making her more than just a typical support character. Shadowheart’s deep-rooted beliefs are constantly challenged, allowing players to influence her growth. Whether she chooses the path of redemption or doubles down on her devotion to darkness, her journey is one of the most emotionally charged, offering a fascinating balance between faith, identity, and power.​​​​​​​

1 Scratch Is the Most Loyal Baldur’s Gate 3 Companion

He Is A Faithful Dog Who Always Returns To Help

The best boy in Baldur’s Gate 3, Scratch is the player’s loyal pet throughout their entire journey. Scratch can be found early in Act 1, waiting for his owner to “wake up” although it is obvious that his owner won’t be getting up anytime soon. Passing some skill checks will allow the player to send Scratch to their camp and meet him later.

Scratch will occasionally fetch items to give to the player. One of the items that Scratch can bring players is a small ball. While it may seem useless outside of throwing for Scratch to grab and bring back, the ball allows the player to summon Scratch as a familiar. Scratch has a small amount of HP, and does not do much damage, but he can give the help action, making him great for running around the battlefield and supporting other companions. If Scratch dies in battle, he is not gone permanently. After taking a short rest, he can be summoned again!

While Scratch may not have the combat prowess of other companions, his unwavering loyalty and the joy he brings to the camp cannot be understated. His ability to help in battle through the “Help” action makes him a surprisingly useful companion in tough situations, allowing other party members to gain tactical advantages. Beyond combat, Scratch symbolizes the bond between the player and their companions, offering moments of warmth and emotional connection amid Baldur’s Gate 3’s darker themes. His presence is a reminder that loyalty and companionship come in many forms, even a playful pup, making Scratch the best party member in the game.