Cuddle Up! A Comprehensive Guide to Pets in Baldur’s Gate 3
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Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just about epic quests, tactical combat, and complex narratives; it’s also about making friends along the way, and that includes the furry, feathered, and occasionally tentacled kind. The game features several adoptable pets that can join your camp, offering companionship, story integration, and even some minor gameplay benefits. So, what pets can you get in BG3?
You can acquire four main pets in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Scratch the Dog: Perhaps the most well-known and easiest to acquire, Scratch is a loyal canine companion found near the Blighted Village. He can be recruited early in the game and offers a unique gameplay advantage.
- Owlbear Cub: This adorable but traumatized cub can be rescued from the Goblin Camp after a harrowing encounter. Bringing him back to camp requires patience and a kind heart.
- Yenna’s Cat, Grub: This feline companion, found with Yenna in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate, joins your camp after a series of events that can have varying outcomes.
- Spider Swarm: After destroying the Spider Egg Sac in the Blighted Village, players will have five Crag Spiders as minions.
- Imp Familiar: Certain classes and subclasses, such as Warlocks who choose the Pact of the Chain, can summon an Imp Familiar as a pet.
These companions, while not fully controllable party members, add flavor and depth to your camp and interactions, and offer various benefits, from detecting treasure to providing emotional support. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further explore the world of pets in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pets in BG3
How do I recruit Scratch the Dog?
To recruit Scratch, head west of the Blighted Village. You’ll find him grieving over his deceased owner. Pass a Persuasion or Animal Handling check to comfort him. After a few interactions and long rests, he will start appearing at your camp. Pet him often and offer encouragement, and eventually, he’ll become a permanent member of your adventuring party. He can then be summoned to assist you. He will fetch items with a command.
What benefits does Scratch provide?
Scratch is more than just a cute face. He can alert you to hidden items and secrets in the world. Back at camp, you can interact with him for a mood boost. In combat, Scratch can be summoned once per Long Rest to assist in battle, making him a valuable and heartwarming addition to your team.
How do I find and recruit the Owlbear Cub?
The Owlbear Cub questline starts in the Owlbear cave, located northwest of the Blighted Village and east of the Riverside Teahouse. After dealing with the mother Owlbear (choose to spare the cub if possible), you’ll find the cub later at the Goblin Camp. You’ll need to free it from the goblins, which might involve combat or persuasion. After rescuing the cub, it will eventually appear at your camp after several long rests and successful interactions.
What happens if I kill the Owlbear Cub?
If you choose to kill the Owlbear Cub, you will miss out on a heartwarming companion and an interesting side story. The cub won’t appear at your camp, and you’ll lose the opportunity to interact with it and benefit from its presence. Morally, it’s a dark path to take!
How do I get Yenna’s Cat, Grub?
Grub, the cat belonging to Yenna, becomes available to you in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate. You will meet Yenna in the Lower City; she’s usually near the Basilisk Gate. Agree to let Yenna stay at your camp after a certain event happens in the lower city. Grub then becomes a permanent fixture, offering companionship and fitting into camp life. There are some branching events. Be wary of Auntie Ethel.
Can I interact with my pets at camp?
Yes! Interacting with your pets at camp is a key part of their charm. You can pet Scratch, play with the Owlbear Cub, and observe Grub as it roams around. These interactions can improve your characters’ moods and provide moments of levity amidst the more serious aspects of the game. The joy of simple interaction is one of the game’s best moments.
Is there a limit to how many pets I can have?
While there might not be a hard-coded limit, practically speaking, you’ll likely only acquire the main pets—Scratch, the Owlbear Cub, and Grub. The game focuses on these companions, providing unique interactions and stories for each. The spider swarm is temporary, and only certain classes can summon an imp.
Do pets provide any combat advantages?
Scratch can be summoned to assist in combat, offering additional support. Other pets, while not directly involved in combat, can provide passive benefits or trigger unique events that might indirectly affect your battles. These include things like treasure hunting.
Can I lose my pets?
It’s possible to lose the Owlbear Cub if you make certain choices, such as siding with the goblins or consistently mistreating it. For Scratch, as long as you treat him well, he will remain a loyal companion. Yenna and Grub stay put. The imp vanishes once the summon ends.
Does talking to animals affect my interactions with pets?
The Speak with Animals spell is incredibly useful for understanding your pets and forming deeper connections. You can learn their thoughts, understand their needs, and unlock unique dialogue options that can enhance your relationships with them. This can significantly improve your interaction with the Owlbear Cub and other animal companions.
Can a Druid Wild Shape into their Owlbear Cub?
No. While Druids have the Wild Shape ability, which allows them to transform into various creatures, they can only transform into beasts. An Owlbear is classified as a monstrosity, not a beast, so Druids cannot Wild Shape into one according to the rules.
Can I ride a dragon in Baldur’s Gate 3?
While the game features dragons, the ability to ride a dragon is limited and depends on specific story circumstances. It’s not a standard mechanic, and the interactions are often tied to specific quests and events. So no, you cannot simply tame a dragon and use it for travel.
What is the strongest Druid subclass for interacting with animals?
While all Druid subclasses have abilities related to nature and animals, the Circle of the Shepherd is generally considered the strongest for this purpose. This subclass focuses on summoning and buffing creatures, making your animal companions even more effective. It is a very cool subclass.
What happens if Astarion bites my pet?
While there is no specific scene for Astarion biting your pet, it’s important to remember that Astarion is a vampire spawn. Allowing him to bite you has consequences, both positive and negative, that can impact the story. It’s best to keep your pets away from him or manage his bloodlust carefully. And no, he cannot turn any of your pets into vampires!
How does petting animals affect my character’s mood?
Interacting with animals like Scratch and the Owlbear Cub often provides a positive mood boost for your character. These moments of affection and companionship can help alleviate stress and improve your overall well-being, making your adventures more enjoyable.
Beyond the core mechanics and strategies, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a rich tapestry of emotional connections. Your animal companions contribute significantly to this, providing moments of joy, solace, and even unexpected assistance. Embrace these furry, feathered, and occasionally tentacled friends, and they’ll enrich your journey through the Forgotten Realms.
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