The Ultimate Baldur’s Gate 3 Companion Tier List: Choosing Your Perfect Party
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The best companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 are Shadowheart, Karlach, Gale, and Astarion, each offering a unique blend of combat prowess, intriguing personal storylines, and vital skills that can significantly impact your playthrough. The “best” companion ultimately depends on your playstyle, party composition, and personal preferences, as each character brings something special to the table. But in terms of overall usefulness, compelling narrative, and raw power, these four stand out from the rest.
Diving Deep: A Companion Breakdown
Baldur’s Gate 3 features a diverse cast of companions, each with their own class, abilities, and storyline. Let’s break down what makes each companion valuable and how they might fit into your party.
Shadowheart: The Devout Cleric
Shadowheart is arguably the most essential companion due to her role as a Cleric. Her healing capabilities are unmatched, and she can provide crucial buffs and support to your party. Beyond her utility, Shadowheart’s personal quest is deeply intertwined with the main story, making her a compelling character to have around. Her initial devotion to Shar, and potential shift away, provides excellent role-playing opportunities.
Karlach: The Fiery Barbarian
Karlach is a powerhouse in combat. Her Barbarian class allows her to deal significant damage, and her fiery rage makes her a formidable opponent. Beyond her combat skills, Karlach is also a charming and compassionate character, bringing a much-needed dose of optimism to the often-grim world of Baldur’s Gate 3. Her personal quest involves managing her infernal engine and seeking revenge against those who wronged her.
Gale: The Ambitious Wizard
Gale is a powerful Wizard with access to a wide range of spells. His versatility makes him a valuable asset in any party. He can deal damage, control the battlefield, and provide utility spells. Gale’s story is one of ambition and redemption, as he grapples with a magical artifact threatening to destroy him and Faerûn.
Astarion: The Sanguine Rogue
Astarion is a skilled Rogue who excels at stealth, lockpicking, and dealing sneak attack damage. His skills are invaluable for exploring the world and bypassing traps. His vampire spawn origin makes him a fascinating and complex character, grappling with his past and present condition. His romance arc is also one of the most popular in the game.
Lae’zel: The Githyanki Warrior
Lae’zel is a powerful Fighter with a strong focus on melee combat. Her Githyanki heritage and unwavering loyalty to Vlaakith make her a complex and often abrasive character. Her personal quest focuses on her role within the Githyanki hierarchy and her potential to break free from its dogmatic rule.
Wyll: The Blade of Frontiers
Wyll is a Warlock bound by a pact with a powerful devil. He offers a mix of ranged damage and utility spells. His backstory as a local hero adds an interesting dynamic to his character. Wyll’s quest involves navigating his pact and confronting the consequences of his choices.
Minthara: The Drow Paladin (of Lolth)
Minthara, recruitable only after making certain morally questionable choices, is a Paladin focused on dealing damage and controlling the battlefield. Her devotion to Lolth and her ruthless methods make her a unique and potentially problematic companion.
Minsc: The Legendary Ranger
Minsc, along with his hamster companion Boo, is a returning character from previous Baldur’s Gate games. As a Ranger, he offers ranged damage and animal companions. His iconic status and humorous personality make him a beloved addition to the cast.
Beyond the Core: Honorable Mentions
While the companions listed above are generally considered the best, other characters can join your party and provide valuable support:
- Halsin: A Druid who can wild shape into various animals, offering versatility and support.
- Jaheira: A returning Druid from previous games, offering experience and powerful spells.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Baldur’s Gate 3 Companions
1. Who is the best stealth companion in BG3?
As a Rogue, Astarion is the best companion for stealth, lockpicking, and disarming traps. As players progress, his sneak attack gets even better for some insane damage dealing.
2. What are the best classes in BG3?
According to many tier lists, the best classes in BG3 often include Bard, Cleric, Paladin, and Sorcerer, which are commonly placed in S Tier. A Tier classes usually consist of Barbarian, Ranger, Rogue, Warlock, and Wizard.
3. What is the most OP class in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Many consider the Paladin to be the most overpowered class in Baldur’s Gate 3, primarily due to its high damage output, survivability, and versatile abilities.
4. Is multiclassing in BG3 worth it?
It depends. Sometimes keeping a class pure is more effective than multiclassing. Multiclassing can delay access to higher-level spells and abilities, potentially weakening your character in some builds.
5. Can you romance everyone in BG3?
No, you cannot romance everyone in BG3. While polyamorous relationships are possible, they are only available with certain characters, and some companions are exclusive to certain alignments or choices.
6. What is the best first class in BG3 for beginners?
The Fighter class is generally considered the best class for beginners in Baldur’s Gate 3, thanks to its straightforward mechanics and ease of play.
7. Should I let Astarion drink my blood?
Letting Astarion drink your blood will grant him the “Happy” buff, adding +1 to all his checks and giving him the Vampire Bite action in battle. Consider this if you plan to keep him in your party long-term.
8. Who should I romance in BG3?
Romance is subjective, but popular choices include Gale, Lae’zel, Shadowheart, Astarion, and Karlach. Each offers a unique and engaging romance arc.
9. Can Astarion become good?
Yes, Astarion can achieve a “good” ending, but it comes with a cost. While he may free himself from his former master and keep others safe, he’ll remain a Vampire Spawn.
10. Who is the least liked character in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Lae’zel is often cited as the least popular of Baldur’s Gate 3’s Origin characters, due to her abrasive personality and demanding nature.
11. Should I recruit Jaheira in BG3?
Yes, recruiting Jaheira is generally recommended. Her experience as a veteran adventurer and her powerful Druid spells make her a valuable asset to your party, especially during challenging fights.
12. How old is Jaheira in BG3?
Jaheira’s age in BG3 is estimated to be around 150 years old, given her half-elf heritage and the passage of time since the previous Baldur’s Gate games.
13. Is dual-wielding good in BG3?
Dual-wielding can be effective in the early game, but it often becomes weaker later on unless you create a build specifically designed around it. Consider the trade-offs between dual-wielding and using a two-handed weapon or a shield.
14. What is the easiest build in BG3?
The Fighter is typically considered one of the easiest classes to build in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to its straightforward mechanics and ability to excel in various combat situations.
15. What is the best melee class in BG3?
While several classes excel in melee combat, the Rogue often stands out for its high damage potential, thanks to the Sneak Attack ability which scales significantly as the character levels up. Also, consider that learning and development of the skills from games like Baldur’s Gate 3, and other games, is something that GamesLearningSociety.org focuses on. Games and learning are deeply connected!