Baldur’s Gate 3 Companion Guide

Baldur’s Gate 3 is starting to pick up in its story and gameplay, and many players are keen on grinding this Dungeons and Dragons-styled RPG. Aside from your personalized character, other figures can join you on your quests and be part of your dungeon-delving party. If you want to ensure the success of your adventures, then you should get to know all the recruitable NPCs in the game.

What Are Companions in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Companions are non-player characters (NPCs) that can join your party and fight alongside you. They have unique personalities, backstories, and abilities, and they can provide valuable support in combat and dialogue. Currently, only five eligible party mates are in the game, but more units are expected to be available later. Here are all the recruitable NPCs and how to unlock and build them:

Shadowheart

Shadowheart is a versatile high half-elf cleric specializing in the Trickery domain and devoted to the night god Shar. She excels as a ranged support character, utilizing damage spells and healing abilities from a distance. Shadowheart’s flexibility allows her to excel as a powerful healer, versatile spellcaster, or competent melee fighter.

How to Unlock 

Unlocking Shadowheart can be achieved in two ways, but finding her from the beginning is recommended to avoid additional efforts. Recruiting Shadowheart is relatively straightforward, as there are no specific conditions to fulfill. Here are the methods to unlock Shadowheart:

During the prologue:

• Head to the lower deck of the Nautiloid.
• Locate Shadowheart’s pod in a room on the left side of the deck.
• Obtain a rune from a chest in the adjacent room.
• Insert the rune into the nearby console to unlock the pod.
• Shadowheart will emerge from the pod and offer to join your party.

After the prologue:

• Proceed to the entrance of the Dank Crypt (Abandoned Ruins) located at the northern end of the Ravaged Beach.
• Engage in a conversation with Shadowheart, who will willingly join your party.

Stats

• Strength: 12
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 16
• Charisma: 10

Abilities

• Cantrips: Light, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy
• 1st Level Spells: Cure Wounds, Guiding Bolt, Inflict Wounds, Protection from Evil and Good

Tips for building Shadowheart

• Prioritize increasing her Wisdom score to enhance her spellcasting ability and saving throws.
• Invest in Dexterity and Constitution to improve her survivability in combat.
• Select spells that align with her playstyle. Focus on healing spells for a dedicated healer, or choose damage and utility spells for a versatile spellcaster.
• Exploit her Trickery Domain abilities, such as Pass Without Trace for stealth missions, and utilize her ability to turn invisible to escape challenging situations. 

Astarion

Astarion is a high-elf vampire rogue who values ruthless pragmatism and holds a soft spot for monsters. With high Dexterity and versatile skills, he brings combat prowess and spellcasting abilities to the party. Astarion’s exceptional Dexterity score makes him a formidable opponent, while his Charisma score allows him to charm his way out of challenging situations. He is an excellent choice for players seeking a stealthy and adaptable companion.

How to Unlock

To recruit Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, follow these steps:

• Find Astarion: He can be located on the Ravaged Beach, southwest of the Roadside Cliffs.
• Speak to Astarion: He will be hiding from a monster, and you’ll need to assist him in defeating it.
• After the battle, Astarion will extend an offer to join your party. You can accept or decline his proposition.

Stats

• Strength: 8
• Dexterity: 17
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 13
• Wisdom: 13
• Charisma: 10

Starting Abilities

• Cantrips: Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Thaumaturgy
• 1st Level Rogue Skills: Cunning Action, Expertise (Stealth), Perception, Persuasion, Stealth

Tips for building Astarion

• Prioritize improving his Dexterity score to enhance attack rolls and AC.
• Invest in Constitution to enhance his survivability during combat.
• Choose Rogue skills that align with your preferred playstyle. Focus on skills like Stealth and Perception for a stealthy assassin or emphasize Persuasion and Deception for a charming rogue.
• Utilize Astarion’s Vampire abilities to your advantage. His Vampiric Bite inflicts significant damage, and his Vampiric Drain ability allows him to heal himself.

Gale

Gale is a cheerful and intelligent human wizard who values humor, peace, and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. As a versatile glass cannon, he wields a diverse range of spells. You can encounter him directly at the Roadside Cliffs Waypoint, north of the Crashed Nautiloid.

How to Unlock

To recruit Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3, follow these steps:

• Find Gale: Locate him at the Waypoint, near the entrance to the Druid Grove.
• Speak to Gale: Assist him in defeating a Mind Flayer he is studying.
• After the battle, Gale will offer to join your party. Accept or decline the offer.

Stats

• Strength: 9
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 15
• Intelligence: 16
• Wisdom: 11
• Charisma: 13

Starting Abilities

• Cantrips: Chill Touch, Fire Bolt, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost
• 1st Level Spells: Detect Magic, Grease, Magic Missile, Sleep, Shield

Tips for building Gale

• Prioritize increasing his Intelligence score to enhance spellcasting ability and saving throws.
• Invest in Constitution to improve survivability in combat.
• Choose spells that align with your playstyle. Opt for damage-dealing spells like Fireball and Lightning Bolt for an offensive wizard or utility spells like Detect Magic and Dispel Magic for a versatile approach.
• Leverage his cantrips effectively, as they offer valuable damage and control options.

Lae’zel

Lae’zel is a fierce githyanki fighter known for her brutal nature and refusal to compromise. She excels in melee combat, wielding a longsword and donning half-plate armor. Initially captured by tieflings, you can find her in a cage when leaving the first room of the Nautiloid.

How to Unlock

To unlock Lae’zel in Baldur’s Gate 3, follow these steps:

• Find Lae’zel: Search north of the Roadside Cliffs, where she is held prisoner by tieflings in a cage.
• Speak to Lae’zel: Assist her in escaping from the tieflings.
• After the escape, Lae’zel will offer to join your party. You have the option to accept or decline her offer.

Stats

• Strength: 18
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 15
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 8

Starting Abilities

• Cantrips: Blade Ward, Prestidigitation, Thaumaturgy
• 1st Level Fighter Skills: Athletics, Intimidation, Perception

Tips for building Lae’zel

• Prioritize enhancing her Strength score to improve attack rolls and damage output.
• Invest in Constitution to boost her survivability in combat.
• Select feats that align with your preferred playstyle. For a damage-dealing fighter, consider feats like Great Weapon Master and Polearm Master. Focus on stunts like Tough and Sentinel if you prefer a tank role.
• Leverage her racial abilities to your advantage, such as moving through rugged terrain without penalty and casting the Misty Step spell once daily. 

Wyll

Wyll is a human warlock with a fiend patron known as the Blade of Frontiers. He upholds heroic values, defeating evil and protecting the innocent. With a flexible spell list, Wyll can adapt to various roles. You’ll encounter Wyll near the main entrance of the Druid’s Grove, where he engages in battle against a goblin siege as an independent AI NPC.

How to Unlock

To unlock Wyll in Baldur’s Gate 3, follow these steps:

• Find Wyll: Locate him at the Druid Grove, near the entrance to the Goblin Camp.
• Speak to Wyll: Help him defeat a group of tieflings he is sparring with.
• After the fight, Wyll will offer to join your party. You have the option to accept or decline his offer.

Stats

• Strength: 9
• Dexterity: 13
• Constitution: 15
• Intelligence: 14
• Wisdom: 11
• Charisma: 16

Starting abilities

• Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Prestidigitation, Thaumaturgy
• 1st Level Warlock Skills: Arcana, Deception, Intimidation, Persuasion

Tips for building Wyll

• Prioritize enhancing his Charisma score to boost spellcasting ability and saving throws.
• Invest in Dexterity and Constitution to improve his survivability in combat.
• Choose spells that align with your desired playstyle. For a damage-dealing warlock, focus on attacks like Eldritch Blast and Hex. Opt for bouts like Darkness and Charm Person if you prefer a utility-focused warlock.
• Leverage his Pact of the Blade abilities to your advantage. Summoning a powerful weapon enhances Wyll’s damage output, and utilizing his Charisma score for attack and damage rolls makes him a versatile fighter.

Future Party Members

Several NPCs are yet to appear in the game but are expected to become recruitable characters for your party. We do not have specific details about their stats and abilities, so players must wait for their release or further announcements. Here are the upcoming Party NPCs in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Karlach – a Dwarven Barbarian who is seeking revenge. She was once a member of the Order of the Gauntlet but was betrayed and left for dead by her fellow members. She is determined to find those who betrayed her and make them pay. Karlach is a skilled warrior who is not afraid to fight. She is also a bit of a loner and can be challenging to get along with. However, she is a valuable asset to any party that needs a powerful and experienced fighter.
• Minthara – a Tiefling Rogue who is seeking power. She is a cunning and manipulative individual who is not afraid to use others to get what she wants. She is also a skilled fighter, and she should not be underestimated. Minthara is a dangerous individual who should not be trusted. However, she is also a valuable asset to any party that needs a skilled fighter or a cunning spy.
• Halsin – a Halfling Druid who is trying to protect his people. He is a kind and gentle soul who is dedicated to his community. He is also a skilled healer and a valuable asset to any party. Halsin is a wise, compassionate individual who is always willing to help others. He is a valuable addition to any party that needs a healer or a wise advisor.
• Minsc is a Halfling Ranger searching for his pet hamster, Boo. He is a bit of a simpleton but also a loyal and brave friend. He is also a skilled fighter and always willing to lend a helping hand. Minsc is a lovable character who is always there for his friends. He is a valuable addition to any party that needs a loyal and courageous companion.
• Jaheira – a Half-Elf Fighter/Druid who is searching for her husband. She is a strong, independent woman who is unafraid to stand up for her beliefs. She is also a skilled healer and a valuable asset to any party. Jaheira is a wise, compassionate individual who is always willing to help others. She is a valuable addition to any party that needs a healer or a wise advisor.

How to Form Your Party in Baldur’s Gate 3

Forming your team Baldur’s Gate 3 all depends on what you need and lack. Look at your character and how you want to play the game so that you can find NPCs that better suit your playstyle. Any party mate can become a valuable member of your group if you build and use them properly, so you must ensure that you recruit the people you need.