Companions play a heavy role in RPG games. From being the players' intimate lovers whom they dream about 'til dawn, to trauma-bonded friends who brighten each other days during the dark times. Baldur's Gate 3 allows players to get more immersed by creating emotional connections and experiencing catastrophic events with fellow like-minded people.
Though as like-minded as they are, they sometimes tend to be unlikeable despite their best efforts. A lot of these companions have secrets you can uncover if you win their trust. There will always be companions who are simply more agreeable than the rest. Class and skill level also play a huge role, especially since you can control your party members in Baldur's Gate 3.
Update on July 19, 2023, by Sharnelle Earle: As of writing, the game is still in Early Access. Information in this article is subject to change as more companions are going to be added upon the full release of the game. More companions and more classes are to be expected. This makes knowing which characters will mesh well with yours all the more helpful. With this overview, you can decide if you prefer a companion's ability to aid you in battle or if you prefer their romantic opportunities.
6 Astarion
- Rogue
- High Elf
Astarion is the usual uptight elf of the group. Akin to companions like Solas and Zevran from Dragon Age.
Like most people, there is more to his character than he lets on, and he's not so arrogant if you take the time to get to know him. He is a rogue, so he will carry two daggers when you first recruit him.
You can find Astarion first on the shores of the shipwreck at the beginning of the game. When heading through the Nautilus shipwreck, continue West and then up a sandy hill, and you may find yourself getting jumped by an angry elf.
5 Gale
- Human
- Wizard
Somewhat similar to Astarion in his arrogance Gale gives off a whimsical impression to players. Gale is the first, and the only, companion to be lighthearted in a bleak world where everyone has just escaped enslavement and wishes only for revenge.
In times like these, you need people like him once in a while.
Gale can be found at the beginning of the game in Act 1, just in front of the Roadside Cliff Waypoint North-East of the shipwreck. He is a wizard, so he will only have a staff at hand.
You can only have four people in your party, so if your hands are full you can always send companions to your camp to hang out.
4 Shadowheart
- Half Elf
- Cleric
Aside from Lae'zel, Shadowheart is one of the first companions you meet in the game. She comes off as uncaring, but like others, is hiding something.
Most players have probably failed to help her escape the pod in the Nautiloid ship at the beginning of the game. You need help from the trait Arcane or with the crutch of Warlock intuition to be able to get the pod open.
You can still recruit Shadowheart even if you cannot rescue her at the beginning of the game. If you couldn't succeed, you can find her banging on the doors to some ruins at the shipwrecked beach you wake up on.
She will be right by the Overgrown Ruins Waypoint. If you do not invite her to join you here, she will then appear at the Druid Grove.
3 Wyll
- Human
- Warlock
Wyll might be the first agreeable, regular person you may bump into that is a companion option. He resides within the Druid Grove, helping the Tieflings prepare for a fight against the Goblins. The Druid Grove is located North of the shipwreck.
Wyll is a Warlock, so he will be able to control magic as well as wield a dagger or two. This is a flexible class to have on your side. Wyll will also have the Subclass The Feind, making him high in Charisma.
2 Karlach
- Asmodeus Tiefling
- Barbarian
Karlach is a Tiefling you can find during your adventure into The Risen Roads. To get to The Risen Roads you can head North, just before the Blighted Village where you find Scratch the dog.
You are able to jump across the river onto some rocks and reach The Risen Roads.
As a Barbarian, Karlach will be a strong ally similar to Lae'zel. She will be able to tank for you if you are a wizard or rogue character. Karlach starts off with a Great Axe and a crossbow.
1 Lae'zel
- Githyanki
- Warrior
There has to be one companion that takes all the heat. Lae'zel is pretty unagreeable to most. She is the first companion you meet since she is in the introduction. After you shipwreck on the beach, she is nowhere to be found.
You can find Lae'zel trapped in a cage by fellow Githyanki who feels she has betrayed them. This location is North of Roadside Cliffs Waypoint. Lae'zel is a Warrior, a strong class that is reliable and able to withstand strong enemies.
If you are playing a class like a Wizard who needs to be behind cover more, you may want to keep Lae'zel around as frontline.