Companions are a vital part of the Baldur‘s Gate 3 experience. Not only do they assist you in combat with their unique skills and abilities, but they also enrich the story through their distinct personalities and intricate backstories.
This comprehensive guide will provide a deep dive into all 10 companions in BG3 – from their stats and skills to how to recruit them. Whether you‘re looking to assemble the perfect party or simply want to learn more about these complex characters, you‘ll find everything you need here.
Overview of All Companions
There are currently 10 potential companions you can recruit in Baldur‘s Gate 3:
- Shadowheart – A blunt, mysterious cleric following the goddess Shar. She can deal damage or heal as needed.
- Gale – A charming wizard infected by forbidden magic who wants to impress Mystra. He provides powerful offensive spells.
- Wyll – A brave, justice-driven warlock bound to a demonic pact he now regrets. He excels at Eldritch Blast and swordplay.
- Lae‘zel – A fierce Githyanki fighter seeking to complete a secret mission. She deals high melee damage.
- Karlach – A vengeful but good-natured tiefling barbarian sold into slavery. She can take and dish out heavy hits.
- Astarion – A witty, hedonistic high elf rogue vampire spawn who loves causing trouble. Great at stealth attacks.
- Minthara – A vindictive drow paladin warlock planning an attack on the druids. She uses dark magic.
- Halsin – The kind archdruid leader of the Grove. He shape-shifts into beasts in battle.
- Minsc – A heroic ranger steadfast in his fight against evil. He fights with his hamster Boo.
- Jaheira – A diplomatic druid Harper returned from past games to guide you. She excels in nature spells.
As you progress, you‘ll learn more about each companion‘s distinct personality, skills, and backstory. But how do you actually get them to join your party?
How to Recruit Every Companion
Recruiting companions in Baldur‘s Gate 3 takes effort. You‘ll need to fulfill certain requirements to gain their trust. This section details where to find each companion and what‘s needed to add them to your party.
Shadowheart
This secretive cleric joins you early but leaves after escaping the nautiloid. You have two chances to unlock her:
Attempt 1: Free Shadowheart from her pod during the mind flayer attack in the prologue.
If you fail to recruit her then…
Attempt 2: Find her unconscious at the Dank Crypt entrance on the Ravaged Beach in Act 1. Wake her up to trigger recruitment.
Gale
You‘ll discover this ambitious wizard in a predicament. Help him out to earn his companionship:
Location: Roadside Cliffs Waypoint, north of the nautiloid wreckage
Requirement: Save Gale from the phase spider ambush here then invite him to join you.
Wyll
The self-proclaimed "Blade of Frontiers" can be found early on as well. Impress him by acting virtuously:
Location: North side of Roadside Cliffs in Druid Grove
Requirement: Aid Wyll when he fights off goblins during the “Removing the Parasite” quest. Avoid anything immoral.
Lae’zel
You first meet this githyanki warrior briefly on the nautiloid before having another chance to recruit her:
Location: Near some ruins south of the crash site
Requirement: Free Lae’zel from the cage she‘s trapped in, then set up camp before she runs off so she’ll stay to chat.
Karlach
This vengeful tiefling warrior has a specific location to the northwest. Heal her to add her to your roster:
Location: The Risen Road across a destroyed bridge near Blighted Village
Requirement: Find Karlach wounded by gnolls and hyenas. Heal her then agree when prompted to recruit her.
Astarion
You‘ll discover this shady vampire spawn pleading for aid right after escaping the nautiloid:
Location: Wreckage shoreline
Requirement: Help Astarion defeat the intellect devourer monster nearby, then allow him to join you when prompted.
Minthara
This malicious drow paladin only becomes available later by pursuing an evil path:
Location: Shattered Sanctum in Goblin Camp
Requirement: Progress her “Raid the Grove” quest in Act 1, then select the prompt to recruit Minthara when rescuing her in Act 2.
Note: Recruiting Minthara will make Halsin and Wyll leave you.
Halsin
Rescuing the Grove‘s archdruid allows you to add him to your group:
Location: Shattered Sanctum in Goblin Camp
Requirement: Complete Halsin‘s “Save the Refugees” quest by defeating the goblin leaders holding him captive, then invite him to join.
Minsc
This heroic Ranger is a returning character who becomes available by advancing Jaheira‘s questline:
Location: Somewhere in Act 2 (full details unknown)
Requirement: Progress Jaheira‘s “High Harper” quest to a certain point to trigger an option to recruit Minsc.
Jaheira
Like Minsc, this Harper diplomat returns from past games to offer her guidance:
Location: The Last Light Inn in Act 2
Requirement: Speak with Jaheira at the Inn, then aid her against Ketheric Thorm at Moontower Ruins battle when prompted and ask her to join you.
Key Takeaways on Recruiting Companions
While slightly complex, once you understand the requirements, recruiting companions mostly comes down to:
- Visiting specific locations or progressing certain quests
- Helping them when prompted or freeing them from captivity
- Selecting dialogue prompts indicating you want them to join you
Certain party members like Shadowheart and Minthara take extra effort to attain or can be permanently missed if you fail their recruitment scenarios.
Ultimately though, building out your perfect adventure team is extremely rewarding. Each companion opens up new story branches and gameplay opportunities through their distinct skills, personalities and connections to the world.
Wrapping Up Companions in Baldur‘s Gate 3
I hope this guide gives you everything you need to assemble your ideal party from the 10 diverse companions available in Early Access.
Each one serves a specific combat role while bringing intricate backstories and sharp dynamics to your journey.
From what Larian has teased, additional companions seem slated for future updates as well. But for now, this colourful cast of characters should provide plenty of adventure – if you take the effort to recruit them!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about these companions in Baldur‘s Gate 3!
