Are you trying to determine who the best party members are in Larian Studios’ Dungeons and Dragons game? If you are, then this Baldur’s Gate 3 best companions guide should help you finalize your top picks.
You can micromanage every stat for each individual character in the game, but sometimes having the right companion join you for a particular quest can be much more impactful. You never know what sort of obstacle the game will throw your way so it’s best to keep an assortment of skills at the ready.
Now, let’s get into this Baldur’s Gate 3 best companions list and see which of your allies can make the biggest contributions to your adventure.
Best companions in Baldur’s Gate 3
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best companion in Baldur’s Gate 3 so your top choice for one playthrough may not be as impactful on your next one. With that being said, this list will include companions who are great at fulfilling their roles, such as Shadowheart and Astarion.
Astarion
Like most of the companions in the game, Astarion can join your party fairly early on. You’ll want to keep him around since he can serve you well in the damage dealer role.
As the group’s rogue, Astarion has naturally high dexterity. This makes him useful for picking locks to get into locked doors and treasure chests.
Lae’zel
Being a githyanki fighter, Lae’zel loves taking the fight right up to an opponent’s face. You’ll be running into a lot of battles during your adventures and you’d do well to let Lae’zel lead the charge for most of them.
You meet this companion during the game’s opening and you’ll be able to recruit her to your party shortly after.
Gale
Some people may find investing in Gale too much of a chore, especially in the earlier parts of the game. However, stick with him and you’ll find that having a very capable wizard in your party is extremely beneficial.
Additionally, Gale also has what is widely considered to be one of the more interesting stories among your companions. So stock up on those magical items because Gale is going to need them as snacks.
Halsin
As a Circle of the Moon druid, Halsin can transform into a variety of different beasts in battle. This allows for great combat versatility in a single character.
Before you can get Halsin to join your party of adventurers, you will first need to figure out where to find him.
Karlach
Much like Lae’zel, Karlach loves closing in on enemies for some close-range combat. This powerhouse can protect your party by ending fights as quickly, and savagely, as possible.
Recruiting Karlach will also introduce some interesting story dynamics between other companions in the group.
Shadowheart
Clerics are considered to be the best at keeping the party alive during battle in Baldur’s Gate 3. Unless you’ve chosen this class for your own character, Shadowheart will be the only cleric in the group.
Thankfully, she can also join your group early on after releasing her from a Mindflayer pod at the very beginning of the game.
So those are the best companions to keep around in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you’re looking for more friends to join you on your adventures, feel free to check out how to get an owlbear cub or how to get a dog in BG3.