Are you looking for the best companions in BG3? No worries, we are here to list them with best builds!
BG3, the latest installment in the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate series, brings a fresh and thrilling experience that resonates with fans of CRPGs. With the stakes raised by the peril of mind flayer invaders from Faerun, and the urgent need to eliminate illithid tadpoles, the race against time has never been more intense. It’s in this turbulent world that players must choose their best companions in BG3 to survive and succeed.
Best companions in BG3
Facing a unique and terrifying threat, the survivors of a recent skirmish with mind flayer invaders are forced to reckon with more than just the battle scars. The characters in BG3 must rid themselves of illithid tadpoles, lest they transform into the very creatures they fought against. This intriguing plot device adds a sense of urgency and danger to the game, allowing players to feel connected and invested in their characters’ fates.
For those looking to optimize their parties, choosing the best companions in BG3 can make all the difference. Each companion brings their distinct skills and characteristics, fitting various builds and playstyles.
Shadowheart
Shadowheart, the High Half-Elf Cleric of the Trickery Domain in BG3, is a mysterious character with a dark allegiance to Shar. Her stats make her one of the best companions for specific Baldur’s Gate 3 builds, particularly those in need of wisdom and versatility in combat:
- Abilities: STR 12, DEX 14, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 16, CHA 10
- Starting Proficiencies: Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Religion, Insight
Shadowheart’s abilities make her an invaluable asset, especially when considering her Cleric class that allows her not just to heal but provide robust support from the backline. In the right hands, her presence is a guarantor of survival, an essential factor in the challenging world of BG3.
However, Shadowheart is not without her limitations. Her lack of options in direct combat means she isn’t the go-to choice for front-line skirmishes. Her damage output might not rank her among the strongest companions, but that doesn’t overshadow her utility.
Shadowheart Cleric build
When players first encounter Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3, she serves as a Cleric of the Trickery Domain. This is not just her default stance but also her ideal build, trumping other suggestions like the Bard class.
While most players might typecast the Cleric as a mere healer, Shadowheart proves this perception wrong. She doesn’t have to linger on the sidelines. Her unique abilities allow her to transform into a formidable tank when played correctly.
At Level 4, Shadowheart can cast Shield of Faith and Mirror Image, two spells that boost her AC and create distractions in the form of duplicates. Shield of Faith adds 2 AC, and Mirror Image generates three duplicates, each contributing another 3 AC. This tactical advantage can quickly turn the tides of battle in BG3, further solidifying Shadowheart as one of the best companions in various gameplay scenarios.
Her strategic importance and the potential to maximize her strengths reveal her as a character not to be overlooked. Her skill set ensures that she fits seamlessly into the strategic gameplay that defines Baldur’s Gate 3, making her a must-have for those seeking to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
Wyll
Wyll, known as a celebrated hero across Faerun, is more than meets the eye. Behind the fame lies a Warlock of the Fiend Pact, having bargained with a succubus to gain power. This dark pact lends him exceptional combat prowess, making Wyll one of the best companions in BG3 for those who appreciate a blend of intelligence, charisma, and resilience:
- Abilities: STR 9, DEX 13, CON 15, INT 14, WIS 11, CHA 16
- Starting Proficiencies: Arcana, History, Intimidation, Persuasion
In the battlegrounds of Baldur’s Gate 3, Wyll thrives as a Warlock, armed with debilitating spells and the constitution to endure against his adversaries. Although you won’t find him on the melee front lines, his notable durability makes him a formidable last line of defense, a safeguard for the backline. He can manipulate the battlefield with a mix of damage and debuffs, making him a more threatening presence compared to some of his peers like Gale. However, his generalized approach means his damage output might not always be optimal right from the start.
Wyll Warlock build
Wyll’s connection to otherworldly horrors shapes his character, making the Warlock of the Fiend build a perfect and efficient match for him in BG3. This alignment goes beyond mere storytelling; it ties directly into his overall combat efficiency.
Players aiming to maximize Wyll’s potential should explore adding CHA Mod (Agonizing Blast) or a 4.5-meter push (Repelling Blast) to his Eldritch Blast, providing more versatility in battle. His ability to inflict Disadvantage on specific Ability Checks and additional damage (Hex), coupled with rays that deliver a cool 2d6 Fire damage each (Scorching Ray), turns him into a formidable force.
When you pair Wyll with a ranged Baldur’s Gate 3 weapon, he becomes a powerhouse, difficult to touch, and impossible to ignore. His dynamic combat style and capacity to engage in various roles make Wyll one of the best companions for BG3 players looking for both narrative depth and tactical flexibility. His mastery of the Warlock arts offers a robust and fascinating addition to any party seeking to conquer the many trials of BG3.
Gale
Gale, burdened by a Netherese Destruction Orb within his chest and the fate of an entire city, isn’t merely a Wizard with dreams of becoming Faerun’s unparalleled spellcaster; he’s a survivor. His expertise in Investigation and Insight helps him unravel complexities that baffle others, invaluable in perplexing combat scenarios. A prodigy in the true sense, Gale is one of the best companions in BG3, boasting Intelligence 16, Dexterity 14, and an unexpected Constitution at 15.
- Abilities: STR 9, DEX 14, CON 15, INT 16, WIS 11, CHA 13
- Starting Proficiencies: Arcana, History, Investigation, Insight
Some might mistakenly write Gale off as a fragile glass cannon, unfit to stand strong alongside his BG3 companions. However, this would be a significant underestimation of his true potential. Gale’s versatility as a Wizard and his mastery of magic allow him to outclass in sheer firepower, particularly against some of the more fearsome enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Gale’s vast repertoire of spells provides a plethora of options against diverse creatures. Even when his more potent magic is depleted, his Cantrips ensure continuous damage, keeping him in the game. It’s this flexibility and enduring offensive capability that secure his place as a desirable companion.
Gale Wizard build
Forget what you know about the typical spell-slinging wizard, as Gale’s most effective route may not be the path of explosive Fireballs and the Evocation School. Instead, in the landscape of Baldur’s Gate 3, the wise would craft Gale around the Abjuration School of magic. This unexpected yet potent choice holds the key to making Gale one of the best companions in BG3, unlocking untapped defensive potential.
Abjuration School, along with the spell Armour of Agathys, forms a magical barrier that provides Gale and his BG3 allies with essential protection against the game’s most savage attacks. But the protection isn’t passive; it’s proactive. This defensive wizardry grants 10 Temporary Hit Points, and here’s where the magic truly shines – any assailant brave (or foolish) enough to inflict damage on those Hit Points will suffer 10 Cold Damage in return.
Lae’Zel
Lae’Zel is a force to be reckoned with. She’s a Githyanki Fighter who knows her way around the battlefield in BG3, whether it’s slashing through enemies with two-handed weapons or acrobatically navigating through obstacles. With her skills in Athletics and Acrobatics, and the Great Weapon Fighting Style, she possesses the tools to be one of the best companions in BG3, specializing in up-close-and-personal combat.
- Abilities: STR 17, DEX 13, CON 14, INT 11, WIS 12, CHA 8
- Starting Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Arcana, Athletics, Intimidation, Survival
While her movement speed might hold her back, it’s a small price to pay for the havoc she can unleash once she gets in range. And with a toolkit that includes Menacing Attack, Rally, and Riposte, she’s not just a damage dealer but a tactical asset. She can frighten her target, bolster an ally with extra HP, or counter an attack with brutal efficiency. The Battle Master build plays to her strengths and makes her an essential part of any BG3 party that needs a relentless warrior.
Lae’Zel Fighter build
Lae’Zel’s Fighter, Battle Master build is a masterclass in aggressive combat. It doesn’t shy away from the fray but embraces it, making her a central figure in the battlefield. In BG3, where the stakes are high and the enemies are numerous, having a character like Lae’Zel can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
In a game filled with magic and mystery, Lae’Zel offers something refreshingly straightforward: the ability to fight, and to fight well. If you’re looking to add some raw power to your BG3 team, look no further than this Githyanki warrior. Her Battle Master build makes her not just a formidable fighter but a tactical genius, ready to strike fear into the hearts of her foes and stand as a beacon of strength for her allies. Her presence is a challenge, a promise of battle, and a testament to the art of war.
Astarion
Formerly a vampire, Astarion is a High Elf Rogue of the Noble background. However, Baldur’s Gate 3 players should not make the amateur mistake of ignoring him. Despite his rather aristocratic appearance, Astarion hides a peculiar specialty in clandestine endeavors, becoming the team’s go-to person for Stealth and even Perception. His most noteworthy stats are Dexterity 17 and Constitution 14, making him a rather decent frontliner should the need arise.
- Abilities: STR 8, DEX 17, CON 14, INT 13, WIS 13, CHA 10
- Starting Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Deception, History, Perception, Persuasion, Sleight of Hand, Stealth
It’s one thing for a Baldur’s Gate 3 companion to dominate combat, and another to be equipped with almost all the right tools to fight any kind of enemy. Moreover, his high Dexterity also allows Astarion to double as a long-distance archer should the need arise, allowing him to adjust to almost any situation. Most importantly, his build as a Rogue allows him to take advantage of Sneak Attacks to rake in those damage numbers, easily making him the best damage dealer in the game.
Astarion Rogue build
Fit for his innate and mysterious charm, Astarion is suited for the Rogue, Thief build, especially given his naturally-high DEX Attribute. Compared to the other characters and their more flexible combat approach, Astarion as a Thief gives players a clear advantage: massive damage numbers.
Thanks to the Thief having an Extra Bonus action that allows them to do two (2) off-hand attacks in a single turn, Astarion is now capable of attacking three (3) times. This helps more in the context of Rogues that often have DEX as a main stat, making Versatile Baldur’s Gate 3 Weapons such as the Longsword an ideal piece of equipment. In the context of Level 5 gameplay, having the means to attack three (3) times in a single turn can transform Astarion into a boss killer or a mob eraser, depending on whether the attacks are allotted to a single opponent or spread throughout multiple targets.
Featured image credit: PS Store
