Becoming a well-rounded adventurer in Baldur's Gate 3 requires more than just honing your personal skills—it also demands strategic recruitment of companions. Each companion offers unique benefits and drawbacks, affecting the progression of your adventures. However, their recruitment is not without tradeoffs, requiring a delicate balance of risks and rewards.
Consider Astarion, a rogue companion whose mastery in dexterity makes him ideal for overcoming nimble adversaries. His proficiency in weaponry, such as the rapier, shortbow, and dagger, proves invaluable in combat scenarios. His skills, including stealth, deception, and acrobatics, further enhance his versatility.
However, Astarion's recruitment isn't all benefits. His vampiric nature can prove harmful to your party, especially during resting. Keep in mind that his need to feed might land you in potentially dangerous situations, triggering unnecessary fights. Weigh these factors against the advantages before deciding to recruit Astarion.
Laetelle, another companion option, is a high elf wizard with potent arcane abilities. She excels in intelligence-based tasks and wields spells such as Fire Bolt, with finesse. Her Enchantment and Evocation abilities also give her a boost in her magical prowess. Is the allure of her powers enough for you to overlook her drawbacks?
Alongside her prowess, Laetelle's dislike for non-magical folk could be a significant issue, particularly in a diverse team. Her inability to wear any armor apart from robes might also leave her vulnerable in combat situations. Balance these potential problems against her magical abilities when considering her as a companion.
Take Shadowheart for example, a half-elf cleric with a repertoire of supportive skills. Her wisdom-based capabilities, paired with proficiencies in light and medium armors, simple weapons, and shields make her a reliable team member in combat. Her healing spells are a boon, especially in prolonged fights.
The challenge with Shadowheart lies in her secretive nature. She keeps her cards close to her chest, often withholding vital information. Also, her religious views differ greatly, which may cause friction within your team dynamics. When evaluating Shadowheart, keep these factors in mind.
Gale, a human wizard, stands as another potential companion with his spells like Magic Missile. His command over the schools of Evocation and Conjuration provides a variety of tactical options in battle. His intelligence serves well in deciphering complex situations and puzzles.
However, Gale's constant need for magical artifacts could lead to unnecessary risks. His reliance on objects of power may drain resources or place the team in harm's way. His aversion to physical confrontation also makes him somewhat of a liability in close-quarter combat.
Consider, then, Wyll, a human warlock with powerful combat abilities and skills based on charisma. His spells provide an array of defensive and offensive options, providing a balance in combat situations. Would his merits influence you to recruit him?
The main drawback with Wyll lies in his deal with a devil. It’s an ominous pact that might have far-reaching consequences down the line. There’s also his tendency to flirt, which not everyone might appreciate. Consider these points before deciding on recruiting Wyll.
Look at Karlach, a human fighter, with her emphasis on strength and constitutional attributes. Her martial abilities and loot-gathering skills make her a useful addition in combat and exploration. However, just like other companions, she comes with her own set of drawbacks.
Karlach's association with the Zhentarim, known for their notorious reputation, is a significant issue. There’s also her demanding, borderline ruthless, personality that might not sit well with the rest of the team. Compare these negatives with her combat capabilities before making a final decision.
Take Volo, a human bard, for instance, with a vast array of lore. His knowledge provides valuable insight in complex scenarios. His charisma and multi-language fluency make him a great negotiator, making bargaining deals a breeze.
However, Volo tends to avoid directly getting involved in combat, preferring to stick to the sidelines. His tendency to overstate his abilities also frustrates teammates, often leading to disagreements. These negatives are something you must weigh against his knowledge and charisma.
Raphael, the Cambion, stands out with his ability to tempt players to make deals that may or not be beneficial in the grand scheme of things. His capabilities in fire attacks and in resisting various types of damage also add value to him as a companion.
The main concern with Raphael is his manipulative nature, along with the countless enemies he has made. His actions may bring unwanted attention to your team and even land you in unwanted predicaments. Balancing his ability to attract danger against his usefulness is essential.
Then there’s Halsin, a druid with healing abilities and shape-shifting powers. His spells prove beneficial in various situations. His abilities to communicate with beasts and use weapons like the scimitar and quarterstaff make him a versatile character.
However, you must also keep in mind his deficiencies. Halsin’s inability to use iron and steel weapons and his vegetarian lifestyle might pose challenges in certain situations. Him being a potential target for goblin tribes also marks him as a liability.
Scratch, the dog, presents a unique option. He might lack the usual abilities, but his high vigilance and sensory capabilities make him useful for detecting threats early. Furthermore, he is also loyal, not succumbing under the onslaught of enemy charms.
On the flip side, Scratch lacks any combat abilities and can’t equip any weapons or armor. His limited ability to communicate also restricts your interaction with him. Consider these aspects when deciding about recruiting Scratch.
The considerations for recruiting a companion in Baldur's Gate 3 are vast and varied. Decisions on who to add to your team will depend on your desired gaming experience and the challenges you wish to undertake. Choosing wisely can make all the difference in your journey through this world of magic and peril.