Baldur’s Gate 3: Complete Companion Guide

There are 10 recruitable companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, and you can only have three characters with you at any given time. Each of these engaging companions brings with them a detailed story along with unique skills and abilities, making it very tricky to decide on the best party composition.

About Baldur’s Gate 3 Companions

It would be a fool’s errand to traverse the dangerous Forbidden Realms alone. During your playthrough, you’ll meet many characters who can be befriended and invited to your camp, each boasting their own set of abilities and skills. As you embark on your quest to discover the secrets of the Absolute, you can bring three companions along with you at any given time. The rest will stay in camp until you invite them to join you.

There are a total of 10 companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 and some of them are very easy to miss. To switch out characters in your party, speak to them in camp.

Warning

Some companions can be killed permanently if you don’t meet them at the right time or are otherwise missed if you select certain story options. Below, we’ll note how to ensure you snag each and every one of these influential characters.

As you make choices throughout the course of the game, your companions will either approve or disapprove depending on their beliefs and values. You can see your current approval by checking each companion’s Character Sheet. High companion approval can lead to better relationships, romance, or new quests. Low companion approval can lead to conflict or abandonment from the Companion in question. Speak to your companions often and ask about their opinions to deepen your relationship with them. You can also give gifts or complete quests for specific companions to help boost your approval.

All Available Companions

Below, we’ve compiled useful information about each recruitable companion, including base Proficiencies, Abilities, and where they can be found. While we’ve briefly touched on each character’s background, we’ve avoided any major spoilers for the game’s story.

Note

Your companion’s class can be changed by speaking to Withers in your camp. For the purposes of this guide, however, we’re focusing on each character’s default class.

Lae’zel

• Race: Githyanki
• Class: Fighter
• Background: Soldier
• Possible to Romance? Yes
• Base Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Athletics, Intimidation, Survival
• Base Abilities: Strength 17, Constitution 14, Dexterity 13, Wisdom 12, Intelligence 11, Charisma 8
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: The Ravaged Beach, Act 1 (North of the Roadside Cliffs)

The skilled Githyanki Fighter Lae’zel is the very first companion you’ll meet in the game as, unfortunately, she was also captured and brought aboard the mind flayer’s ship. Hostile and short-tempered, she fears transforming into the very thing she and her people aim to destroy. Although some players dislike her abrasive personality, her story is one of the most surprising in the game, and she does open up as time progresses—as long as you stay on her good side.

Although you meet Lae’zel on the ship during the game’s prologue, she’ll quickly leave your party after your crash landing. To recruit her permanently, visit the Ravaged Beach, not far north of the Roadside Cliffs. You’ll find her being held prisoner by two Tieflings. Choosing to side with Lae’zel against them will cause her to join your party.

Warning

If you don’t recruit Lae’zel quickly, she’ll be permanently killed by other Githyanki. You’ll find her body at the Mountain Pass beyond Waukeen’s Rest.

Lae’zel has a high Strength stat and benefits from Athletics. Using her during intimidation checks is a bad idea, as her Charisma stat is stunningly low. She’s best utilized on the battlefield and not in conversation. To boost her approval, your character will need to be cutthroat and cruel.

To start a romance with Lae’zel, you’ll need to reach a high approval rating with her prior to completing the ‘Save the Refugees’ sidequest. Unlike many other companions, she’s very direct about her intentions, inviting you to bed without any hesitation.

Shadowheart

• Race: High Half-Elf
• Class: Cleric
• Background: Acolyte
• Possible to Romance? Yes
• Base Proficiencies: History, Insight, Medicine, Religion
• Base Abilities: Dexterity 17, Constitution 14, Intelligence 13, Wisdom 13, Charisma 10, Strength 8
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: Abandoned Ruins, Act 1 (On the beach)

A faithful servant of Shar, you’ll meet Shadowheart as she embarks on a quest to steal an artifact of great and terrible power. Although she seems committed to her dark faith, there are gaps in her memory that begin to raise suspicion as your journey together progresses. Her secrets are worth discovering, and on the battlefield, her support abilities can make a huge difference for a decent chunk of the game.

During your time on the Illithid ship during the prologue, you’ll have the choice to free Shadowheart from a tadpole pod by interacting with the nearby Eldritch Rune. After the ship crashes, you’ll find her on the beach near the Abandoned Ruins. Speak to her and she’ll join your party.

While Shadowheart has a painfully low Strength stat, she doesn’t need Strength to be a powerful healer and shielder. If you see her dying during battle often, consider boosting her Wisdom or choosing the Heavy Armored Feat at Level 4. 

To boost your approval with Shadowheart, be kind to animals and prioritize finding a healer to remove the tadpole that threatens your humanity. If you also have Lae’zel in your party, disagreeing with her will boost your approval with Shadowheart.

You’ll need to have a high approval rating with Shadowheart before completing the ‘Save the Refugees’ sidequest to trigger her romance. Seek her out during the celebration at camp and respond with the following dialogue prompts to seal the deal:

• “Tieflings?”
• “Are you worried Shar won’t approve?”
• “I’d be glad to.”
• “I’ll find you after everyone’s turned in for the night.”

While the romance will cool for a while after this, you’ll have a chance to continue your quest for Shadowheart’s love by reaching the end of the ‘Find the Nightsong’ quest during Act 2. By saving the Nightsong, your romance will continue for the long haul. Any other option will end your relationship.

Astarion

• Race: High Elf
• Class: Rogue
• Background: Charlatan
• Possible to Romance? Yes
• Base Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Deception, Performance, Perception, Persuasion, Sleight of Hand, Stealth
• Base Abilities: Dexterity 17, Constitution 14, Intelligence 13, Wisdom 13, Charisma 10, Strength 8
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: Ravaged Beach, Act 1 (Near the crashed Nautiloid ship during the Escape the Nautiloid Quest)

As the two scars on his neck may imply, Astarion is a vampire desperate to flee from his master in Baldur’s Gate. Sassy and charmingly arrogant, his witty banter and unrivaled lockpicking skills have made him a fan-favorite among players. Those players aligned with good may have trouble getting on his good side, but those managing to do so will find a glimmer of kindness beneath Astarion’s haughty demeanor.

You can find Astarion immediately after completing the prologue: to the west of the Ravaged Beach, you’ll hear him calling for help. After a surprising cutscene, he’ll join your party.

Along with Astarion’s high Dexterity stat, his Acrobatic and Sleight of Hand skills make him an incredibly effective Rogue. His stealth and lockpicking skills are second to none, making him indispensable for more delicate quests.

Boosting your approval with this flirty vampire depends largely on pragmatism. Don’t offer to help anyone for free, be ruthless when the situation calls for it, show off your incredible power, and appreciate the finer things in life. When Astarion reveals himself as a vampire, allowing him to drink from you is key to your friendship—or romance—going forward.

To trigger a romance with Astarion, you’ll need a high approval rating with him before completing the ‘Save the Refugees’ sidequest. If you’ve successfully impressed him before the celebration at camp, respond to his flirting as follows to earn a spicy scene and start your fling with the curly-haired bloodsucker:

• “Really? Saving lives is awful?”
• “True, the goblins would have thrown a wilder party.”
• “And what’s your idea of ‘a little fun’?”
• “All right, let’s do it. I’ll see you later.”

Gale

• Race: Human
• Class: Wizard (Evocation)
• Background: Sage
• Possible to Romance? Yes
• Base Proficiencies: Arcana, History, Investigation, Insight, Persuasion
• Base Abilities: Intelligence 16, Constitution 15, Dexterity 14, Charisma 13, Wisdom 11, Strength 9
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: Roadside Cliffs, Act 1 (The Portal Rune on the rock wall)

A confident and gifted Wizard, Gale aims to become the most powerful magic-wielder that Faerûn has ever seen. Unfortunately, this desperate hunger for strength led the so-called ‘Wizard of Waterdeep’ to make questionable choices in the past. Now in a race against time to prevent his own demise, he must also contend with the threat of the Absolute and the tadpole in his mind.

Gale can be recruited immediately following the prologue: travel north of your starting point on the beach towards the Roadside Cliffs to find a strange purple sigil carved into the rock. Approach it and pass a check to free Gale and invite him to your camp.

While Gale’s Intelligence stat is the star of the show, he’s a well-rounded character who excels at AoE attacks and boasts a deep knowledge of Faerûn’s past. Pouring points into Dexterity when possible is a good idea, as it makes it easier for Gale to move around the battlefield.

To improve Gale’s approval, wow him with your smarts. Respond intelligently, show an interest in magic, be kind (both to people and animals), and strive for pacifism when possible. Judging him for his past transgressions will lessen his approval.

Two specific encounters are vital for triggering Gale’s romance. After raising his approval to the midway point, he’ll confess the specifics of his condition, asking for your help to keep his dangerous power under control. Further down the line, he’ll invite you to learn more about the mysteries of the Weave. During this scene, choose the following dialogue options:

• “Magical.” OR “You’re a good teacher.”
• You hold onto the moment. It’s a good night for intimacy.
• You picture kissing him.

The next time you chat with Gale, you can refer back to this moment. Continue boosting his approval to trigger a scene during the night in camp where you should pick the following responses:

• “I’m sure you’re welcome.”
• “Make merry, just the two of us. What would that entail?”
• “You’re remarkably upfront about your intentions.”
• “I think that sounds delightful.”

Wyll

• Race: Human
• Class: Warlock
• Background: Folk Hero
• Possible to Romance? Yes
• Base Proficiencies: Arcana, History, Intimidation, Persuasion
• Base Abilities: Dexterity 16, Charisma 16, Constitution 14, Strength 10, Wisdom 10, Intelligence 8
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: The Druid Grove, Act 1 (Removing the Parasite Quest)

Wyll, known by many as the Blade of Frontiers, is a human noble and living legend whose desire is to destroy evil and protect the innocent. He hides a dark and dangerous truth behind this persona, having made a pact with a demon long ago. Desperate to escape this damnable bargain, he also finds himself infected with an Illithid tadpole and joins the protagonist on a quest to put things right.

After the prologue, head north toward the Druid Grove area to start recruiting Wyll. Upon attempting to enter the compound, your party is attacked by goblins. After surviving the onslaught, head inside the gates where you’ll find Wyll near a group of children. Agree to help him find the Sword of Fathoms and he’ll join your party.

Boasting a high Charisma stat, Wyll is a great conversationalist. His other stats and attributes are distributed rather strangely for a warlock, as he can take large amounts of damage thanks to his high Constitution. His best attack is Eldritch Blast, which can be boosted at Level 2 by selecting either Agonizing Blast or Repelling Blast.

To boost Wyll’s approval, be altruistic and moral in your dealings with people and strive to help those in need. Approval will be lost if you show cruelty or selfishness, or if you show compassion or support for monsters, devils, or goblins.

You’ll need to have a high approval rating with Wyll before the ‘Rescue Druid Halsin’ sidequest to romance him. If you’ve reached the appropriate threshold before the celebration at camp at the conclusion of the ‘Save the Refugees’ sidequest, you’ll be able to proposition him. Your tryst will be interrupted, at which point you should choose the following dialogue options:

• “It’s all right. I just want to spend the night at your side.”
• “Come closer. I’ll help keep your mind off your devil.” (Must pass Persuasion roll)

Karlach

• Race: Zariel Tiefling
• Class: Barbarian
• Background: Outlander
• Possible to Romance? Yes
• Base Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation, Perception, Survival
• Base Abilities: Strength 17, Constitution 14, Dexterity 13, Wisdom 12, Intelligence 11, Charisma 8
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: The Risen Road, Act 1 (Hunt the Devil Quest)

Karlach’s unhappy past as an enslaved soldier did little to diminish her pep and humorous spark. Once forced to fight in the Blood War, she joins the party with a difficult condition—she’s literally too hot to touch. The Infernal Engine in her chest is at risk of overheating and ending her life for good, something which must be remedied along with the tadpole in her head.

To find Karlach, head beyond the Blighted Village towards the river along the Risen Road. You’ll find her facing off against a Paladin named Anders, triggering the quest ‘Hunt the Devil.’ Take her side and she’ll happily join your party.

As a Barbarian, Karlach’s worth on the battlefield is straightforward. With a hearty Strength stat, selecting the Berserker subclass for Karlach will grant her Frenzy Strike and Enraged Throw, making it even easier to cleave through your enemies. Those wanting more versatility and control should select the Wildheart subclass instead.

To earn a high approval rating with Karlach, defend her and her fellow Tieflings and speak out against any injustices you discover on your journey. Acting cowardly or helping Goblins cause her approval to plummet, so be careful.

Romancing Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a little tricky. You’re unable to touch her due to the extreme heat her body emits, so finding a solution is key. Find some Infernal Iron and visit Dammon, a blacksmith in Druid’s Grove, to cool her down a tad. To make it possible to touch her, you’ll need to seek Dammon out again in the Last Light Inn during Act 2. Give him one more piece of Infernal Iron and your steamy romance with Karlach can truly begin.

Tip

Infernal Iron is a rare metal that can be found in treasure chests and troves. The first piece you’ll come across will likely be in the basement of the northern house in the Blighted Village.

Speak to Karlach in camp and choose the following dialogue options:

• “I want to talk about your Infernal Engine.”
• “You got your second upgrade. How does it feel?”
• “I’ve never been more excited for anything in my life.”
• “Of course. Nothing would make me happier.”

Once you’ve reached the bedroll, choose the following options to cement your romance:

• “Go on.”
• “I’m yours, Karlach.”
• “I thought you’d never ask.”

Halsin

• Race: Wood Elf
• Class: Druid
• Background: Outlander
• Possible to Romance? Yes
• Base Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Athletics, Nature, Perception, Stealth, Survival
• Base Abilities: Wisdom 18, Charisma 16, Constitution 16, Dexterity 16, Strength 16, Intelligence 12
• Movement Speed: 10.5m
• Location: Shattered Sanctum, Act 1/Can be recruited at Last Light Inn in Act 2

A sturdy shape-shifting Druid, Halsin can wield powerful magic and transform into powerful creatures to slice through his foes. The first Druid of Druid Grove, he goes missing after accompanying Aradin’s expedition to the Goblin Camp. In touch with nature and desperate to heal the wounds in the world itself, Halsin is a passionate man with a lust for life and company.

Travel west from the Emerald Grove to the Blighted Village and continue west to reach the Goblin Camp. Halsin can be found inside the Worg Pens in the Goblin Camp. Go south to the courtyard and head through the Shattered Sanctum and across the bridge. Open the door and walk down the stairs on the right to find three children torturing a bear in a cage. You guessed correctly—the bear is Halsin.

Free Halsin, at which point he’ll offer to join your cause. If you haven’t killed the three Goblin leaders, all Goblins in the immediate vicinity become hostile. If you kill the Goblin leaders before reaching Halsin’s cage, you’ll find that he has returned to the Druid Grove on his own. Although Halsin will offer to join your camp, he won’t become playable until Act 2.

Halsin’s stats are higher than other recruitable companions, making him an excellent addition to your team. In addition to his shapeshifting abilities, he boasts numerous support abilities and can also use magic to summon creatures and control the environment itself.

To boost your approval with Halsin, be kind to animals, show respect towards nature, and support his Druidic beliefs.

During Act 2, you’ll discover the Last Light Inn. Inside, you’ll encounter a strange sleeping man, prompting a quest from Halsin. After a difficult battle, Halsin will finally join you as a proper companion. Once his approval is high enough, speak to him at camp and choose the following dialogue options:

• “You’re welcome.”
• “What are you saying exactly?”
• “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested—but I’m already in a relationship.” (If you’re currently romancing another companion)
• “I will speak to (current romantic partner).”

If you’re romancing someone else, speak to them to gain their blessing before returning to Halsin and letting him know they are open to the arrangement. Once in bed with the Druid, confirm the romance by selecting the following:

• “Put your doubts aside. I’m here.”
• “Of course. What else do you think I’m here for?”

Minthara

• Race: Drow
• Class: Paladin
• Background: Noble
• Possible to Romance? Yes
• Base Proficiencies: Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Persuasion, Religion
• Base Abilities: Wisdom 19, Charisma 16, Constitution 15, Strength 15, Dexterity 12, Intelligence 12
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: Shattered Sanctum, Act 1/Can be recruited in the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Act 2

Depending on your character’s alignment, Minthara can either become a trustworthy companion or a powerful boss. This Lolth-Sworn Drow Paladin appears as one of the Goblin Camp leaders during Act 1 and is eager to destroy the Emerald Grove and kill everyone within. Your character needs to lean towards the evil side to gain access to this tough companion, as she is sympathetic to the Absolute’s cause.

Upon reaching the Goblin Camp during Act 1, do not free Halsin, as this will turn everyone in the area hostile including Minthara. Head towards the Shattered Sanctum where you’ll find her planning her vicious attack on Druid Grove. To gain her trust, tell her the location of the Grove. After her horrific attack on the Tieflings and Druids within, you’ll be able to recruit her after a long rest.

Warning

Recruiting Minthara to your party will cause Karlach and Wyll to leave permanently. You will also not be able to recruit Halsin. Gale will attempt to leave, but he can be persuaded to stay.

Minthara is a powerful Paladin with a build focusing heavily on spellcasting against specific types of enemies. Her single-target burst damage is second to none, and she can be used to debuff even the most powerful foes. She can also take a beating thanks to her Heavy Armor Proficiency.

To boost your approval with Minthara, show loyalty to the Absolute and side with the Goblins. She’ll react poorly to cowardice and disloyalty to her or her master.

Immediately after the raid on Druid Grove, you’ll be able to invite Minthara to camp to celebrate. Spark a brief romance with her by selecting the following dialogue options:

• “Yes, I’m yours, Minthara.”
• Do as she says.
• “I want you.”

Doing so will trigger a quick night of passion. We won’t spoil anything beyond this, but a word of advice—be prepared to pledge allegiance to the Absolute if you want to survive.

Jaheira

• Race: High Half-Elf
• Class: Druid
• Background: Soldier
• Possible to Romance? No
• Base Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Athletics, Intimidation, Nature
• Base Abilities: Constitution 17, Wisdom 16, Charisma 15, Strength 15, Dexterity 14, Intelligence 10
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: Last Light Inn, Act 2 (In the Shadow-Cursed Lands)

Jaheira might look familiar if you spent time in the world of Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate 2. While Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place 100 years after its predecessor, Jaheira is once again available to help you fight back against the forces of evil. Headstrong and dedicated to protecting nature, Jaheira’s noble parents were killed during the Tethyrian civil war long ago. She defends the Last Light Inn and offers to help you and your friends uncover the truth of the Absolute.

After speaking to Jaheira at the Last Light Inn during Act 2, she’ll join you in your assault on Moonrise Towers. After clearing all enemies on the first floor, speak to her and invite her to join your party in the battle against Ketheric Thorm. She’ll agree, and after slaying Thorm inside the nautiloid, speak to her again to permanently recruit her.

Jaheira is a Druid who utilizes Wild Shape and Circle of the Moon spells, making her an excellent damage dealer. On top of her ability to transform into different creatures, she can also thrive as a melee fighter and support character on the battlefield.

Minsc

• Race: Human
• Class: Ranger
• Background: Folk Hero
• Possible to Romance? No
• Base Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Insight, Nature
• Base Abilities: Dexterity 17, Wisdom 15, Constitution 13, Strength 12, Charisma 10, Intelligence 8
• Movement Speed: 9m
• Location: The Counting Halls, Act 3

Like Jaheira, Minsc is a familiar face from previous Baldur’s Gate titles. A Rashemaar warrior, Minsc is a well-traveled Ranger with impressive strength. More famously, he’s known for his hamster companion named Boo, who Minsc claims is a miniature giant space hamster. (There is no evidence to support this, however.)

To recruit Minsc, you must have already recruited Jaheira in Act 2. In Act 3, she’ll then give you the ‘High Harper’ quest, leading you to Minsc in the Sewers. After saving him from a fake Jaheira, you’ll need to knock him out with a non-lethal weapon. When he comes to, let him know that the Jaheira you killed was a fake and find his hamster Boo to recruit him to your squad.

Minsc has incredibly high ranged defense and mobility. Selecting Gloom Stalker as his subclass highlights his stealth, making him more effective at surprise attacks and sticking to the shadows. Equip him with a strong bow and keep him out of range of incoming attacks to get the most out of this character.

Teaming up with the most efficient companions with the most useful skills for each quest is a crucial part of crafting a strategy in Baldur’s Gate 3. You’ll develop an attachment to certain characters during your playthrough, but we’d recommend diving into each and every one of their respective stories to uncover as many secrets as you can.