Strongest Companions in Baldurs Gate 3

Strongest Companions in Baldurs Gate 3

Players fond of CRPGs will remember the Baldur’s Gate series for its compelling storylines and excellent cast of characters. Baldur’s Gate 3 brings the same character-focused flavor to modern screens. This time around, players encounter various survivors who escaped a recent skirmish against mind flayer invaders from Faerun. Not only do they have to eliminate illithid tadpoles inside of them before transforming into mind flayers, but they also face the challenge of optimizing their party dynamics.

With Baldur’s Gate 3 recently winning BAFTA 2024’s Game of the Year, fans of Dungeons & Dragons might wonder what the fuss is about regarding this acclaimed title. One of the most appealing aspects of Baldur’s Gate 3 is its delightful cast of ten companions, each with unique personalities and builds that can be optimized for various playstyles.

Jaheira: The Versatile Druid

Jaheira is a returning character from the original Baldur's Gate games, serving as a Druid who can also act as a healer and support. Although her low Strength makes a Druid/Fighter multiclass less ideal, her decent Dexterity allows for a Druid/Ranger hybrid. Choosing the Circle of the Land subclass can provide her with more Druid spells tailored to various environments, enhancing her role as a support unit.

Players may also consider building her as an Oath of the Ancients Paladin, which allows her to utilize some Druid spells while enhancing her combat abilities. This build aligns well with her established character from previous titles, combining her nurturing qualities with the capacity for frontline combat.

Default features:

• First location: Last Light Inn (Act 2)
• Starting class: Druid
• Starting Stats: AC 13, 17 HP
• Default Ability STR 10, DEX 14, CON 14, INT 8, WIS 17, CHA 12

Minthara: The Combat-Oriented Paladin

Minthara presents a more complex character choice. Players can only recruit her after specific events, and she excels as a combat-oriented tank-support hybrid. Players should consider an Oath of Vengeance Paladin build, which offers more offensive capabilities and effective melee utility.

Her high Wisdom opens up the possibility of multiclassing into a Cleric, providing enhanced support to her allies. Alternatively, players could transform her into a College of Swords Bard, capitalizing on her charisma and creating a character that blends combat with utility, giving her a versatile edge in battles.

Default features:

• First location: Goblin Camp (Act 1)
• Starting class: Paladin
• Starting Stats: AC 16, 12 HP
• Default Ability STR 17, DEX 12, CON 13, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 15

Wyll: The Charismatic Warlock

Wyll, a Warlock of the Fiend Pact, boasts a high Charisma and access to a range of debilitating spells, making him effective in combat. Despite not being the best in melee, his durability and spellcasting abilities allow him to control the battlefield effectively.

Players may want to maintain their Warlock base while multiclassing into an Oath of the Ancients Paladin, enhancing their tanking capabilities. This build would allow him to use Divine Smite and protective spells, creating a character that is both a damage dealer and a resilient frontline.

Default features:

• First location: Druid Grove (Act 1)
• Starting class: Warlock
• Starting Stats: AC 12, 10 HP
• Default Ability STR 8, DEX 13, CON 14, INT 13, WIS 10, CHA 17

Minsc: The Reliable Ranger

Minsc is a versatile Ranger capable of adapting to various combat situations. Players should consider building him as a Beast Master Ranger, which allows him to summon an animal companion to aid in battles. This setup makes Minsc a reliable support character who can deal damage while maintaining battlefield control.

Alternatively, Minsc can be transformed into a Wildheart Barbarian, leveraging his natural combat prowess for more straightforward, aggressive tactics. This duality makes him a strong contender for any party composition.

Default features:

• First location: Lower City Sewers (Act 3)
• Starting class: Ranger
• Starting Stats: AC 14, 11 HP
• Default Ability STR 12, DEX 17, CON 13, INT 8, WIS 15, CHA 10

Halsin: The Powerful Druid

Halsin, the First Druid of the Emerald Grove, is an early recruit who excels in combat through his animal forms. Building him as a Circle of the Moon Druid allows him to Wild Shape into a powerful beasts, optimizing his combat effectiveness.

For a different approach, players could resp Halsin as a Way of the Elements Monk, blending martial arts with Druidic abilities. This transformation provides him with versatility and enhances his combat capabilities while maintaining a connection to nature.

Default features:

• First location: Goblin Camp (Act 1)
• Starting class: Druid/
• Starting Stats: AC 11, 38 HP
• Default Ability STR 16, DEX 11, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 17, CHA 13

Karlach: The Fierce Barbarian

Karlach’s background as a Barbarian makes her one of the most potent damage dealers in the game. Her Rage ability allows her to excel in straightforward combat scenarios, making her an ideal tank to draw enemy attention.

Players may choose to build her as a Wildheart Barbarian, utilizing the extra combat options that come with this subclass. Alternatively, the Berserker Subclass offers repetitive options for damage dealing, providing an aggressive playstyle that can decimate foes.

Default features:

• First location: Toll House (The Risen Road, Act 1)
• Starting class: Barbarian
• Starting Stats: AC 13, 14 HP
• Default Ability STR 17, DEX 13, CON 15, INT 8, WIS 12, CHA 10

Lae’zel: The Githyanki Fighter

Lae’zel is designed for close-quarters combat with her Fighter class. A Battle Master Fighter build would capitalize on her high Strength and offer various combat maneuvers that enhance her battlefield control.

Alternatively, players might consider the Eldritch Knight Fighter build, giving Lae’zel access to spells while enhancing her combat versatility. This combination can create a well-rounded character capable of addressing diverse combat scenarios.

Default features:

• First location: Nautiloid (Prologue), Roadside Cliffs (Wilderness, Act 1)
• Starting class: Fighter
• Starting Stats: AC 16, 12 HP
• Default Ability STR 17, DEX 13, CON 15, INT 13, WIS 12, CHA 8

Gale: The Masterful Wizard

Gale is a Wizard with a rich backstory, and while he may appear to be a glass cannon, his versatility can be maximized through careful spell selection. An Abjuration Wizard build focuses on protective spells, offering both offense and defense.

For a more thematic approach, transforming Gale into a Wild Magic Sorcerer could align with his backstory, providing access to powerful spells while adding an element of unpredictability to combat.

Default features:

• First location: Ancient Rune Circle (Roadside Cliffs, Act 1)
• Starting class: Wizard
• Starting Stats: AC 11, 12 HP
• Default Ability STR 8, DEX 13, CON 15, INT 17, WIS 10, CHA 12

Astarion: The Cunning Rogue

Astarion, a former vampire, excels as a Rogue, leveraging his high Dexterity for sneak attacks. A Thief build allows him to maximize damage output through multiple attacks, making him one of the strongest damage dealers.

Alternatively, players can explore the College of Swords Bard build, combining his rogue skills with bardic abilities for enhanced combat and utility. This transformation can amplify his charm while maintaining his lethal efficiency in battles.

Default features:

• First location: Crashed Nautiloid (Wilderness, Act 1)
• Starting class: Rogue
• Starting Stats: AC 13, 12 HP
• Default Ability STR 8, DEX 17, CON 14, INT 13, WIS 13, CHA 10

Shadowheart: The Trickster Cleric

Shadowheart serves as a High Half-Elf Cleric of the Trickery Domain, providing essential healing and support. Her initial build is ideal for supporting her team from the backline.

Players may want to play her as a Light Domain Cleric, enhancing her offensive capabilities with powerful spells like Fireball while also maintaining her role as a defensive backbone for the party. This build would provide her with the tools needed to control the battlefield effectively.

Default features:

• First location: Nautiloid (Prologue), Ravaged Beach(Wilderness, Act 1
• Starting class: Cleric
• Starting Stats: AC15, 10 HP
• Default Ability Scores: STR 13, DEX 13, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 17, CHA 8

Using Reliable Servers Makes Things Easy

ScalaCube offers comprehensive game server customization with complete FTP access, allowing users to connect via their web app or their own application. Unlike other hosting services, ScalaCube provided SSD ensures loading speeds over ten times faster.

The platform features a user-friendly control panel and billing system, providing unlimited player slots and robust security protocols without the hassle of multiple credentials. ScalaCube stands out for its competitive pricing, including a 50% discount on the first month, making it an excellent choice for affordable game server hosting.

FAQs

Conclusion

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the choice of companions and their builds can significantly influence gameplay and strategy. Each character brings unique strengths and abilities that can be leveraged to create powerful party compositions. By understanding each companion's potential, players can optimize their teams and tackle the challenges of Faerun effectively. The game’s depth allows for endless experimentation, ensuring that every playthrough can feel fresh and engaging.