Companions are one of the most important aspects of a good role-playing game. Companions of various classes in Baldur's Gate 3 will help fill out the party. They make the story more engaging through their interactions with the player throughout your adventure. They offer their own perspectives, helping you understand the character you are playing. Let's figure out where to find all the companions in Baldur's Gate 3.
Baldur's Gate 3 Guides
In the release version of Baldur's Gate 3, there are many unique personalities, each with completely different characters and views on the game's events. Each of your comrades has their personal qualities, goals, and motivations, tied to a common problem. Their opinion of you will change depending on your decisions. They may approve or disapprove of your actions. In this guide, we will detail each party member: describe their personal quest, tell you how to properly befriend them, and in which direction to develop their story. All romantic branches, we will describe in a separate guide.
Astarion (Astarion)
Astarion is a high elf rogue and a valuable addition to your group thanks to his deception skills. After two hundred years of serving a cruel vampire master, the vampire spawn Astarion has finally gained freedom — the freedom to walk in the sun, the freedom to seek power, and the freedom to seek revenge.
Where to Find Astarion
Astarion can be found after the crash of the «Nautiloid» in the first act. You will meet him while exploring the southwestern part of the Ravaged Beach, where he will ask for help dealing with «one of those brain things».
Astarion's Traits and How to Befriend Him
- Astarion is a very strong rogue and an excellent negotiator. Take him on missions that require stealth.
- Astarion is the perfect addition for a player with a negative reputation. He enjoys making fun of people, especially when something very cruel happens. The vampire likes to watch others suffer. In most positive quest resolutions, he will disapprove of the player's actions.
- However, Astarion is not as vile as he may seem at first glance. The vampire likes good deeds, especially if the player benefits from them.
- If the main character helps Astarion in the camp: helps him deal with the runes on his back, allows himself to be bitten, or assists in the fight with the hunter, there is a high chance to turn the vampire kind and polite.
- Astarion values personal loyalty due to his circumstances. He approves of many events that are indirectly similar to his personal issue.
- The only companion who doesn't mind becoming an Illithid and is willing to accept the tadpole in the third act.
- Astarion dislikes heroic actions. Leave him in the camp to avoid accidentally lowering the trust level.
- In the finale of his personal quest, try to persuade Astarion away from omnipotence, and this will be a decisive moment in reeducating the arrogant vampire.
Gale (Gale)
Gale is a human wizard and prodigy whose love for a goddess drove him to commit a terrible feat that no mortal could replicate. Tainted by the forbidden magic of ancient Netheril, Gale seeks to destroy the corruption that has overtaken him and regain the favor of his goddess before he becomes a destroyer of worlds.
Where to Find Gale
Gale can be found after completing the prologue. He is located near the «Roadside Cliffs» waypoint, above the wreckage of the Illithid ship.
Gale's Traits and How to Befriend Him
- Gale is a very powerful wizard with a plethora of AoE abilities. With the right development, he can become the most valuable ally.
- He is very kind, and players with a positive reputation will find it easier to win him over. The ally is sociable and always ready to add his comment to the dialogue.
- The wizard dislikes bad deeds and can leave the camp very quickly if the player opts for an aggressive playthrough.
- Gale is an artifact addict. In the first chapter, he needs to constantly consume rare items imbued with magical power. Help him cope with this addiction to gain his approval.
- He loves animals and reacts positively to their presence in the camp.
- Hates when his mind is invaded or his private life is disturbed.
- Gale is quite amorous. It's very easy to seduce him.
- He will be very upset if the player does not respond to his flirtations.
- Don't be afraid to give him the Mindflayer's Crown. It will not affect the overall plot and ending.
- Gale has a bomb in his chest capable of destroying all life within a large radius. The player can persuade the wizard to blow up all the villains at once in the second act. This way, you will finish the game without reaching the Gates of Baldur. We do not recommend doing this, as all of Gale's problems will be resolved in the third act. He will stay with you until the very end.
Lae'zel (Lae'zel)
Lae'zel is a fierce Githyanki warrior, mighty even by the standards of her kind, the Illithid slayers. An indispensable tank with high DPS, who can easily help you even in the toughest battles. Despite her «fiery» and haughty character, she is the only companion willing to sacrifice her principles for the protagonist's goals. Just remember to level up Charisma and Persuasion to smooth over sharp edges in communication and persuasion.
Where to Find Lae'zel
Lae'zel will briefly join you on the Illithid ship, but once you crash land, you'll find her imprisoned by the Tieflings at the cathedral ruins. You will need to access the bottom of the cage to free your ally.
Traits of Lae'zel and How to Befriend Her
- Lae'zel is straightforward and firm in character. She will tell the truth to your face without any remorse.
- From the beginning, she is quite bloodthirsty and cruel. She enjoys making harsh remarks about non-player characters and insults. She loves violence and gains inspiration points for achievements in battles. Over time, her character will noticeably soften. Lae'zel will encourage the main character's kind deeds and scold for negative ones.
- Focused on the main mission. Hates when the player gets distracted by side quests. After exploring the nursery, she becomes more open to other tasks.
- Will hope for her race's help until she personally witnesses their treachery. Believes the principles and ideas of the Githyanki are supreme. Agreeing with her way of thinking gives approval points.
- If the player accumulates enough approval points, Lae'zel will agree to kill the inquisitor and go against her goddess.
- Lae'zel can be convinced to follow the final path for the Emperor.
- With maximized relationships, she will agree to stay with the player after killing Orpheus in the epilogue.
- In the first chapter, she loves to annoy Shadowheart and do what she dislikes. If the player resolves their conflict, they will become friends later.
- Lae'zel encourages: valor, self-sacrifice, and unwavering duty.
- The easiest to seduce. Her love line develops quite quickly to its maximum peak.
Shadowheart (Shadowheart)
Shadowheart is a Shar-worshipping half-elf priestess and the only survivor from an expedition sent to fulfill the will of the Lady of the Night. A reliable support, offering your group: healing, positive effects, interesting spells of stealth and deception. A kind soul with a touching personal story.
Where to Find Shadowheart
Shadowheart can be freed from a capsule during the prologue, while you are onboard the «Nautiloid». The capsule can be unlocked by finding and placing a certain rune into the nearby console. After the prologue, you will find her unconscious on the beach next to the wrecked ship. She will thank you for freeing her earlier.
If the player did not save Shadowheart in the prologue, she can be found at the entrance to the crypt (Abandoned Ruins).
Traits of Shadowheart, and How to Befriend Her
- In the first act, Shadowheart enjoys solitude and confidentiality. As trust levels increase, she will respond positively to your curiosity. She appreciates when the player doesn't ask questions and doesn't pry.
- Shadowheart has a heart of gold. She values peaceful solutions over brute force. Approves of: using deception, wit, and persuasion if they lead to positive outcomes.
- She reacts sharply to unnecessary cruelty by the player.
- To get to know Shadowheart better, the player needs to pass «Insight» checks.
- She responds positively to the player's religious and historical checks.
- In the first chapter, she is hostile towards Lae'zel. She may attack the Githyanki at night. If the player resolves their conflict, they will become friends later.
- Until the second act, encourage all rituals and peculiarities of the Shar cult.
- With enough trust, the player can convince Shadowheart not to kill the Song of Night. In this case, she will become loyal to the god who has been with her since birth.
- Changing faith takes the relationship with Shadowheart to a new level. Shortly after, she changes her hairstyle and hair color.
- Quite jealous in relationships, but doesn't mind letting the player sleep with the druid.
- Help Shadowheart to deal with her past and start anew.
- While controlling Shadowheart, talk to the Song of Night.
- Gift her a night orchid, which can be found in the location of the second chapter.
- Let Shadowheart decide on her own how to deal with her parents, to make your relationship strong until the very end.
Wyll (Wyll)
Wyll is a human warlock, known as the Blade of Frontiers. Uses magic to kill monsters and devils threatening the Sword Coast. A very strong ally and an important character for obtaining «key» quests. His character has significantly developed after early access. Wyll is a very kind and positive guy, ready to sacrifice himself for the player. After completing the second act, he receives a rapier that makes him invincible.
You will meet Wyll after the battle at the Druid Grove.
Features of Wyll and How to Befriend Him
- The perfect companion for a positive playthrough. He wholeheartedly approves of heroic acts and kind deeds.
- He reacts sharply to negative actions and the player's relations with demonic entities.
- Wyll is morally upright and cannot empathize with evil beings with neutral intentions.
- Wyll will leave the camp if the player agrees to help the goblins.
- The player can convince Wyll not to harm Karlach. In this case, the warlock is punished with a demonic appearance.
- The main character must help Wyll break his contract with Mizora.
- If Wyll is in the player's team during the clearing of the Moon Tower dungeons, persuade him to help Mizora. As a reward, he will receive a weapon that enhances his abilities.
- Wyll is a valuable ally in Baldur's Gate. He is acquainted with the city's elite and can persuade them to side with the player.
- Try to save Wyll's father in the battle with the duke.
- If you fail to save Wyll's father, after talking to Mizora, you will have the opportunity to resurrect him.
- Do not be afraid to agree to Mizora's proposal. As a reward, you will receive a very important lore-related quest.
- If you help Wyll gain confidence, in the end, he will want to govern Baldur's Gate and become its new protector.
Karlach (Karlach)
Karlach is a Zariel-tiefling barbarian who escaped decades of service in Hell with nothing but an axe on her back and a hellish engine furiously burning in her chest where her heart should be. The life of the party and a very positive character in all respects. Karlach is capable of smashing any opponents to smithereens and creating a real mess on the battlefield. This companion has won the love of players everywhere and can charm you with her charisma.
Where to Find Karlach
Pass through the Desolate Village past the gnome tied to the windmill and jump over the gap in the bridge. Follow the road to the right. Navigate through hyenas and gnolls, continuing down towards the river. Upon seeing blood on the ground, follow it. You will find Karlach on the opposite side of the river. Wyll must be in your team to prevent any future conflicts.
Features of Karlach, and How to Befriend Her
- Despite her hellish appearance, Karlach is very kind and positive.
- Help her deal with the corrupt paladins. It's preferable that Karlach is in your party.
- Karlach is ruthless towards enemies and compassionate towards the rest of the world.
- She doesn't mind the player's harsh actions if they don't contradict moral principles.
- Karlach, like Lae'zel, approves of battles and gains inspiration points.
- Often behaves like a curious teenager.
- Approves of the player's heroic behavior.
- All companions approve if the player defends Karlach from the attacks of Wyll and Mizora.
- Karlach hates devils and will chastise the player if they decide to make deals.
- Collect hellish iron in the first chapter. Give it to the engineer from the Tiefling village to upgrade Karlach's engine. Repeat this in the second chapter to finally deal with the problematic engine.
- Give Karlach hellish coins so she can use berserker abilities.
- Take Karlach with you when meeting important plot characters.
- Do not put heavy armor on Karlach, as it blocks her abilities.
- Take Karlach with you to the battle with the duke.
- Promise her to be by her side until the very end.
Halsin (Halsin)
Halsin is a tall forest elf-druid, the leader of the Druid Grove of the Emerald Enclave. Imposing, good-natured, and caring for all living things. A character that made Baldur's Gate 3 so popular. He has very cool abilities that allow him to change roles in the party. An important plot character and a wonderful companion.
Where to Find Halsin
Halsin can first be encountered in the worg pens at the ruined shrine of the goblin camp. To recruit him, you must complete the quest chain «Save the Refugees», where you need to defeat three goblin camp leaders. After the second act and the quest to save Taniel, he remains a companion until the very end of the story.
Features of Halsin, and How to Befriend Him
- Halsin is a druid, and he cares about everything related to nature.
- Take him in your squad when you go to fight Kagha. Do this again at the Baldur's Gate.
- He is a positive character who does not approve of negative actions.
- He dislikes battles and does not take pride in killings.
- Responds favorably to peaceful resolutions of conflict situations.
- Encourages your attention to domestic pets.
- Will be pleased if you save Arabella.
- Views the killing of innocent animals negatively.
- Don't forget to take him back to camp after the battle at the Moon Towers.
- Halsin does not need love, only carnal pleasures. He might ask you to negotiate with a love interest to get her permission.
Jaheira (Jaheira)
Jaheira is a high half-elf druid, a classic D&D character, and a key companion in Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2. A true legend brought back for the third installment. Strong, willful, and ageless elf capable of dealing with a whole crowd of enemies on her own and giving the main character a good kick if he misbehaves. An important plot character in the second and third chapters, who should always be part of the party.
Where to Find Jaheira
Jaheira can be found at the «Last Light» tavern in the second chapter. Initially, she will be a non-playable character, but depending on the player's choice, she will join the squad as a companion. During the assault on the Moon Towers, persuade Jaheira to go with you to battle Ketheric. After the fight, you can ask her to join your squad on a permanent basis.
Features of Jaheira, and How to Befriend Her
- Jaheira is a positive character and a moralist, opposing any evil deeds, even minor ones. She disapproves of alcoholism and sexual relations in a brothel.
- A multiclass character, combining a druid and a rogue.
- Jaheira approves of kind deeds and the main character's mercy.
- A local celebrity in Baldur's Gate. Every plot character knows her by face.
- Take her with you to meet Nine-Fingers.
- Jaheira must be in the team for the meeting with the Harpers.
- Without Jaheira, you won't be able to recruit Minsc.
- If you kill Minsc, Jaheira will leave the squad.
- Upon reaching a positive relationship, she will call the hero «Honey».
- Visit her home in Baldur and meet the children.
- Open the secret cabinet in her home using the badge given by Jaheira's son.
- Jaheira disapproves of dealing with the devil.
- Take her to the battle with Orin.
- She will be glad to participate in the battle with Kagha.
- Pay for a room in the «Elfsong Tavern».
Minsc (Minsc)
Minsc is a human ranger and local fool, known for his habit of talking to his hamster Boo, whom he considers a miniature giant space hamster. He can be recruited into the team in the third chapter. A local celebrity and a key character from past parts of Baldur's Gate.
Where to Find Minsc
You can only meet Minsc in the third act, where everyone calls him the Stone Lord. To recruit the guy, Jaheira must be in your squad. After robbing the treasury, you will find Minsc in the sewer. Use a non-lethal attack to stun him, and then persuade the Emperor to give Minsc protection from the parasite.
Features of Minsc, and How to Befriend Him
- Minsc is not very bright, so be gentler with him in dialogues.
- Interact more with this character.
- Ask Minsc about the hamster Boo.
- Don't let Minsc and Jaheira have a falling out.
- Minsc is very kind but tolerates minor mischief.
- Won't tolerate bad treatment of Jaheira.
- Talk to Lae'zel about space hamsters.
Minthara (Minthara)
Minthara is a Drow Lolth-paladin and the only companion you can acquire in a negative playthrough. She is the only non-companion character with whom a romantic scene is possible in the first act. A cruel and authoritative drow, she prefers not to risk herself and uses others to achieve her goals.
Where to Find Minthara
If the player supports Minthara and sides with her in the first chapter, they will meet the girl in the Moon Towers. There, you will need to rescue her from torture in prison and help her reach your camp.
Features of Minthara, and How to Befriend Her
- For Minthara, you need to sacrifice Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin. The first two will leave the group due to your villainy, and the latter will not join.
- After the romantic scene, Minthara will attempt to kill the main character. Use intimidation to convince the drow to back down.
- Astarion approves of befriending Minthara.
- You can make Minthara good. To do this, you need to reveal to her the true plans of the Absolute's cult.
- She wants to kill Ketheric and Orin.
- She will suggest the hero to capture the Mindflayer and control the illithids.
- Overall, a versatile companion who is ready to take any side of the player.