Baldur's Gate 3: Unleashing Scratch the Dog - Ultimate Guide

Role-playing games encompass more than just the thrill of quests and acquiring treasures; they also revolve around the lasting bonds formed among players. In Baldur's Gate 3, numerous companions await players, including a non-humanoid figure known as Scratch, an amicable canine who finds himself stranded in the untamed wilds.

To be precise, Scratch, although not entirely misplaced, requires assistance similar to other non-player characters (NPCs) that players come across during their journey. By cultivating a friendship with Scratch, players have the opportunity to invite him to join their Camp, unlocking a range of intriguing benefits and enjoyable experiences.

Scratch The Dog

In the lore of the Sword Coast, Scratch holds a significant place as the loyal companion of Gomwick, the unfortunate courier who was once his master. While the party ventures into the untamed wilderness west of Druid Grove, they will come across a forest clearing where they will spot a white German Shepherd near Gomwick's lifeless body, along with any undelivered mail.

There are numerous benefits to befriending Scratch, the first being that the protagonist will gain access to Gomwick's body and all of his possessions. To continue on this path, head west and you will discover the Blighted Village, or venture north to find the Owlbear Nest.

Where To Find Scratch

When the player first approaches Gomwick's body, it is red, indicating that taking anything from it would be considered theft. However, if the player first befriends Scratch, they can safely loot the body.

Approaching the Body: Players have the option to walk around Scratch, shoo him away, or approach him and show him affection. Petting Scratch enables the character to proceed with the dice rolls.

Dice Rolls: The character must successfully roll dice for Intimidation in order to deter the dog from approaching, or for Perception to identify the name on its collar. If the player has the Animal Handling skill, they can shake their head at the dog to convey that its master, Gomwick, is beyond assistance.

Meeting At Camp: Once the dice rolls are successfully passed, the character can impart their scent to Scratch as a means of instructing the dog to go to their Camp and rendezvous with them at a later time. Scratch will arrive at the Camp on the second night after being recruited.

Use the Quicksave function here before beginning the encounter with Scratch. If any of the dice rolls go poorly, and he runs away, the previous save point can be restored.

What Scratch Does

Beyond being a mere aesthetic addition to the Camp, Scratch proves to be a versatile companion with intriguing skills. As an adventuring NPC, he surprises with his ability to play fetch, a common yet delightful activity, while consistently burying any bone he stumbles upon.

Keeping an eye on Scratch could prove beneficial, as his habits might unveil valuable secrets, including the possible discovery of buried treasure. He possesses knowledge of key locations, chests, and hidden doors and occasionally bestows presents upon the camp. However, the player must successfully pass a Strength check in order to acquire certain items from him.

During Act I, Scratch remains in the camp, but as the game progresses, he may have the opportunity to expand his role and potentially become a formidable companion in combat.

Having Scratch by your side can lead to new and exciting opportunities, particularly when encountering creatures such as the Owlbear. Characters equipped with the Speak With Animals ability can engage in amusing and brief conversations with Scratch.

Mark your calendars for the release of Baldur's Gate 3 on August 3 for PC and September 6 for PS5. Rest assured, an Xbox Series X/S version is currently in the works.