The Overlooked Gem: Baldur's Gate 3's Most Underrated Companion

Article Key Points

At first glance, Wyll Ravengard might appear to be a dull and insignificant character. However, his captivating narrative, which involves making a pact with a devil and embarking on a mission to save his father, brings a layer of intricacy and depth to his persona.

Wyll possesses formidable magical skills, including Eldritch Blast and Fireball, which greatly enhance his combat prowess and prove invaluable to the player, particularly on Tactical difficulty.

Although Wyll's romantic narrative may not offer as many scenes or intimate moments compared to other companions, his tender and genuine love story, along with his deep connection to Karlach, portray him as a caring and empathetic companion that should not be underestimated.

Baldur's Gate 3 boasts a diverse cast of intriguing and enjoyable characters. Among them is the enigmatic Vampire Astarion, with his deep and emotional backstory. We also have the captivating Tiefling Karlach, whose touch can inflict burns on others. And there's Gale, burdened with an insatiable arcane hunger that compels him to consume magical artifacts. Alongside them are a host of other companions, each with their own captivating narratives and distinct personalities. It's no surprise that the majority of Baldur's Gate 3 fans hold these characters in high regard.

However, there is one companion in particular who seems to have failed to make a strong impression on fans - Baldur's Gate 3's resident Warlock, Wyll Ravengard. Regrettably, Wyll is often dismissed as a dull and insignificant character, causing some players to actively avoid him. At first glance, Wyll may appear to be an ordinary and attractive man who offers little in terms of interest or value. Yet, for those willing to invest time in his character development and experience his personal narrative, Wyll Ravengard of BG3 reveals depths and surprises that defy initial judgments.

Why Fans Shouldn’t Sleep on Wyll

Compelling Storyline

Beyond being good and self-sacrificial, Wyll possesses a profound complexity. At the age of seventeen, he made the bold decision to enter into a pact with a devil named Mizora, trading his soul for the necessary powers to safeguard his city. Consequently, his father banished him for this choice. Assuming the title of the Blade of Frontiers, Wyll embarked on a quest to eliminate demons on behalf of his patron Mizora. When Wyll believes he has acted in accordance with his convictions, he accepts the repercussions of breaching his contract, as exemplified in his decision to spare Karlach, a member of BG3. Mizora, punishing him for this act, condemns Wyll to eternal damnation as a devil unless the player discovers a loophole that allows him to remain human and permits Karlach to survive. In the presence of the player, Wyll occasionally reveals his sly nature and playfully taunts Astarion, who happens to be a vampire.

The main focus of Wyll's storyline revolves around him grappling with his newfound identity as a devil and coming to terms with the consequences of Karlach's death. Additionally, he embarks on a mission to save his father, Duke Ulder Ravengard, from the clutches of the enemy and break free from his pact with Mizora. However, towards the end of his journey, an ultimatum is presented to him: either save his father or sever his pact. Mizora informs Wyll that he cannot have both options simultaneously. Nonetheless, there exists an alternative route where the player can choose to search for Wyll's father without facing any repercussions, except for Mizora's disappointment and the sacrifice of the opportunity for romance in Baldur's Gate 3. In a climactic moment, Wyll's father endeavors to bestow him with the title of Duke, but upon having the choice, Wyll declines and instead adopts the title of The Blade of Avernus.

Eldritch Blast & Other Powerful Skills

A warlock’s abilities can be exceptionally potent, making them the most powerful among all. Despite not excelling at using ranged weapons, Wyll displays extraordinary proficiency in magic, particularly when it comes to casting Eldritch Blasts. These powerful spells are readily available to him as soon as he joins the party. Having Wyll as a companion considerably bolsters one's chances of success on Tactical difficulty since his Eldritch Blasts do not require any spell slots and can inflict over 10 points of damage. As Wyll levels up, his mastery over Eldritch Blast improves, granting him access to a wide array of formidable spells. For instance, the devastating Fireball spell can deal more than 40 points of damage to any foe caught within its explosive radius.

Wyll’s Romance

Wyll's romance is a tender and delightful love story. Nonetheless, unlike the romances for other BG3 companions, his romance consists of only two scenes and does not offer the opportunity for physical intimacy. Nevertheless, his two romance scenes are still incredibly heartwarming. In his Act 2 scene, he shares a dance with the player, and in his Act 3 scene, he proposes marriage to the player with an acorn.

Wyll and Karlach

Out of all the companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, Wyll stands out as the sole savior of Karlach in the game's finale. What began as a desire to harm her has transformed into an unwavering determination to keep her alive. Their bond is truly remarkable. Understanding that she despises the notion of returning to Avernus, even if it guarantees her survival, Wyll remains steadfast. He refuses to let her face solitude once more, insisting on accompanying her. This poignant conclusion to Wyll's narrative solidifies his status as one of the most compassionate companions. From his unique personality to his formidable abilities, Wyll is undoubtedly a companion not to be underestimated.

Baldur's Gate 3

Franchise: Baldur's Gate

Platform(s): PC, Stadia, macOS, PS5

Release Date: August 3, 2023

Developer: Larian Studios

Publisher: Larian Studios

Genre: RPG

ESRB Rating: M for Mature

Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence

Estimated Gameplay Time: 30 Hours

Metascore: 96

Split Screen Orientation: Vertical Only

Number of Players: 1-2

Official Site: [link]

Steam: [link]

Playstation Store: [link]

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have a few thoughts on the article.

First, I agree that Wyll is an underrated companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He has a compelling storyline, powerful skills, and a captivating romance. However, I think the article could have gone further in discussing his character. For example, it could have talked about his relationship with his father, his pact with the devil, and his feelings of guilt and shame.

Second, I think the article could have done a better job of comparing Wyll to the other companions in Baldur's Gate 3. For example, it could have talked about how his story is different from Astarion's, Karlach's, and Gale's. It could also have talked about how his skills and abilities complement the other companions'.

Overall, I think the article is a good introduction to Wyll, but it could have gone further in discussing his character and comparing him to the other companions.