Unlock the Ultimate Adventure: Baldur's Gate 3's Top Ranked Origin Characters for Your First Playthrough

For players looking to experience the storyline of Baldur's Gate 3 while keeping the world of Faerun intact and using a pre-made character, the game offers Origin Characters. These characters, similar to those in Divinity Original 2 by the same developers at Larian Studios, can be played as companions or main characters. They have unique personalities and narratives that greatly influence the overall outcome of the game.

With six Origin Characters to choose from, players may struggle to decide who to play as in their first playthrough. After all, this character becomes the focal point of their Baldur's Gate story. Which character embodies the best aspects of the game and will make the best first impression?

7 Gale

Players of Dungeons & Dragons are well-aware that Wizards are renowned for their explosive abilities, particularly with the devastating Fireball spell. Origin Gale serves as a great introduction to the Class, as it immediately grants players access to a highly versatile set of Spells, making it an ideal choice for aspiring Wizards.

However, playing as Gale can become a bit burdensome when it comes to his craving for Magic Items. This constant need for nourishment can be a hindrance, especially since these items are both valuable and scarce in the world of D&D. This dilemma becomes even more challenging for new players, who may find it difficult to part ways with their cherished possessions in order to satisfy Gale's appetite. Failing to appease his hunger can result in a significant disadvantage for Gale's actions and overall gameplay experience.

6 Astarion

In addition to being the iconic seduction mascot of Baldur's Gate, Astarion enhances Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay with his vampire nature and irresistible charm. His ability to survive in daylight due to the Mindflayer parasite adds an intriguing layer to his character development in the game developed by Larian Studios.

Opting for Astarion's default class, the Rogue, not only expands his skillset but also equips players with the tools to navigate through RPG obstacles like traps, locked objects, and Stealth. This opens up opportunities for experimentation with gameplay mechanics such as theft and executing Sneak Attacks, giving players incentives to explore more creative approaches to the game. While Astarion's reliance on violence may complicate relationships, it also generates unique interactions with other characters.

5 Wyll

In Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay, Wyll surprises players by breaking the mold and debuting as a Warlock, despite his initial appearance as a swashbuckler. As a person connected to a powerful Patron, choosing Wyll as the main Origin automatically involves interactions with an unseen force, which adds an intriguing perspective to the Mindflayer invasion. Additionally, Wyll's pursuit of fellow Origin Karlach before the story begins sets the stage for unique and interesting interactions between them.

From a gameplay perspective, Wyll's classification as a Warlock means he has access to fewer spells compared to Wizards and Sorcerers. However, he can also defend himself with weapons, unlike traditional spellcasters. This limited spell list makes it easier for fans to understand the spellcasting mechanics of D&D while still offering creative options. Furthermore, Wyll's focus on Charisma makes him an ideal "Face" character who can handle a significant portion of the game's dialogue needs.

4 Karlach

Introduced at the game's launch, Karlach the Tiefling is an excellent choice for a companion in Baldur's Gate 3. She has a significant role in both the story and the world of Faerun. In Act 1 of the campaign, Karlach finds herself caught between a conflict involving her kind and the Druids, while also being pursued by fellow companion Wyll. This presents an intriguing opportunity for character development as it reveals the discrimination faced by Tieflings in the Forgotten Realms.

Players who select Karlach as their companion and choose the Barbarian class will also have a strong tank at their disposal. Unlike the Fighter class, the Barbarian provides a great introduction to D&D gameplay mechanics such as Rage and Unarmored Defense. This allows players to maximize their character's damage output without overwhelming them with complex spellcasting rules.

3 Shadowheart

For players seeking a more authentic experience in Baldur's Gate 3, selecting Shadowheart as their initial Origin character is recommended. She is among the first characters encountered in the game, and her amnesia allows players to fully immerse themselves in Faerun culture and grasp Shadowheart's future importance in the plot.

Additionally, Shadowheart's preferred Class, the Cleric, allows her to excel in combat situations. With the ability to heal and a strong physical presence, she offers reliability. This allows players to freely choose and tailor their other companions early on, providing flexibility for experimentation within the party.

2 The Dark Urge

Larian Studios offers players of Baldur's Gate 3 the opportunity to create a Custom Origin character, similar to Divinity: Original Sin 2. However, BG3 introduces The Dark Urge, a Custom Origin template with a completely distinctive story compared to the traditional "foreigner in a foreign land" concept of the original custom option.

While still customizable, The Dark Urge presents unique dialogue options and a much darker storyline, appealing to players seeking a touch of chaos in their Baldur's Gate playthrough. Although decisions made within The Dark Urge lean towards a grittier side of the RPG spectrum, the way these events unfold sets them apart enough to make them suitable for an adventurous first playthrough or an unconventional second run in the game as a whole.

1 Lae’zel

When selecting an Origin for their initial Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough, newcomers should give consideration to the Githyanki race, specifically Lae’zel. Although relatively uncommon in the Forgotten Realms, the unique perspective of Lae’zel offers an ideal introduction for players unfamiliar with the world of Faerun.

Opting for Lae’zel also aligns well with the game’s starting cinematic, which showcases Githyanki pursuing the Mindflayers across the Astral Plane. Lae’zel and her fellow Githyanki are presented as having a strong motivation to combat the primary antagonists in the game, making it easier for players to connect with their cause. Additionally, Lae’zel's ideal Class, the Fighter, is highly adaptable, making her well-suited for a leadership role.

Baldur’s Gate 3 was released on August 3, 2023 for the PC and is slated for a September 6 release for PlayStation 5