Unveiling the Ultimate Roster: Meet the 10 Must-Have Companions in Baldur's Gate 3

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 takes place in the Forgotten Realms, a popular Dungeons & Dragons setting, with a new generation of heroes saving the world.

The game has the potential to feature well-known characters from the Forgotten Realms, like Gorion's Ward, Drizzt Do'Urden, Artemis Entreri, and Jarlaxle Baenre, as companions. Additionally, there is the possibility of including other companions such as Krehlan Arunsun, Cattie-brie, Bruenor Battlehammer, Grimgnaw, Edwin Odesseiron, and Tomi Undergallows, each with their own captivating storylines and distinct abilities.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has garnered critical acclaim from both newcomers and experienced Dungeons & Dragons TTRPG enthusiasts. The game joins a growing selection of D&D games that take place in the Forgotten Realms, a popular setting in the D&D universe introduced in AD&D 2nd Edition by Ed Greenwood.

The Forgotten Realms is set in the continent of Faerun on the world of Toril, and it is inhabited by diverse races and nations that often find themselves in potential conflicts. Previous games like Neverwinter Nights, Icewind Dale, and the earlier Baldur’s Gate entries depicted groups of heroes saving the world from imminent danger. Now, Baldur’s Gate 3 presents an opportunity for a new generation of heroes to emerge and protect Faerun. Excitingly, some beloved characters from the Forgotten Realms could potentially join the player as Companions in this expansive and thrilling adventure.

10 Gorion’s Ward

Differentiating itself from other RPGs with customizable main characters, Gorion’s Ward stands out as a unique example of a custom character whose story spans across multiple games. Throughout the first two Baldur’s Gate games, the protagonist, accompanied by their childhood friend and potential companion Imoen, was brought up by the Harper. By putting an end to the Bhaalist plot that unfolds throughout these two games, one could assume that Gorion’s Ward successfully completed their mission.

In BG3, Gorion’s Ward could be presented as a customizable Companion or another Custom Origin, acknowledging their role as the player’s protagonist in the previous games. From a narrative perspective, Gorion’s Ward in BG3 could be depicted as suffering from amnesia, similar to the Dark Urge, or concealing their true nature for unknown reasons.

9 Drizzt Do'Urden

The name Drizzt Do'Urden is synonymous with the Forgotten Realms, as seen in the compelling stories of the Icewind Dale and The Dark Elf trilogies. These tales highlight the Ranger's exile from Drow society and his eventual transformation into the hero of the North. The popularity of the R.A. Salvatore character is evident, as he and his Companions even made appearances in previous Baldur's Gate games, although they were not playable characters.

With both games set in the same era, it is not impossible for Drizzt to offer his assistance to players, especially considering other characters like Minsc have become Companions. Despite Drizzt's heroic reputation, his original build as a low-level Ranger in AD&D makes it feasible for players to help him grow and develop, even while he is already recognized as a hero.

8 Artemis Entreri

Drizzt Do'Urden and Artemis Entreri were once viewed as two sides of the same coin, where the Drow's skill perfectly aligned with the latter's intense fascination. Despite being Drizzt's former archnemesis, Artemis continues to be revered as one of the most formidable assassins in Faerun.

It comes as no surprise that both enemies and allies in Baldur's Gate 3 would seek to employ Artemis. In his 3E and 2E builds, he was primarily a Fighter, followed by a Rogue (or Thief in the case of 2E). Given his potential role as a Companion in Baldur’s Gate 3, it is logical for Artemis to be presented as a Battle Master Fighter/Thief Rogue Multiclass. With his cunning and combat expertise, he would certainly give both Lae'zel and Astarion a tough competition.

7 Jarlaxle Baenre

Fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 may be disappointed without a Companion to portray the Bard, as it offers entertaining and humorous interactions. Fortunately, Jarlaxle Baenre is well-suited for this role, as he thrives in the world of deceit and treachery expected of Drow society. As a member of the Bregan D’aerthe, Jarlaxle seizes the opportunity presented by the Mindflayer invasion to amass power and influence.

To add a touch of theatrics, the game could introduce a bothersome Drow Bard who only reveals his true identity as Jarlaxle towards the end. Alternatively, Jarlaxle could be portrayed as himself, with his story revolving around an unfortunate event that separates him from his mercenaries and his ongoing quest to reunite with them.

6 Krehlan Arunsun

Elminster's inclusion as a character in Baldur's Gate 3 suggests that Laeral Silverhand, his student and fellow chosen of Mystra, is maintaining peace as the Open Lord of Waterdeep in the northern Sword Coast. While Laeral has had an eventful history, her son Krehlan Arunsun has been quite unremarkable due to a lack of substantial activities. Despite not being a chosen of Mystra, Krehlan inherited their magical abilities and became the Blackstaff, a title held by the Archmage of Waterdeep.

In the lore, Krehlan died in 1424 DR, many decades before the events of the game. However, Baldur's Gate 3 could potentially reveal a hidden history where Krehlan survived through some manipulation and has gone into hiding, only to emerge as one of the heroes of Faerun. While Krehlan would likely still be associated with the Wizard class in Baldur's Gate 3, his story intertwined with Mystra's "child" could create an intriguing alternative perspective on Gale's romantic relationship with the goddess.

5 Cattie-brie

Cattie-brie, known for her practical yet compassionate nature, is Drizzt's closest ally and eventual wife. As the skilled archer among the Companions of the Hall, she is a valuable asset. However, when Cattie-brie's life was unexpectedly taken by a fragment of the Spellplague, the nature goddess Mielikki offered her and the other deceased Companions a chance at reincarnation to assist Drizzt once more.

In the context of the events in Baldur's Gate 3, which take place shortly after Ruqiah's birth, Cattie-brie could join players on their mission to save Faerun as a supporting side quest to aid Drizzt. In this new venture, she could either appear as her true self, a Fighter/Ranger hybrid, or adopt the form of her reincarnated self, Ruqiah, as a Wizard/Druid.

4 Bruenor Battlehammer

One of Drizzt’s most respected friends is Bruenor Battlehammer, who adopted Cattie-brie as his own. Despite becoming the King of the Battlehammer Clan, Bruenor's true passion was reclaiming his family's lost settlement, Mithral Hall. With the help of Cattie-brie, Drizzt, Wulfgar, and Regis, he successfully regained control of the territory, only to soon be pulled into new adventures.

Even though he holds a leadership position within his clan, Bruenor can still be a valuable companion in Baldur's Gate 3. His royal status adds an interesting dynamic to conversations, showcasing the wisdom and pride that comes with age, rather than the arrogance displayed by the Red Prince, a character from Larian Studios' Divinity: Original Sin 2. Originally a Fighter, Bruenor can also function as a Fighter/Cleric hybrid, specifically as a Battle Master.

3 Grimgnaw

Grimgnaw, originally from the Battlehammer Clan, abandoned his brethren to join the Long Death, a Monastic Tradition that embraces the termination of the natural life cycle. Grimgnaw's obsession with death may unsettle those who spend time with him, eventually leading him to become the leader of Cania, one of the Nine Hells, in the Hordes of the Underdark.

Although Grimgnaw becomes an adversary that players must confront, an alternative path would see him venture through Faerun as a Long Death Monk, seeking disciples. Grimgnaw's grim perspective on the world offers an intriguing juxtaposition to the player's other allies, potentially making him a compelling Companion in Baldur's Gate 3 as a Monk.

2 Edwin Odesseiron

Wizards, through dedicated study, have the ability to perform extraordinary feats that can make them formidable adversaries. Edwin Odesseiron, with his cunning, proves to be a dangerous enemy not to be underestimated. Minsc, previously encountered as a henchman in the previous Baldur's Gate games, may find himself in for a surprise when he crosses paths with this Red Wizard of Thay.

In contrast to the more mild-mannered Gale, Edwin possesses a sarcastic and introverted personality that can quickly become an annoyance to the rest of the party. This sets the stage for compelling character development, similar to what he experienced in previous Baldur's Gate titles. Furthermore, Edwin's potential gameplay in Baldur's Gate 3 is intriguing. As a Conjurer, his kit could heavily focus on summoning abilities.

1 Tomi Undergallows

Astarion effortlessly displays his charming nature, while Tomi Undergallows takes a more subdued approach. Despite his "secretively cheery" demeanor, which aligns with his role as a Rogue in Neverwinter Nights, Tomi's backstory as a fugitive in Baldur's Gate creates intrigue and potential as a companion. Tomi found himself in Neverwinter, taking up odd jobs to avoid unnecessary legal issues.

Although Tomi is present during the Drow attacks in Hordes of the Underdark, his ultimate fate remains unknown to players. Despite the time gap between NWN and BG3 of over a century, Halflings like Tomi can live up to 150 years, allowing the possibility of an older Tomi actively partaking in the game's adventures. The inclusion of an experienced Rogue alongside Astarion could lead to thrilling interactions.

Baldur's Gate 3

Platform(s) PC, Stadia, macOS, PS5Released August 3, 2023Developer(s) Larian StudiosGenre(s) RPG See at Steam