Summary
- Lae'Zel has the best character development in Baldur's Gate 3, offering a dynamic story and transformation.
- Astarion stands out with a memorable and impactful story, navigating a duality between predator and victim.
- Jaheira and Minsc lack deep personal development in Baldur's Gate 3, serving more as nostalgic additions for fans.
Baldur's Gate 3 stands as one of the most impressive journeys available to fans of role‑playing games, presenting fluid combat and a story of equal weight for players worldwide. Another element that makes this Larian Studios release feel magical is the presence of charismatic companions whose personal quests tie into the main plot, enriching each act.
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The charisma of these allies is also reflected in the high-quality writing each one received. So, the Baldur’s Gate 3 companions with the best stories don’t stand out just for their interesting personalities, but for the meaningful development they undergo throughout the journey, which makes each of them feel unique. Additionally, their storylines, filled with branching endings, further contribute to a gameplay experience rich in variety.
10 Minsc And Boo
Charismatic Duo Offers Limited Complexity
As one of the most iconic characters not only in the Baldur’s Gate video game universe but also in the Dungeons & Dragons novels, Boo and Minsc have a development arc that harkens back to the franchise’s earliest titles. While the duo has never had a story as complex as other characters, they consistently bring humor through their unique dynamic and the amusing dialogues they share across the series.
Unfortunately, in Baldur’s Gate 3, Minsc and Boo lack a personal development arc like other companions. As such, they serve more as fanservice for longtime players, filling a nostalgic role in the party. While this appeals strongly to returning fans, those who prioritize deep character growth in their party composition may find the duo less impactful in terms of narrative significance.
9 Jaheira
Classic Hero Receives Brief Development
Another nostalgic return in Baldur’s Gate 3, Jaheira’s appearance in Act 2, and the possibility of recruiting her after a few quests, is a welcome surprise for players familiar with the first two entries in the trilogy. However, her role in this Larian Studios title is less complex, portraying her primarily as the leader of the Harpers and focusing on the choices she must make from a position of power.
As a result, her character development isn’t as deep as it was in the earlier Baldur’s Gate games. Much like Minsc, she is a strong option for nostalgic fans who already know her past narrative. For new players starting their journey in Baldur’s Gate 3, her impact might feel less significant, but she still remains an interesting character overall.
8 Halsin
Warm Presence Paired With Compact Story
Even though he doesn’t have a major presence in the party during the early hours, Halsin is one of the most important characters in Act 1 of Baldur’s Gate 3. Much of the conflict between the tieflings and druids at the Emerald Grove stems from his disappearance. As such, one of the biggest moments in the early game is the search for him, culminating in a battle against the goblins at their camp.
He officially joins the team in Act Two, after guiding efforts to dispel the Shadow Curse, so most personal conflict resolves before he becomes a controllable ally. While his narrative remains brief, Halsin is a charismatic character, and even if his story is a bit more straightforward, he remains one of the game’s strongest companions.
7 Minthara
Ruthless Anti‑heroine Rewards Dark Playthroughs
For players trying to save the Druid Grove during Act 1, recruiting Minthara can be a difficult task, but for those on an evil path in this RPG, she is an excellent option for the party. Additionally, she is one of the most charismatic companions who can join the group, possessing a nihilistic philosophy that leads to some amusing interactions with the party, especially with Gale.
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Minthara stands out as one of the best characters in the game, especially for players seeking a more morally dark playthrough. However, as a secret and difficult-to-recruit companion, her story isn’t as fully developed as that of other characters in Baldur’s Gate 3. Players shouldn’t expect significant growth, but she still remains an intriguing presence throughout the game.
6 Wyll
Blade Of The Frontier Holds Untapped Potential
Wyll embodies the archetypal warlock, bound to an unfavorable pact with Mizora and forced to weigh heroic ideals against infernal demands, crafting a premise ripe for tragedy. His quest to uphold a righteous image despite constant manipulation highlights the tension between personal honor and contractual servitude within every pivotal scene he shares along the road.
However, despite having an interesting character concept, Wyll's personality keeps him from having one of the best stories in Baldur’s Gate 3. This is because the character doesn't go through much development during the game and doesn't evolve like the other companions throughout the RPG's story. Additionally, during Early Access, the character went through some changes, as his development was completely different in the game's initial builds.
5 Karlach
Optimism Masks One Of The Saddest Stories In Baldur's Gate 3
Since she was introduced to players, Karlach has consistently shown two important aspects of her character throughout the game. The first is her optimistic personality, despite the many hardships in her life, she remains a hopeful tiefling and one of the few genuinely good companions. The second is her mechanical heart, constantly on the verge of exploding and turning her into ashes, making her one of the best characters in Baldur’s Gate 3.
While Karlach herself has one of the most likable personalities in the game and is an easy choice for the active party, her story is somewhat simple compared to other companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. Although emotional and often ending in a gut punch for players, Karlach’s plot doesn’t shine as brightly as the charisma she brings to this RPG.
4 Gale
This Wizard Stands Among The Most Fascinating Companions In Baldur's Gate 3
Once chosen by Mystra, Gale has one of the most memorable introductions in Baldur’s Gate 3, after all, it’s not every day a wizard gets stuck inside a magical portal and needs help getting out. But what truly elevates him as one of the best companions in Larian Studios’ isometric RPG is the emotional depth and complexity of his character arc.
Gale is a highly articulate character, blending overwhelming self-confidence that borders on arrogance with a self-deprecating sense of humor. His connection with Mystra unfolds gradually, revealing someone consumed by ambition and now burdened by its consequences, specifically, a magical orb implanted in his chest with the potential to destroy Faerûn. This condition can even impact the game’s ending, as certain choices may lead him to a heroic sacrifice.
3 Shadowheart
Daughter Of Darkness Ranks Among The Best Companions In Baldur's Gate 3
From the moment she is introduced in Baldur’s Gate 3, when players can rescue her aboard the Nautiloid, Shadowheart makes it clear she is a character hiding secrets, particularly because of the Mysterious Artefact she carries. As the protagonist grows closer to her, she begins to reveal her faith and the fact that part of her memory was erased to avoid interfering with her sacred mission.
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Shadowheart’s narrative development leads to one of the best companion stories in Baldur’s Gate 3, marked by an intense journey of self-discovery. Her faith is put to the test, especially in Act 2, when she can be persuaded to spare Dame Aylin. This moment represents a great change on her arch, and depending on the player’s choices, she undergoes a visual transformation in the final chapter, reflecting the inner change she experiences throughout the story.
2 Astarion
Complexity Makes Him One Of The Best Characters In Baldur's Gate 3
Among the best characters in Baldur’s Gate 3, few are as memorable as Astarion, a vampire shrouded in mystery and uncertainty about his past. Initially introduced as a charming anti-hero, his actions are driven by a constant need for survival and a desire to break free from the cruel control of his master, Cazador. This duality between predator and victim creates a journey filled with nuance, inner conflict, and difficult choices.
Astarion’s narrative brilliance is heightened by the exceptional performance of Neil Newbon, whose talent brings to life a character full of wit, cynicism, and vulnerability. His portrayal makes the vampire feel incredibly human, forging a deep connection with players. As a result, Astarion stands out with one of the most impactful stories in the RPG, where moral decisions and emotional revelations shape his fate and enrich the overall experience.
1 Lae'Zel
Her Development Leads To The Companion With The Best Story In Baldur’s Gate 3
While Lae’zel’s personality can be difficult to endure early in Baldur’s Gate 3, her journey as a Githyanki warrior, proud of her heritage and status, is central to many tense interactions. However, her character arc stands out for the way it explores ideological and cultural conflict, as her long-held beliefs are slowly challenged by the world of Faerûn.
Lae’zel isn’t just one of the best Baldur’s Gate 3 companions; her story offers some of the strongest character development in the game. As she uncovers the truth about Vlaakith and the Githyanki’s role in the war against the Mind Flayers, players can lead her down a new path, breaking away from her upbringing and turning her into one of the most dynamic characters in the RPG.
Baldur's Gate 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full cross-platform play.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
