Baldur's Gate 3's companions included characters with a wide range of backgrounds and personalities. The classes represented by the party were also fairly diverse, which gave the chance to create a party that was balanced, as well as the opportunity to create a character of any class, and they'd fit right in. And, while this did work for the most part, there were three basic classes from Dungeons and Dragons that were notably absent among Baldur's Gate 3's companions: the Monk, Bard, and Sorcerer.
Despite the popularity of these classes in both Dungeons and Dragons and Baldur's Gate, none of the companions in Baldur's Gate 3 included these classes. While it's not necessary for all the classes to be represented by the companions, there were two Druid companions in Baldur's Gate 3, which made it feel as if there could have been space to include a different kind of ally. Baldur's Gate 4 would be wise to include the classes that were left out, as they all have incredible storytelling potential for companions.
Baldur's Gate 3 Details More of the New Subclasses Coming in Patch 8
Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios reveals more details regarding the new subclasses coming to the popular RPG in Patch 8.
Why Include These Specific Classes In Baldur's Gate 3's Sequel
All three of these classes experienced a rework in Baldur's Gate 3, and are great classes to play as a custom character, which may be why none of the companions embody them. An uncustomized Dark Urge is a Storm Sorcerer, but, other than this optional addition, these classes aren't seen too often within Baldur's Gate 3. With two Druid companions, this feels like a wasted opportunity, especially as these classes are some of the most popular in Dungeons and Dragons.
While it's expected that the most basic classes will be represented in Baldur's Gate 4's companions, such as Fighter, Wizard, Cleric, and Rogue, the classes that were neglected in Baldur's Gate 3 should get their chance to shine even early on in the story. Bards are notoriously charming, which makes them popular companions. Monks offer unique perspectives on moral issues and little-known cultures, while Sorcerers have a ton of potential regarding their backstories as natural magic users. All of these characteristics make for a diverse and interesting party with great potential for storytelling.
Reimagining These Classes For Baldur's Gate 3's Sequel
Larian ignoring these three classes in favor of the ones it did include does make sense, as it included classes that made sense for the Baldur's Gate 3 characters. The party for Baldur's Gate 3 was still balanced, and it allowed players to create a Bard, Monk, or Sorcerer and have them seamlessly integrate into the party, without having two characters of the same class in the party. However, doing this for two games in a row would be a missed opportunity to create characters either based on the archetypes of that class, or that subvert them.
This is especially true considering the storytelling potential of these classes in particular. The Bard class is one that is based on storytelling and music, and its subclasses have a wealth of potential to inform a character's backstory. The Sorcerer's subclasses include Wild Magic, which could lend itself to a great backstory as well as gameplay in combat and dialogue. While Monks have needed some rework to make them more viable in combat, they have a wealth of potential as characters, especially with the new Drunken Fist subclass, which could be used to subvert expectations or stereotypes about the class.
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
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.
THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCE
Choose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.
A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPIC
Forged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian's next-generation RPG engine.
- Genre(s)
- RPG
