Players have the opportunity to shape the narrative in Baldur’s Gate 3 by choosing companions, each with distinct questlines that enrich the story. These companions bring depth and replayability, encouraging multiple playthroughs to fully experience all the available content. Reddit conversations often highlight that players tend to leave later-arriving companions behind due to party dynamics or personal likes and dislikes.
Baldur’s Gate 3 enthusiasts have been actively discussing online which companions they tend to leave out during their journey. While it’s not essential to recruit every companion in Baldur’s Gate 3, including them can significantly influence the storyline. Upon its 2023 launch, the game’s companions were celebrated as a standout feature. Each character is uniquely designed with personal quests that can branch into varied outcomes, all depending on player choices. This capacity to steer characters toward their best or worst selves adds a rich layer of complexity, making the game incredibly replayable. To uncover every aspect of each companion’s storyline would require multiple adventures through the game.
On Reddit, user PunchBeard initiated a conversation asking which Baldur’s Gate 3 companions players most frequently bench during their playthroughs. Responses were diverse, yet certain trends emerged. Many players switch companions based on the upcoming questlines they wish to explore, aiming to optimize their game experience. Latecomers like Jaheira, Halsin, and Minsc often get sidelined, with Minsc being particularly noted for his tardy arrival, by which time players usually have their preferred party firmly established.
Even popular companions weren’t immune to criticism. One player admitted to consistently excluding Lae’zel due to her abrasive demeanor, while another player found Shadowheart to be “incredibly annoying,” prompting them to leave her at camp. Some players prioritize party composition over personal affinity, opting between characters like Karlach and Lae’zel because of their similar roles as a Barbarian and a Fighter.
As Baldur’s Gate 3 approaches the launch of Patch 8, Larian Studios’ phase of post-launch support is drawing to a close. The update promises new features such as a Photo Mode, crossplay, and 12 additional subclasses, providing a grand finale for the esteemed CRPG. Though stress testing for Patch 8 is underway, the official release date remains unannounced. Once completed, Larian is expected to shift its focus entirely to their next, yet-to-be-announced project.
