In Baldur’s Gate 3, players have the ability to shape the game’s narrative by choosing different companions, each of whom brings their own unique quests and storylines. This choice greatly enhances the game’s depth and replayability, as to experience every piece of content, multiple playthroughs are necessary. However, discussions on Reddit reveal that players often leave some companions out, sometimes due to party dynamics or simply because they don’t vibe with the character’s personality.
The online community of Baldur’s Gate 3 fans is buzzing with talk about which companions they tend to bench during their journey. While it’s not mandatory to recruit every character, doing so can significantly influence the unfolding story. Ever since its release in late 2023, the game’s companions have been celebrated for their individuality, each bringing distinct personalities and quests, allowing players to guide their paths for better or worse. This intricacy is part of what makes Baldur’s Gate 3 such a joy to revisit, as it requires numerous playthroughs to uncover every story arc that these characters hold.
In one lively Reddit thread initiated by user PunchBeard, players shared their thoughts on which companions they usually opt not to include in their adventures. Although opinions vary widely, certain patterns emerge. Some players like to rotate companions to maximize their storytelling experience, but not everyone is a fan of late arrivals like Jaheira, Halsin, and Minsc, particularly Minsc, who joins quite late in the game. By that stage, players are often already settled with their crew, making it harder for new faces to find their place.
The topic of which companions to leave behind is rife with diverse opinions. A participant in the discussion admitted to avoiding Lae’zel because “she’s mean to me,” while another expressed how they find Shadowheart’s demeanor “immensely annoying,” leading them to keep her at camp. For some gamers, forming their party is more about strategy than personal preference. For instance, they might choose between Karlach and Lae’zel based on their similar fighter roles as Barbarian and Fighter, respectively.
As Baldur’s Gate 3 approaches the release of Patch 8, Larian Studios is wrapping up its post-launch support. The new update will introduce features like Photo Mode and crossplay, and add twelve new subclasses, providing a fitting conclusion to this epic CRPG. Although the exact release date is still under wraps, the community eagerly anticipates this last major update before Larian shifts its focus to their next project, which remains a mystery for now.