After nearly two years of ongoing updates, the anticipated final patch for Baldur’s Gate 3 has been released. As a result, the game will cease receiving substantial updates—future changes will primarily focus on bug fixes. Among the exciting features introduced in Patch 8 are cross-play and a new photo mode, as well as the addition of twelve new subclasses, each one tailored for a different character class. Given this context, it’s an opportune moment to explore which subclass will best suit each companion character.
With 10 companions available for recruitment in Baldur’s Gate 3, selecting the appropriate subclass for each can be a challenging task, especially for first-time players. Fortunately, the character Withers is accessible to facilitate respeccing the party anytime, allowing players to test out various builds effortlessly. This piece analyzes each companion alongside their class to identify subclasses that not only provide enjoyable gameplay but also resonate thematically with each character.
10
The Best Subclass For Minsc – Swarmkeeper Ranger
Default Subclass – Hunter
Minsc, the last companion to be recruited, appears in Act 3 where players must rescue him from the clutches of the Absolute’s cult. The recently introduced Swarmkeeper ranger subclass is particularly fitting for Minsc, allowing him to summon swarms of small creatures to aid him and his beloved hamster, Boo. The Swarmkeeper’s unique gameplay mechanics involve summoning various swarms, such as bees or jellyfish, that inflict diverse damage types while offering defensive mobility options for Minsc.
| Swarm | Level 3 Options | Level 11 Options |
|---|---|---|
| Legion of Bees | Deal 1d6 Piercing damage. Push target back. | Deal 1d8 Piercing damage. Push target back and prone. |
| Cloud of Jellyfish | Deal 166 Lightning damage. Shock target. | Deal 1d8 Lightning damage. Shock and disarm target. |
| Flurry of Moths | Deal 1d6 Psychic damage. Blind target. | Deal 1d8 Psychic damage. Blind and slow target. |
Equipped with this subclass, Minsc’s swarms will significantly increase damage against marked enemies. He will gain access to valuable spells and at level seven, Writhing Tide enables Minsc to be lifted and flown across the battlefield by the summoned swarms. At level 11, the expanded capacity of these swarms boosts both damage output and utility options like disarming enemies, enhancing Minsc’s role in combat.
9
The Ideal Subclass For Jaheira – Circle Of The Stars
Default Subclass – Circle Of The Land
Jaheira, a beloved character returning from earlier Baldur’s Gate titles, takes on a new role as a pure druid in BG3, departing from her previous multiclass of fighter and druid. During the assault on Moonrise Towers in Act 2, she demonstrates her dual wielding of scimitars alongside her wild shape ability. Therefore, selecting the Circle of the Stars subclass for Jaheira makes significant thematic and gameplay sense as it adds versatility to her wild shapes beyond simple beast forms.
| Starry Form | Description | Spell |
|---|---|---|
| Archer | As a bonus action, cast Luminous Arrow. | 1d8 + Wisdom modifier radiant damage (attack roll) |
| Chalice | When casting a healing spell using a spell slot, cast Chalice Healing. | 1d8 + Wisdom modifier healing |
| Dragon | Results of 9 or lower on a concentration saving throw are considered as 10. Cast Dazzling Breath as a bonus action. | 2d6 + Wisdom modifier radiant damage (Dex save) |
This subclass offers alternative spellcasting capabilities that complement Jaheira’s original skills, enabling her to utilize Star Maps as extra spell slots. She will also gain crucial spells such as Guiding Bolt and Guidance. At level six, the Cosmic Omens ability allows Jaheira to influence attack rolls and saving throws similarly to the Wild Magic sorcerer’s Bend Luck feature.
8
The Perfect Subclass For Minthara – Oath Of Vengeance
Default Subclass – Oath Of Vengeance
Minthara can be recruited should players align with her in Act 1 or opt to subdue her for dialogue in Act 2. Though often viewed as a morally ambiguous companion, she proves to be a formidable ally throughout any playthrough. Minthara’s default subclass, Oath of Vengeance, aligns harmoniously with her character, providing strong proactivity in combat. Although one could argue for the thematic appeal of the Oathbreaker subclass, the tenets of the Oath of Vengeance resonate deeply with Minthara’s motivations.
This subclass presents an impressive arsenal of useful spells, including Bane, Misty Step, and Haste. Features like Abjure Enemy impose debilitating effects on enemies, increasing the likelihood that they remain incapacitated, while Relentless Avenger allows Minthara to gain momentum after executing opportunity attacks during combat.
7
The Most Powerful Subclass For Halsin – Circle Of The Moon
Default Subclass – Circle Of The Moon
Like Minthara, Halsin’s default subclass fits perfectly with his narrative. After recruiting him post-rescue in Act 1, players need to lift the Shadow Curse to utilize him fully as a companion. Since Halsin first appears in his bear wild shape, the Circle of the Moon subclass is an appropriate choice, granting him access to stronger wild shape forms such as the bear, sabre-toothed tiger, and other elemental creatures exclusive to this subclass.
One of the standout abilities of the Circle of the Moon subclass is the capacity to assume wild shapes as a bonus action, enabling immediate offensive action after transformation. Additionally, the Lunar Mend ability allows Halsin to heal during wild shape; this makes Circle of the Moon the most potent combat-oriented option available to druids.
6
The Top Early Subclass For Karlach – Giant
Default Subclass – Wildheart
Karlach can be recruited early in Act 1 through Wyll’s quest or by exploring the Risen Road. With a background as Zariel’s warrior, selecting the Giant subclass aptly complements her fierce frontline capabilities in the Blood Wars. This choice enhances her physical prowess and aligns with her history of combat training.
Deployed with the Giant subclass, Karlach will increase her physical size while raging, doubling her damage on thrown attacks. Notably, at level 10, she gains the ability to throw medium-sized foes, adding a captivating element to her combat style. Furthermore, her ability to carry heavier loads and acquire the Thaumaturgy cantrip adds significant value, particularly when leveraging intimidation tactics—befitting her role stemming from Zariel. Elemental Cleaver at level six grants an additional damage type to her weapon attacks, enhancing her versatility and effectiveness in battle.
5
How To Best Kit Out Wyll – The Hexblade
Default Subclass – The Fiend
Wyll’s intertwined personal storyline with Karlach offers an opportunity to delve into optimal subclass choices for the Blade of Frontiers. While his default subclass, The Fiend, aligns well with his pact with Mizora, I find the new Hexblade subclass to be a more natural fit given Wyll’s skill set.
Although Wyll’s subclass is fixed upon recruitment, players can still respec with Withers at camp. The Hexblade subclass bestows proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, broadening his combat versatility. It transitions Wyll from a primarily spell-based role to emphasize melee combat using Charisma for damage, which aligns with his rapier usage. The Hexblade’s Curse feature enhances Wyll’s critical strike probability and even provides healing upon the target’s demise.
4
A Versatile Option For Gale – Divination School
Default Subclass – Evocation
Gale’s backstory is rich with potential for various schools of magic, contributing to the wizard’s inherent versatility. However, the Divination School appeals to Gale’s themes of fate and knowledge, offering tremendous strategic advantages within party dynamics, particularly in high-stakes encounters.
The signature feature of the Divination School, known as Portent, grants Gale two Portent Dice per long rest. Wisely used, these dice allow Gale to influence attack rolls and saving throws—shifting outcomes for both allies and foes. This ability becomes particularly powerful in tougher encounters, assisting in avoiding critical hits against party members or swaying the outcome of critical battles.
3
How To Pump Up Fan-Favorite Astarion – Swashbuckler
Default Subclass – Arcane Trickster
For over 200 years, Astarion was a pawn in Cazador’s schemes, designated to attract victims back to him. This narrative gives rise to a subclass selection that is both thematically aligned and fun to play. Previously, the Thief subclass excelled in giving Astarion extra actions for enhanced damage output. However, with Patch 8’s release, the new Swashbuckler subclass has emerged as an ideal fit, exuding Astarion’s personality traits.
| Dirty Trick | Description |
|---|---|
| Flick o’ the Wrist | Flick your weapon at a target to potentially disarm them. |
| Sand Toss | Toss sand at a target to potentially blind them. |
| Vicious Mockery | Cast the Vicious Mockery cantrip. |
With the Swashbuckler subclass, Astarion gains access to Fancy Footwork, permitting him to nimbly withdraw from melee range after an attack. The Rakish Audacity feature rewards him further by increasing initiative and enabling sneak attacks without the need for advantage if he’s within reach of an enemy. Astarion’s arsenal of new dirty tricks at level four, paired with the charm-inducing Panache at level nine, solidifies his position as a formidable and enjoyable character to play.
2
The Initial Companion Lae’zel – Eldritch Knight
Default Subclass – Battle Master
As one of the first characters players encounter, Lae’zel requires a powerful subclass that can sustain her and the party’s survivability. The Eldritch Knight subclass is an excellent choice that complements her character and fighting style. Although not the most potent subclass for straightforward damage, it presents a blend of martial and spellcasting abilities that enhances versatility. Notably, the weapon bond ensures Lae’zel remains armed even in critical situations.
Upon reaching level three, Lae’zel can learn a couple of wizard cantrips and one first-level spell, with suggestions for Bone Chill, Misty Step, and Shield. This subclass continues to offer new spells as she levels, culminating in choosing a higher-level spell at level eight, like Haste for increased mobility and utility. Lae’zel will be stacked with spells, bolstering her capabilities up to level 12.
1
Change Shadowheart As Soon As You Can – Death Domain/Life Domain
Default Subclass – Trickery Domain
Shadowheart is the last companion presented for recruitment, and like Wyll, her subclass is predetermined. However, the Trickery Domain ranks as the weakest cleric subclass in BG3, prompting strong recommendations to respec her once Withers is accessible. Two alternative paths emerge: the Death Domain should she remain loyal to Shar, or the Life Domain should she embrace Selûne.
The newly configured Death Domain introduces fresh cantrips like Toll the Dead and Bursting Sinew, along with martial weapon proficiency. Bursting with necromancy-focused spells, this subclass offers a powerful Channel Divinity feature in Touch of Death to augment melee attacks with added necrotic damage. Conversely, should the Nightsong be spared, the Life Domain presents itself as the premier clerical choice for Shadowheart, delivering unparalleled healing capabilities.