After almost two years of updates, the final patch has now been released forBaldur’s Gate 3, and the game will no longer receive any further large updates beyond bug fixes. Along with adding cross-play and photo mode,Patch 8 added 12 awesome new subclasses, one for each class. So, with that in mind, it is the perfect time to look at each companion to see what subclass would be right for them.
With 10 companions to recruit inBaldur’s Gate 3,choosing the right subclassfor each of them can be daunting, especially when playing for the first time. Luckily, Withers is on hand to respec the party at any time, allowing new builds to be tested with ease. For this list, I’ve looked at each companion and their class and tried to finda subclass for each that is not only fun to play, but most importantly, works for each character thematicallyas well.
10The Best Subclass For Minsc - Swarmkeeper Ranger
Default Subclass - Hunter
Minsc is the last companion to be recruited, not appearing inBG3until Act 3, where he must be saved from the Absolute’s cult. For Minsc, I think the newSwarmkeeper ranger subclassis a great fit andI like the idea of Minsc drawing swarms of small creatures to fight alongside him and Boo. Swarmkeepers are fun to play with them summoning swarms of bees, jellyfish, or moths to deal different damage and teleport Minsc to safety if needed.
Deal 1d8 Piercing damage. Push target back and prone.
Deal 1d8 Lightning damage. Shock and disarm target.
Deal 1d6 Psychic damage. Blind target.
Deal 1d8 Psychic damage. Blind and slow target.
With this subclass, Minsc’s swarms will deal extra damage to enemies marked byHunter’s Mark, and he will gain the spellsMage HandandFaerie Fire. Swarmkeeper gets even more fun at level seven, whereWrithing Tide will allow Minsc to be lifted up and flown around the battlefield by the swarms. Finally, at level 11, Minsc’s swarms will become even stronger, dealing more damage and gaining more utility options such as disarming enemies.
9The Ideal Subclass For Jaheira - Circle Of The Stars
Default Subclass - Circle Of The Land
Like Minsc, Jaheira is a returning character from previousBaldur’s Gategames; however, unlike her previous incarnations, she appears inBG3as just a druid instead of a fighter/druid multiclass. In Act 2’s assault on Moonrise Towers, Jaheira will use her wild shape as well as her dual scimitars, so I wanted a subclass that would give her some good weapon-based options. I think the newCircle of the Starssubclass is a great fit for Jaheira as it will give her wild shapes more versatilitybeyond beast forms.
1d8 + Wisdom modifier radiant damage (attack roll)
Chalice
Whenever you cast a heal spell that uses a spell slot, you can castChalice Healing.
1d8 + Wisdom modifier healing
Dragon
When you make a saving throw for concentration, results 9 or lower are considered to be 10. As a bonus action can castDazzling Breath.
2d6 + Wisdom modifier radiant damage (Dex save)
This circle is a great alternative to Jaheira’s default subclass,giving more spellcasting options with Star Maps functioning as extra spell slots. Jaheira will also gain theGuidancecantrip andGuiding Bolt, both very useful spells. At level six, she will gain Cosmic Omens, which are very similar to the Wild Magic sorcerer’s Bend Luck, allowing her to boost attack rolls and saving throws or impose a penalty on the same for enemies.
8The Perfect Subclass For Minthara - Oath Of Vengeance
Default Subclass - Oath Of Vengeance
Available for recruitment if she is sided with in Act 1 or knocked out and spoken to in Act 2, Minthara is seen as the evil companion, but makes a powerful ally during any playthrough. Minthara’s default subclass is Oath of Vengeance, and honestly, it’s perfect for her. Although there is an argument to be made that Oathbreaker would also work well thematically for Minthara,an Oath of Vengeance paladin’s tenets suit her so well.
Oath of Vengeance is a really solid subclass, with access to some very useful spells likeBane,Misty Step, andHaste. There are plenty of features that will make Minthara a great frontline fighter for the party, such as Abjure Enemy, which willimpose disadvantage to a target’s ability checks and attack rolls as well as prevent them from moving. Relentless Avenger will increase Minthara’s speed on her next turn if she hits an enemy with an opportunity attack.
7The Most Powerful Subclass For Halsin - Circle Of The Moon
Default Subclass - Circle Of The Moon
Just like Minthara,Halsin’s default subclass is perfectly tailored to his backstoryand character. Although Halsin will join the party’s camp once he’s been rescued in Act 1, you will need tolift the Shadow-Cursein Act 2 to fully gain him as a companion. Since he is first met in his bear wild shape form, it makes complete sense for Halsin to have the Circle of the Moon subclass, to give him access to more powerful wild shape beast forms.
This druid subclass is focused on using wild shapes with options such as the bear, sabre-toothed tiger, and four elemental forms that are exclusive to the Circle of the Moon. However, what makes this so useful in battle is thatHalsin will be able to use his wild shape as a bonus action, allowing him to attack immediately after transforming. Along with Lunar Mend, that will heal Halsin 1d8 hit points per spell slot level while in wild shape, Circle of the Moon is the best combat-focused option for druids.
6The Top Early Subclass For Karlach - Giant
Default Subclass - Wildheart
Karlach can be recruited in Act 1 by either following Wyll’s quest to find her or discovering her by exploring the Risen Road to the north of the map. Karlach has spent the last 10 years as the personal attack dog of Zariel in Avernus, so I chose a barbarian subclass that would make the most sense for that.The new Giant subclass works very well, as feels fitting for a frontline fighter in the Blood Wars.
Tavern Brawler is a fantastic feat to pair with the Giant subclass for even more damage.
With the Giant subclass, Karlach will be able to increase in size when she rages, doubling her damage on throw attacks, andat level 10, she will be able to throw medium-sized creatures, which is very fun. Along with an increased carrying capacity, Karlach will also gain theThaumaturgycantrip to give her advantage on Intimidation checks, which makes sense to me for someone representing Zariel out in Avernus. Finally, Elemental Cleaver at level six, will let Karalch deal extra elemental damage with her weapon, which she will also be able to throw.
5How To Best Kit Out Wyll - The Hexblade
Default Subclass - The Fiend
Wyll and Karlach’s personal quests and backstories are intertwined, so it made sense to me to take a look at the new subclasses for the Blade of Frontiers as well. While Wyll’s original subclass of The Fiend is very fitting for his pact with Mizora,I feel like the new Hexblade subclass is a better fit for his skill set.
Wyll’s subclass is already fixed when he is recruited, however, he can berespecced by speaking with Withersin camp.
The Hexblade willgive Wyll proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, giving him far more options when it comes to equipment. This subclass also focuses heavily on a melee-based warlock, and as Wyll has been primarily using his rapier, this lets him use his Charisma for better damage. Along with some great additions to expand his spell list, Wyll will also gain the Hexblade’s Curse for a better chance to crit, and some healing if the target of the curse dies.
4A Versatile Option For Gale - Divination School
Default Subclass - Evocation
There are arguments to be made for most of the schools of magic available inBG3being a good match for Gale’s backstory, and overall, the wizard class is very versatile. However, after much consideration, I settled onthe school of Divination for Gale, as its focus is on fate and knowledge, two things I associate Gale with. The Divination subclass is a powerful addition to any party, and most importantly, a lot of fun to play.
The main feature of the Divination School is the level two ability Portent, which gives Gale two Portent Dice per long rest. These can be used as a reaction tochange the result of attack rolls and saving throws for both the party and enemies. This is fantastic at higher difficulties, to negate a crit against a party member, or when the difference between a hit or a miss can change the course of a battle.
3How To Pump Up Fan-Favorite Astarion - Swashbuckler
Default Subclass - Arcane Trickster
For over 200 years, Astarion was sent out into Baldur’s Gate to lure back victims for Cazador, and I wanted to find a subclass for him that was not only fun to play but made sense. Prior to Patch 8, I found the Thief was the best choice for Astarion, giving him an extra bonus attack for more damage. However, the introduction of theSwashbuckler rogue subclassmeans I have a new favorite, andthe features and general feel of this subclass have Astarion written all over them.
Flick o' the Wrist
Vicious Mockery
Cast theVicious Mockerycantrip.
Swashbuckler Astarion will gain the new ability Fancy Footwork, which will allow him to move away from targets that he’s made a melee attack against. He will also gain Rakish Audacity, giving Astarion a plus two to initiative and making it sohe won’t need advantage to trigger sneak attack damage so long as he is within melee range. With a range of new Dirty Tricks to learn at level four, and Panache at level nine to charm enemies, Swashbuckler Astarion is formidable and fun.
2The Initial Companion Lae’zel - Eldritch Knight
Default Subclass - Battle Master
As one of the first companions met and recruited, Lae’zel benefits from having a strong subclass that can not only keep the party alive, but also herself. The Eldritch Knight subclass is fantastic for this, as although it isn’t the strongest fighter option, it does fit with Lae’zel’s character very well. The mixture of spells and martial abilities offers a lot of flexibility, andthe Eldritch Knight’s weapon bond will prevent her from being disarmed.
At level three, Lae’zel will be able to learn two wizard cantrips and a first level spell, and I recommendbone chill,Shocking Grasp, andshield.She will be able to learn one more spell at each new levelbefore level two spells are unlocked at level eight. Here I recommendMisty Stepfor increased mobility, however, Lae’zel will continue to add spells to her repertoire each level until level 12.
1Change Shadowheart As Soon As You Can - Death Domain/Life Domain
Default Subclass - Trickery Domain
The final companion is Shadowheart, who like Wyll, will already have her subclass set when she is first recruited. The Trickery domain is by far the weakest cleric domain inBG3, and I highly recommend respeccing Shadowheart as soon as Withers is available. For Shadowheart, I have two options:Death Domain if she stays loyal to Shar, and Life Domain if she embraces Selûne.
The new Death Domain comes with the new cantripstoll the deadandbursting sinew, and will also grant Shadowheart martial weapon proficiency. Along with a host of necromancy-themed spells, this subclass also has a new channel divinity, Touch of Death, to deal extra necrotic damage with a melee attack. However, if the Nightsong is spared, the Life Domain is a great choice for Shadowheart and is the strongestBaldur’s Gate 3cleric subclass with unparalleled healing.
