Baldur's Gate 3's Best Companion Isn't A Companion At All

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The companions of are among the most memorable aspects of the game, but one of the best characters to have around isn't even a companion in the traditional sense. Although the word «companion» can mean a lot of different things in real life, it specifically refers to potential party members in , who fill out an adventuring group in the same way that players would at the game table (or in a multiplayer campaign). It's consequently no surprise that companions tend to be some of the most interesting characters in the game.

The initial batch of companions introduced in are all Origin characters, meaning they can be chosen at character creation to fill the role of the protagonist as well. Other party members that can be recruited later on lack the mind flayer parasite that infects the minds of the Origin characters, but that doesn't mean they don't have interesting arcs and challenges of their own. It's also possible to adventure with a few characters who don't qualify as companions at all, from hirelings to summons that help out in combat or various challenges.

Setting aside arguments about which male companion has the best romance arc in, the game's real best boy is Scratch, a dog that can be found near the Blighted Village in Act 1. Scratch has a lot more to offer than just being adorable, even if that might be reason enough to invite him along to camp. As a familiar that can always be summoned, there's no risk in making use of Scratch in dangerous situations, and he can be easily summoned by keeping a ball that he procures on-hand in a character's inventory.

Scratch's most iconic ability is his skill at sniffing out secrets, as keeping the dog on hand can make it easier to find buried treasure hidden throughout the game.