Role-playing games offer a variety of allies that players can recruit to assist them on their quest. In Baldur's Gate 3, there are numerous potential allies to join for support, combat prowess, and camp interactions, yet some prove more elusive to recruit than others. Additionally, these allies may depart if they disapprove of the protagonist's decisions.
The game introduces two allies on the Nautiloid, considered the starting point of Baldur's Gate 3, while others are scattered across Act 1's Wilderness. Two more can be found in Act 2, with the most challenging ally located in Act 3. By this stage, the main character should possess a deeper understanding of combat mechanics, but even then, certain allies in Baldur's Gate 3 remain notably harder to recruit.
6 Minthara
Siding with Evil Forces
- Location: Found among the Goblin Camp leaders
The challenge in recruiting Minthara lies in the malevolent actions players must take in Act 1, involving aligning with Goblins, accompanying them to the Grove, and participating in the slaying of Tieflings. Even if the protagonist doesn't object to such deeds, this event can distance them from other allies linked to Druids or their affiliates.
Despite the hurdles, there are compelling reasons to recruit Minthara. As a Paladin, she possesses potent abilities like Lay On Hands and Radiant Smite, along with racial traits such as Darkvision and Faerie Fire due to being a Drow.
5 Halsin
Breaking the Shadow Curse
- Location: Rescued from the Worg Pens within the Goblin Camp
Enlisting Halsin involves a multi-step process spanning two Acts. It commences with freeing him from the Worg Pens, followed by eliminating the Goblin chieftains and saving the Grove. Halsin will express interest in joining the camp post the Grove's rescue, although he won't be an active ally yet.
Act 2 focuses on dispelling the Shadow curse, with Halsin seeking the protagonist's aid in locating his comrade Thaniel. Saving Thaniel marks the initial step in liberating the lands from the Shadow curse, leading to Halsin accompanying players to Baldur's Gate as an ally.
4 Jaheira
Confronting Thorm in Moonrise Towers
- Location: Encountered at Last Light Inn within the Shadow-cursed Lands
Players encounter Jaheira early in Act 2, but she becomes recruitable only if she survives until Act 3, a task more challenging than it appears. Treacherous battles unfold in the Shadow-cursed Lands, such as the Last Light Inn assault and the Moonrise Towers siege. If Jaheira perishes before recruitment, standard resurrection methods are ineffective, leaving her permanently lost.
Following the second battle, Jaheira expresses her willingness to join the camp and embark on adventures, participating in the assault on the Illithid Colony and the final showdown with Kethric Thorm. Once recruited, she gains immunity to permanent death post-recruitment.
3 Minsc
Uniting with the Stone Lord
- Location: Encountered in the Counting House, leading to a journey through the sewers
Recruiting Minsc hinges on securing Jaheira's presence. Without her in Act 2 or if she dies, players cannot persuade Minsc to join their cause. Jaheira's reassurance to Minsc, confirming her identity against the doppelgänger impersonating her, paves the way for his enlistment.
Minsc's late arrival complicates party dynamics already shaped over three Acts. However, for players seeking a Ranger with ample inventory space, humorous dialogues, and a beloved space hamster companion, Minsc becomes an invaluable addition.
2 Lae'zel
The First Ally Encounter
- Location: Initial meeting on the Nautiloid
Two allies, Shadowheart and Lae'zel, are introduced to Tav on the Nautiloid. While recruiting Shadowheart is straightforward, locating Tav's assertive Gith ally involves freeing her from captivity by a pair of Tieflings away from the shore.
Players face diverse choices at this juncture, either opposing her captors and defeating the Githyanki threat, or eliminating the Tieflings to secure her release. To resolve the situation peacefully, the protagonist must pass a Deception or Intimidation test to convince the Tieflings to depart. Failure to free Lae'zel before departure results in her permanent absence from recruitment.
1 Gale
Testing Strength and Abilities
- Location: Located near a broken waypoint south of the Druid Grove
Similar to Lae'zel, rescuing Gale necessitates two saving throws after his fall near a shattered Waypoint while fleeing the crashing Nautiloid. Players can opt for a Strength check or choose a class-specific skill like Wisdom for Clerics or Intelligence for Wizards.
Failing the roll risks Gale's escape into obscurity, rendering him unrecruitable. Success prompts him to request joining the party. Should the party be full, players can assign him to camp, although he requires specific magical items to sustain his Netherese Orb before departing Act 1.