In Baldur's Gate 3, each origin companion arrives with a unique class build. While altering their subclass isn't a significant concern, changing their base class can have more profound implications.
While the game allows the option to change classes for origin companions, it's essential to weigh the benefits and consequences before making this decision.
The Impact of Changing Classes for Origin Companions
Altering classes for origin companions in Baldur's Gate 3 has both advantages and drawbacks. It's crucial to consider what you aim to achieve by editing this core mechanic. Changing their class can potentially diminish the impact of the story in various areas, as each companion's class is integral to their backstory and character development throughout the game's narrative. Consequently, changing their class may lead to incongruent cutscenes and dialogues. For a first playthrough, it's advisable to preserve the original classes to experience the story fully and save potential class changes for subsequent playthroughs.
Moreover, lacking familiarity with DND 5e rules and class functions can pose challenges when rebuilding origin characters in new classes. Choosing incorrect stats, feat combinations, subclasses, or even armor and weapon arrangements can significantly weaken the characters. Seeking guidance from class build guides can provide a better understanding of unfamiliar classes and enhance knowledge of game mechanics, particularly in combat.
Despite these considerations, changing the class of origin companions in Baldur's Gate 3 can add excitement to subsequent playthroughs. Exploring new classes such as Bard, Monk, or Sorcerer for companions can offer a fresh experience and inject humor into the gameplay by swapping origin classes.
The Impact of Class Changes on Origin Companions' Storylines
While changing the class of origin companions is possible, it can significantly alter their storylines. The narrative treats them as if they were still in their original classes, affecting the coherence of their stories. Each companion's story responds differently to class changes, influencing the immersion and roleplay aspects of Baldur's Gate 3.
Astarion
Astarion's storyline revolves around being a vampire spawn, with the rogue class adding character to his persona. Changing his base class minimally impacts his story, making it a favorable option to explore.
Lae'zel
Lae'zel's story focuses on the Githyanki way rather than her fighter class. Changing her base class has little impact, with options such as barbarian, ranger, or rogue seamlessly aligning with her narrative.
Shadowheart
Shadowheart's story centers on her Shar worship, making it best to avoid changing her class outside of cleric to maintain coherence. However, if the narrative alignment is insignificant, experimenting with unconventional classes is feasible.
Gale
Gale's storyline revolves around being 'the Wizard from Waterdeep,' making magic classes like sorcerer, bard, cleric, or warlock suitable choices to maintain narrative consistency.
Wyll
Wyll's narrative is heavily tied to his warlock pact with Mizora, making class changes significantly impact his story. However, for those seeking unconventional gameplay, he offers an opportunity for diverse builds.
Karlach
Karlach's story links to her past with Zariel and her infernal engine, making her barbarian class a natural fit. While class changes may seem unusual, they do not drastically alter her narrative.
Halsin
Halsin's involvement in the story isn't as thorough, allowing for class changes with minimal impact on the narrative.
Minthara
Similar to Halsin, changing Minthara's class has little effect on her story, considering her lesser role in the narrative.
Jaheira
For players wanting to adhere to her lore, leaving Jaheira as a druid suffices. However, changing her class has minimal narrative impact, especially if transitioning to ranger or fighter.
Minsc
Minsc's story is linked to Jaheira, with his default ranger class aligning well with his character. While class changes may affect some dialogues, selecting classes that match his nature can uphold narrative consistency.
Changing Classes for Origin Companions in Baldur's Gate 3
Changing classes of origin companions in Baldur's Gate 3 is straightforward. Visit your camp, select the character, and speak to Withers. Opt for the 'Can you help me change my class?' and pay 100 gold. This process allows you to select a new class for the character, leveling them back up to their previous status, ensuring they remain on par with the party.