Top Subclass Choices for Each Companion in Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8

After nearly two years of updates, the final patch for Baldur’s Gate 3 has been launched, and there will be no more major updates planned beyond bug fixes. Patch 8 not only introduced cross-play and a photo mode but also added 12 exciting new subclasses—one for each class. With this development, it’s a great moment to explore which subclasses would best suit each companion in the game.

With a total of 10 companions available for recruitment in Baldur’s Gate 3, selecting the ideal subclass for each character can be an overwhelming task, especially for first-time players. Thankfully, Withers is available to help players respec at any time, making it easy to experiment with new builds. In this guide, I’ve analyzed each companion’s class and suggested a subclass that is both enjoyable to play and thematically appropriate for their character.

10
The Best Subclass for Minsc – Swarmkeeper Ranger

Default Subclass – Hunter

Minsc is the last companion you can recruit, joining in Act 3 where you must rescue him from the clutches of the Absolute’s cult. I believe the new Swarmkeeper ranger subclass is a perfect match for Minsc. The idea of Minsc summoning swarms of smaller creatures to assist him and Boo is not only entertaining but fits his character well. Swarmkeepers can summon fierce bees, mysterious jellyfish, or fluttering moths, each dealing various types of damage and providing escape routes when necessary.

This subclass allows Minsc’s swarms to deal bonus damage to enemies marked by Hunter’s Mark. He will also gain access to the spells Mage Hand and Faerie Fire. At level seven, the Writhing Tide feature will allow Minsc to be carried around the battlefield by his swarms, and by level 11, the swarms will gain even more power and utility, such as disarming enemies.

9
The Ideal Subclass for Jaheira – Circle of the Stars

Default Subclass – Circle of the Land

Similar to Minsc, Jaheira is a returning character from earlier Baldur’s Gate games. However, in BG3, she appears solely as a druid instead of a combat-druid hybrid. During the assault on Moonrise Towers in Act 2, she utilizes her wild shape alongside dual scimitars, so I sought a subclass that would enhance her weapon-based options. The new Circle of the Stars subclass fits Jaheira perfectly, providing her with more versatility in her wild shapes beyond just animal forms.

This circle is an excellent alternative to her default subclass, as it provides more spellcasting options with Star Maps serving as additional spell slots. Jaheira will also gain the Guidance cantrip and Guiding Bolt, both of which are extremely valuable spells. At level six, she will acquire Cosmic Omens, which allows her to boost attack rolls and saving throws or impose penalties on enemies, similar to the Wild Magic Sorcerer’s Bend Luck.

8
The Perfect Subclass for Minthara – Oath of Vengeance

Default Subclass – Oath of Vengeance

Minthara becomes available for recruitment if you side with her in Act 1 or if you defeat her and choose to speak with her in Act 2. Though considered the “evil” companion, she can be a powerful ally throughout the game. Her default subclass, Oath of Vengeance, is fitting for her character, although Oathbreaker could also match her theme. However, the tenets of the Oath of Vengeance align perfectly with her nature.

This subclass grants access to potent spells like Bane, Misty Step, and Haste. Several features make Minthara a strong front-line fighter, including Abjure Enemy, which imposes disadvantage on a target’s ability checks and attack rolls, preventing them from moving. With Relentless Avenger, if Minthara hits an enemy with an opportunity attack, she can increase her speed on her next turn.

7
The Most Powerful Subclass for Halsin – Circle of the Moon

Default Subclass – Circle of the Moon

Like Minthara, Halsin’s default subclass is tailored perfectly to his backstory. Although he joins your camp after rescue in Act 1, you must lift the Shadow-Curse in Act 2 to fully recruit him. Since you first meet Halsin in bear form, it makes sense for him to have the Circle of the Moon subclass, which grants access to powerful wild shape forms.

This druid subclass is centered around wild shapes, offering options like bears, saber-toothed tigers, and elemental forms exclusive to the Circle of the Moon. What makes this subclass tremendously useful in combat is Halsin’s ability to use wild shape as a bonus action, enabling him to attack immediately after transforming. With abilities like Lunar Mend, which heals for 1d8 hit points per spell slot level while in wild shape, Circle of the Moon emerges as the best combat-focused option for druids.

6
The Top Early Subclass for Karlach – Giant

Default Subclass – Wildheart

To recruit Karlach in Act 1, you can follow Wyll’s quest or explore the Risen Road to the north. Having spent the last decade as the personal enforcer of Zariel in Avernus, I chose a barbarian subclass that fits her background. The new Giant subclass works well and feels appropriate for a front-line fighter involved in the Blood Wars.

With the Giant subclass, Karlach will grow in size when she enrages, doubling her damage on thrown attacks. At level 10, she will also have the ability to throw medium-sized creatures, adding a layer of excitement to combat. Additionally, her carrying capacity will increase, and she will obtain the Thaumaturgy cantrip, letting her gain an advantage in Intimidation checks, which fits her character well as Zariel’s representative in Avernus. Furthermore, Elemental Cleaver at level six lets Karlach deal extra elemental damage with her weapon, which she can also throw.

5
How to Best Equip Wyll – The Hexblade

Default Subclass – The Fiend

Wyll and Karlach’s personal stories are intertwined, making it logical to assess the new subclasses for the Blade of Frontiers as well. While Wyll’s original subclass, The Fiend, suits his pact with Mizora, the Hexblade subclass aligns better with his skill set.

The Hexblade grants Wyll proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, increasing his equipment options. This subclass emphasizes melee combat for warlocks, which complements Wyll’s frequent use of his rapier, allowing him to apply his Charisma for damage. Additionally, he gains the Hexblade’s Curse for a higher crit chance and some healing upon defeating the cursed target.

4
A Versatile Option for Gale – Divination School

Default Subclass – Evocation

Many of the available magic schools in BG3 can complement Gale’s story, and the wizard class is overall quite adaptable. However, after much thought, I chose the Divination School for Gale, as it emphasizes fate and knowledge—elements tied to his character. The Divination subclass is a powerful addition to any party and, most importantly, pretty engaging to play.

One of the main features of the Divination School is the ability Portent at level two, which provides Gale with two Portent Dice per long rest. These can be used as a reaction to alter the outcomes of attack rolls and saving throws for both allies and enemies. This feature can be especially helpful on higher difficulties, allowing you to negate a critical hit against a party member or shift the tide of battle when a hit or miss is crucial.

3
How to Elevate Fan-Favorite Astarion – Swashbuckler

Default Subclass – Arcane Trickster

For over two centuries, Astarion was compelled to lure victims for Cazador in Baldur’s Gate, prompting me to select a subclass that aligns with both his character and makes gameplay enjoyable. Before Patch 8, I felt the Thief was Astarion’s best option for adding an extra bonus attack. However, with the new Swashbuckler rogue subclass, I have a fresh favorite, as the style and characteristics of this subclass suit Astarion perfectly.

As a Swashbuckler, Astarion will acquire the new Fancy Footwork ability, allowing him to move away from opponents he has just attacked. He will also gain Rakish Audacity, which grants him a +2 to initiative and removes the need for advantage to trigger sneak attack damage while within melee range. With a variety of new Dirty Tricks to learn at level four and Panache at level nine for charming enemies, the Swashbuckler variant of Astarion is both robust and entertaining.

2
The Initial Companion Lae’zel – Eldritch Knight

Default Subclass – Battle Master

As one of the first companions you encounter and recruit, Lae’zel benefits from a powerful subclass that enhances both her survival and the party’s. The Eldritch Knight subclass is excellent for this, as while it may not be the strongest melee option, it aligns perfectly with Lae’zel’s character. The combination of spellcasting and martial skills offers a lot of flexibility, and the Eldritch Knight’s weapon bond ensures she won’t be disarmed.

At level three, Lae’zel can learn two wizard cantrips and a first-level spell. I recommend Bone Chill, Shocking Grasp, and Shield. At each new level, she’ll learn an additional spell until level eight, when she unlocks second-level spells. I suggest Misty Step for added mobility; after level eight, she continues to add spells to her collection up to level twelve.

1
Change Shadowheart As Soon As You Can – Death Domain/Life Domain

Default Subclass – Trickery Domain

The final companion, Shadowheart, similarly arrives with an assigned subclass when recruited, like Wyll. The Trickery domain stands out as the weakest cleric domain in BG3, and I strongly recommend respeccing Shadowheart as soon as Withers becomes available. For Shadowheart, I suggest two options: Death Domain if she remains loyal to Shar, or Life Domain if she embraces Selûne.

The new Death Domain introduces the cantrips Toll the Dead and Bursting Sinew, and grants her proficiency with martial weapons. Alongside a range of necromancy-themed spells, this subclass includes the new channel divinity, Touch of Death, allowing for additional necrotic damage with melee attacks. However, if the Nightsong is spared, the Life Domain is the strongest option for Shadowheart, providing exceptional healing capabilities.