It’s an easy mechanic to overlook — especially if you like the origin companions — butBaldur’s Gate 3’s hirelings system is pretty expansive. If you find yourself in need of a class character not available as an origin, this system lets you recruit exactly who you need when you need them.
Admittedly, this system can be somewhat intimidating at first if you’re not rolling in gold. This is because there are 12 total hirelings to pick from, and each one costs 100 gold to recruit. So, you might opt to wait until you have a steady supply of currency before making use of hirelings. In any case, when you’re ready to recruit some hirelings, talk withWithersin yourcampand he’ll give you the option to do so.
So, it should be stated early-on that if you recruit Hirelings, you’re enabling zombification — all 12 of the hirelings are undead warriors whom Withers has revived for use in defeating The Absolute. Each hireling represents one ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s classes, but they can be respec’d at the whim of the player.
Who are the Hirelings?
Which Hireling Should I Recruit?
To be completely honest, that is entirely up to you and what you wish to accomplish inBaldur’s Gate 3. In most cases, your origin companions will suffice for most tasks in the game, so unless one of them has permanently died or left your party, you might never find yourself recruiting a hireling.
But, let’s say you have no other option but to recruit a hireling. If you want to dish out the most damage from a distance, I’d personally go withJacelyn, who comes pre-packaged with a handful of potentially powerful ranged cantrips, plus the Magic Missile spell. But, let’s say you’re like me and prefer to get up in the enemy’s face with a lethal barrage of melee attacks. In that case, you’ve got several good options in Eldra Luthrinn, Varanna Sunblossom, and Kerz. I would pickEldra, for no other reason than Rage is good to have when you’re up against the ropes.
If, for some reason, you find yourself lacking Astarion (whether you simply didn’t recruit him or you killed him at some point, no judgment), having access to a Rogue might be beneficial.Maddala Deadeyeis one such Rogue, with access to sneak attacks as well, which — when executed correctly — can be some of the most powerful and effective moves inBaldur’s Gate 3.
