Baldur’s Gate 3 Has a Companion Problem, and It’s Ruining the Game for Me

February 15, 2026 - 06:21

While the game is rightly celebrated as a phenomenal RPG, a significant issue lies in its companion system, which can actively detract from the player's experience. The problem isn't a lack of compelling characters; they are deeply written and fascinating. Instead, the friction stems from their constant, overwhelming presence and the punishing mechanics of their approval system.

Companions rarely offer quiet camaraderie, instead frequently interjecting with scripted opinions on every minor decision, often voicing disapproval in quick succession. This creates a cacophony of judgment that breaks immersion and makes the protagonist feel like a group manager rather than a fellow adventurer. The approval system exacerbates this, as failing to cater to a companion's specific moral code can lead to them leaving permanently or even turning hostile, locking players out of vast storylines.

This design forces a choice between genuine role-playing and maintaining the group's cohesion. Want to make a pragmatic, neutral decision? Be prepared for multiple companions to simultaneously scold you, potentially derailing their personal quests. This transforms the rich narrative into a stressful balancing act, where managing volatile egos often overshadows the epic fight against absolute evil. For some players, this relentless social upkeep is the one flaw that mars an otherwise masterpiece.