Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most encompassing Dungeons & Dragons RPGs to date. Fans of the developer's past work (like the Divinity series) venture through Faerûn on an adventure to uncover the mystery behind the mindflayer parasite infecting the minds of the adventuring party. When starting a new game in Baldur's Gate 3, players can either create a custom character or choose from a set of premade characters called Origin Characters.
Baldur's Gate 3's Origin Characters each have their own backgrounds and classes already pre-determined. The Dark Urge is the exception to this rule, which falls somewhere between a custom character and a pre-made character. Each Origin Character has their own strengths and weaknesses, which are typically determined by their class, race, and personality.
As Baldur's Gate 3 allows players to make their own choices, the personalities each Origin Character would have as a companion when playing as an original character don't come into play when under the control of the player. As such, a player's choice of Origin Character will come down to their preferred class and the character's actual origin story, as this will influence the narrative in a big way. Since each Origin Character comes with their own history and baggage, choosing the best one isn't as easy as it sounds.
Updated on August 2, 2024, by Robbie Robinson: Larian Studios continues to update their game, keeping old players happy and drawing in newcomers. While it's plenty of fun making an original character, the Origin characters have incredible stories that no player should miss out on. This article has been updated to include the best gear choices for characters as well as to get this article up to current CBR formatting standards.
7 Wyll Ravengard Isn't As Cut and Dry As He Seems When Exploring the Game From His Point of View
Wyll Ravengard Is Baldur's Gate 3's Warlock
Title | The Blade of Frontiers |
Hometown | Baldur's Gate |
Race | Human |
Background | Folk Hero |
Class | Warlock |
Patron | The Fiend |
Voice Actor | Theo Solomon |
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Wyll is a human warlock with the power to deal great damage and debuff enemies. His Eldritch Blast Cantrip and Hex spell make him a formidable foe. He naturally has some of the highest Charisma of any Origin Character in Baldur's Gate 3, so he's a great choice for any player looking to persuade the weak-minded. Wyll, otherwise known as "The Blade of Frontiers," is an excellent hunter of monsters and devils, but he has a very black-and-white view when it comes to good and evil, which can be a bit of a turn-off for players looking to make choices without the guilty voice of reason yammering in their ear.
You can't compromise with evil. It always profits in the end. —Wyll Ravengard
Wyll Ravengard is the kind of guy who would sell his soul to a devil to save the ones he loves, but he has a really hard time looking at the bigger picture. He's not nearly as forgiving of others who might have to make similar choices to the one he made for himself, but playing the game as Wyll is an opportunity to see the multiverse through his lens. Wyll lands at the bottom of the favorite Origin Characters to navigate the world with, however, simply because there are far more intriguing backstories to explore firsthand.
Wyll's Best Armor:
Item | Rarity | AC | Special | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Birthright (Headwear) | Very Rare | - | +2 Charisma (up to 22) | Act III - Sold in Sorcerous Sundries. |
Hood of the Weave (Headwear) | Very Rare | - | +2 to Spell Saves and Attack Rolls | Act III - Sold By Mystic Carrion. |
Potent Robe (Chest) | Very Rare | 10 AC + Dex Modifier | Cantrips Damage Deal Damage + Charisma Modifier. Temp HP based on Charisma Modifier at the Beginning of Every Turn. +1 AC | Act II - Gifted By Alfira After Saving the Tieflings |
Infernal Robe (Chest) | Very Rare | - | Fire Damage Resistance. Lvl 4 Spell, Fire Shield: Warm. +1 AC | Act I - Gifted By Mizora After Killing Karlach. |
Quickspell Gloves | Very Rare | - | Once Per Short Rest, Action Cantrips Can Be Cast as a Bonus Action. | Act III - Sold in Sorcerous Sundries. |
Helldusk Gloves | Very Rare | - | +1 to Spell Saves and Attack Rolls. Weapon Attacks Deal +1d6 Fire. Unarmed Attacks Deal +1d6 Necrotic (Possible Chance to Inflict Bleeding). +1 Strength Saving Throws. Rays of Fire Action Every Short Rest. | Act III - House of Hope, Haarlep. |
Helldusk Boots | Very Rare | - | Ignore Difficult Terrain and Effects of Spells That Would Otherwise Move the Wearer. Reaction Can Be Used to Succeed a Failed Saving Throw. Teleport to a Location and Deal 2d8 Fire Upon Impact. | Act III - Chest in Wyrm's Rock Fortress. |
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6 Gale Of Waterdeep Is An Intelligent Wizard Easily Tempted By Power
Gale Dekarios Is Baldur's Gate 3's Wizard
Hometown | Waterdeep |
Race | Human |
Background | Sage |
Class | Wizard |
Voice Actor | Tim Downie |
Gale is Baldur's Gate 3's Wizard, which means he can deal significant damage to his opponents. Since there are no Sorcerer Origin Characters, Gale is the game's most powerful spellcaster, making him an optimal choice for players who like slinging deadly spells into hordes of enemies. Unfortunately, Wizards trade power for options, so rather than dealing more damage, he is rife with available spells. Gale's backstory is incredibly vain and a little desperate, and he can often be a bit of a know-it-all as a companion. But as an Origin Character, the player can run with his insurmountable ambition like scissors through a dark hallway. Gale's sole ambition is to become the greatest wizard Faerûn has ever known, and he may be well on his way, but hubris often interferes with the ambitions of the mind.
Ten years of bad luck if you kill a wizard. Why take the risk? —Gale Dekarios
After Gale's romantic relationship with the goddess of magic—Mystra—ended sour, he sought to prove his worth to her by returning a piece of her lost magic. Unfortunately, even the smartest man in the world can miscalculate from time to time. Hubris brought on a dark addiction to magic that quickly became insatiable, and though he's granted a reprieve from certain destruction, it comes at a grave cost: Gale's life for the safety of the world. One of the great things about playing as Gale is that there are several ways his story can go in the long run, and seeing how they play out from his vantage point is a great way to gain further insight into his character.
Gale's Best Armor:
Item | Rarity | AC | Special | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Circlet of Blasting (Headwear) | Rare | - | Lvl 2 Scorching Ray Spell. | Act I - Sold By Blurg, Myconid Colony. |
Hood of the Weave (Headwear) | Very Rare | - | +2 to Spell Saves and Attack Rolls | Act III - Sold By Mystic Carrion. |
Robe of the Weave (Chest) | Very Rare | 10 AC + Dex Modifier | +1 to Spell Saves and Attack Rolls. Gain +1d6 HP Whenever a Successful Saving Throw Against a Spell. +2 AC | Act III - Inside a Globe of Invulnerability in Ramazith's Tower. |
The Protecty Sparkswal (Chest) | Rare | 10 AC + Dex Modifier | +1 Spell Save. If the Wearer Has Lightning Charges, +1 AC and +1 Saving Throws. | Act I - Chest in Grymforge. |
Quickspell Gloves | Very Rare | - | Once Per Short Rest, Action Cantrips Can Be Cast as a Bonus Action. | Act III - Sold in Sorcerous Sundries. |
Disintegrating Night Walkers (Boots) | Very Rare | - | Wearer Cannot Be Emwebbed, Entangled, Ensnared. Cannot Slip on Ice or Grease. Grants Misty Step as a Bonus Action Every Short Rest. | Act I - Nere, Grymforge. |
Helldusk Boots | Very Rare | - | Ignore Difficult Terrain and Effects of Spells That Would Otherwise Move the Wearer. Reaction Can Be Used to Succeed a Failed Saving Throw. Teleport to a Location and Deal 2d8 Fire Upon Impact. | Act III - Chest in Wyrm's Rock Fortress. |
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5 Karlach's Story Is Great, but Her Journey Is Less Rewarding than the Other Origin Characters
Karlach Cliffgate Is Baldur's Gate 3's Barbarian
Title | The Fury of Avernus |
Hometown | Baldur's Gate |
Race | Tiefling |
Background | Outlander |
Class | Barbarian |
Voice Actor | Samantha Beart |
For players who love to smash things with big, heavy hammers and blades and throw people around like weapons, Karlach is a great option in Baldur's Gate 3. The tiefling barbarian can take on just about anything that comes her way, and in those brutal battles, she is often left as the last one standing against those big, powerful bosses. Barbarians in D&D are naturally capable of dealing massive amounts of melee damage, in addition to having supreme survivability. Karlach has the highest hit points of all the Origin Characters, and her Charisma remains higher than some of the others.
There's courage in being terrified but still going forward. —Karlach Cliffgate
That said, Barbarians pale in comparison to others when it comes to ranged combat, so Karlach is best kept within close quarters of her enemies, which, despite her massive pool of hitpoints, can be dangerous. After spending 10 years in the hells in service of the archdevil Zarie against her will, Karlach has been freed thanks to the Mindflayers. While she may have been freed from Zariel, however, she is still a prisoner to the hellfire engine burning within her chest.
Karlach just wants to go home to Baldur's Gate and believes that her time spent in the hells has well-equipped her for the journey ahead. Unfortunately, the hellfire engine keeping her alive is more than just unstable—it's a ticking time bomb carrying her toward the end of her life. While this may be a temptation for players looking to go out in a blaze of glory, there are other Origin Characters with more satisfying endgame options.
Karlach's Best Armor:
Item | Rarity | AC | Special | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bonespike Helmet | Very Rare | - | When Entering Rage, Hostile Creatures Must Make Wisdom Saving Throws or Take 2d4 Psychic Damage. +2 Intimidation. Menacing Attack Ability. | Act III - Sold By Voiceless Penitent Bareki, Undercity Ruins. |
Horns of the Berserker (Headwear) | Very Rare | - | +2 Damage to Attack Rolls Against Already Injured Hostiles. +2 Necrotic Damage While Not At Full Health. If the Wearer Does Not Deal Damage, Take 1d4 Necrotic Damage at the End of Turn. | Act III - Sold By Entharl Danthelon, Wrym's Crossing. |
Bonespike Garb (Chest) | Very Rare | 10 AC + Dex Modifier | +15 Temp HP When Raging. All Incoming Damage Reduced By 2. Melee Attackers Piercing Damage Equal to Wearer's Constitution Modifier. | Act III - Sold By Exxvikyap, Rivington General. |
Viconia's Priestess Robe (Chest) | Rare | 10 AC + Dex Modifier | Advantage on Stealth While Obscured. Shield of Faith Grants +2 to Saving Throws. +1 AC | Act III - Viconia DeVir, House of Grief. |
Gauntlets of Hill Giant Strength | Very Rare | - | +1 Strength Saving Throws. Set Strength to 23. | Act III - House of Hope. |
Disintegrating Night Walkers (Boots) | Very Rare | - | Wearer Cannot Be Emwebbed, Entangled, Ensnared. Cannot Slip on Ice or Grease. Grants Misty Step as a Bonus Action Every Short Rest. | Act I - Nere, Grymforge. |
Helldusk Boots | Very Rare | - | Ignore Difficult Terrain and Effects of Spells That Would Otherwise Move the Wearer. Reaction Can Be Used to Succeed a Failed Saving Throw. Teleport to a Location and Deal 2d8 Fire Upon Impact. | Act III - Chest in Wyrm's Rock Fortress. |
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4 The Dark Urge Makes for Great Redemption Arcs or Evil Playthroughs
Dark Urge Is The Only BG3 Origin Character That Can Be Molded
Race | Optional; Default: White Dragonborn |
Background | Haunted One |
Class | Optional; Default: Sorcerer |
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Unlike the other Baldur's Gate 3 Origin Characters, the Dark Urge is almost fully customizable. They can choose their race and class, but their background is locked into place, and they don't appear as a companion character when creating an original player character. This dark Origin Character begins the game with a monstrous headache and mysterious urges they can't understand.
It becomes clear as strange behaviors begin to shape their story early on that despite not remembering who they are, there is something dark and hidden they must uncover before they destroy everyone around them. Unless, of course, the player is into that sort of thing. Plagued by urges to mercilessly kill and consume human flesh, the Dark Urge doesn't even know their name, but as the story progresses, it's made obvious that their connection to the overall plot runs much deeper than anyone could have ever imagined.
Aside from getting rid of the parasite, the Dark Urge's story is a slow burn by comparison to the other Origin Companions. That can be a turn-off for some players, but for those who wish to take a cryptic journey of dark self-discovery in Baldur's Gate 3, this is one of the best Origin Characters to play. Their condition affects any romances they might endeavor into, reveals mysterious connections and potential allies along the way, and grants an opportunity to either embrace their Dark Urges or deny them entirely—with grave consequences either way. The diversity of the Dark Urge Origin is enough to land it mid-range among the BG3's best origin characters.
3 Lae'zel's Prickly Exterior Is Far More Relatable When Playing as Her Origin Character
Lae'zel is Baldur's Gate 3's Fighter
Hometown | The Astral Plane |
Race | Githyanki |
Background | Soldier |
Class | Fighter |
Voice Actor | Devora Wilde |
Lae'zel is a brutal and resilient Githyanki fighter, and as such, is one of Baldur's Gate 3's best classes. Fighters excel in just about every area and situation, be it solo, with a party, at melee range, or long range. The only real area where Fighters fall short is in social encounters, as they naturally have some of the lowest Charisma in the game. As a companion, Lae'zel's low charisma can be easily buffered by a higher-Charisma player companion. But as the Origin Character, it can be a pitfall when she finds herself in situations that require verbal finesse.
I am fury. I am death. —Lae'zel
Lae'zel is a prideful warrior who longs to rejoin her people. To earn their respect, she aims to slay a Mindflayer and bring its head back to her Githyanki queen, Vlaakith. Lae'zel is stubbornly set in her ways, and her eyes are set on her mission, despite the reality that she now faces in slowly becoming the very creature she has set out to destroy. One of the most interesting things about playing as Lae'zel is seeing her perspective change as she's presented with new options that alter her way of thinking.
Lae'zel's Best Armor:
Item | Rarity | AC | Special | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Helm of Balduran | Legendary | (Medium Armor Proficiency) | +2 HP at the Start of Every Turn. +1 to AC and Saving Throws. Wearer Cannot Be Stunned. Wearer Cannot Be Hit With a Critical Hit. | Act III - Dragon's Sanctum |
Helldusk Armor (Chest) | Legendary | 21 AC (Heavy Armor) | Wearer Considered Proficient With Heavy Armor While Wearing. Upon Successful Saving Throw, Caster Takes Burning For 3 Turns. Resistance to Fire and Cannot Be Burned. Flight Ability. | Act III - Raphael, House of Hope. |
Gauntlets of Hill Giant Strength | Very Rare | - | +1 Strength Saving Throws. Set Strength to 23. | Act III - House of Hope. |
Gloves of the Growling Underdog | Uncommon | - | While Surrounded By 2 or More Foes, Advantage on Attack Rolls. +1 Strength Saving Throws. | Act I - Treasure Crates in Shattered Sanctum. |
Helldusk Boots | Very Rare | - | Ignore Difficult Terrain and Effects of Spells That Would Otherwise Move the Wearer. Reaction Can Be Used to Succeed a Failed Saving Throw. Teleport to a Location and Deal 2d8 Fire Upon Impact. | Act III - Chest in Wyrm's Rock Fortress. |
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2 Astarion's Backstory & Personality Makes Him One of the Most Compelling Origin Characters
Astarion Ancunin is Baldur's Gate 3's Rogue
Hometown | Baldur's Gate |
Race | High-Elf |
Background | Charlatan |
Class | Rogue |
Voice Actor | Neil Newbon |
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Playing as a vampire is often a dream come true, and as a Vampire Spawn, Astarion has a handful of extra abilities that make him an Origin Character worth playing. As a rogue, he is often one of the most valuable assets to the team, and given his penchant for ego, he is relatively certain no matter who is leading the party, everyone should follow him. He is intelligent enough, with a base INT score of 13, but he is only moderately charismatic enough to convince people to do his bidding.
I’ve been dead in the ground for long enough. It's time to try living again. —Astarion
Baldur's Gate 3's rogues tend to fall short in sustained damage and are a very situational combat class. They shine in Baldur's Gate 3's early game, but that shine wears off as the game progresses. The thing that makes Astarion a must-play Origin Character is his backstory. Turned into a vampire spawn and enslaved by Vampire Master Cazador Szarr, Astarion has been forced to carry out Cazador's will for two centuries.
He's done a lot of things he's not proud of in that time, but the fear that clings to his every memory of the last 200 years makes it hard for him to walk away from opportunities to seize power when it's offered. The parasite that now infects Astarion's mind released him from Cazador's control — albeit at a cost — and progressing his incredible story of revenge and power from an internal perspective is an outstanding opportunity. The only downside to an Astarion Origin playthrough is missing out on the incredible life award-winning actor Neil Newbon brings to the character.
Astarion's Best Armor:
Item | Rarity | AC | Special | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Circlet of Hunting (Headwear) | Very Rare | - | Deal +1d4 Damage to Enemies Marked By Hunter's Mark, True Strike, Faerie Fire and Guiding Bolt. | Act II - Sold By Araj Oblodra, Moonrise Towers. |
Elegant Studded Leather (Chest) | Very Rare | 14 AC + Dex Modifier (Light Armor) | +2 Initiative. Advantage on Stealth. Shield Reaction Every Short Rest. | Act III - Vault n.9, The Counting House. |
Spidersilk Armor (Chest) | Rare | 12 AC + Dex Modifier (Light Armor) | +1 Stealth. Advantage on Constitution Saving Throws. | Act I - Minthara, Shattered Sanctum. |
Gloves of Soul Catching | Legendary | - | Unarmed Attacks +1d10 Force Damage. Once Per Turn, Regain 10 HP After Unarmed Attack Or Gain Advantage on Attack Rolls and Saving Throws. +2 Constitution (up to 20) | Act III - Hope, House of Hope. |
Helldusk Boots | Very Rare | - | Ignore Difficult Terrain and Effects of Spells That Would Otherwise Move the Wearer. Reaction Can Be Used to Succeed a Failed Saving Throw. Teleport to a Location and Deal 2d8 Fire Upon Impact. | Act III - Chest in Wyrm's Rock Fortress. |
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1 Shadowheart Is Baldur's Gate 3's Most Compelling Origin Character From A Player Perspective
Shadowheart is Baldur's Gate 3's Cleric
Birthname | Jenevelle Hollowleaf |
Hometown | Waterdeep |
Race | High Half-Elf |
Background | Acolyte |
Class | Trickery Domain Cleric |
Voice Actor | Jennifer English |
Shadowheart is the best Origin Character in Baldur's Gate 3 for several reasons. First and foremost, she's a High Half-Elf Cleric, which means she is a combination of one of the best races in Baldur's Gate 3 and one of the best classes in the game. While she may have limited options for damaging spells, she can still excel in almost any situation. Perhaps most importantly, she can keep her party alive as they come face to face with the many dangerous foes and villains throughoutFaerûn. To make her Origin even more compelling, Shadowheart arguably has one of the most intriguing backstories of the Baldur's Gate 3's Origin Characters.
I've never been able to write my own future. I wouldn't even know where to begin. —Shadowheart
Shadowheart is a loyal disciple of Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, and she has been tasked with bringing an artifact to Baldur's Gate. The most heartbreaking aspect of her story is that her mission was deemed so confidential that her memory was wiped to safeguard the knowledge of the artifact's purpose. Shadowheart's story will not only take her to Baldur's Gate but will likely see her discovering her missing personal history — along with any pain that may rest in it.
Having the opportunity to explore the game through Shadowheart's eyes promises compelling story beats and iconic moments, as well as an opportunity to change the path that was thrust upon her when she was just a little girl. Players can also keep following where Lady Shar has led her, trusting in the goddess who's had her back as long as she can remember. The story diversity for Shadowheart lands her in the number one spot as the best Origin Character for a playthrough of BG3.
Shadowheart's Best Armor:
Item | Rarity | AC | Special | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Helm of Balduran | Legendary | (Medium Armor Proficiency) | +2 HP at the Start of Every Turn. +1 to AC and Saving Throws. Wearer Cannot Be Stunned. Wearer Cannot Be Hit With a Critical Hit. | Act III - Dragon's Sanctum |
Wapira's Crown | Uncommon | - | Wearer Regains +1d6 HP When Healer Another. | Act I - Zevlor After Helping the Tieflings. |
Helldusk Armor (Chest) | Legendary | 21 AC (Heavy Armor) | Wearer Considered Proficient With Heavy Armor While Wearing. Upon Successful Saving Throw, Caster Takes Burning For 3 Turns. Resistance to Fire and Cannot Be Burned. Flight Ability. | Act III - Raphael, House of Hope. |
The Reviving Hands | Very Rare | (Medium Armor Proficiency) | Healed Creatures Gain Blade Ward. Revived Creatures Gain Death Ward. +1 Strength Saving Throws. Revivify Lvl 3 Spell. | Act III - Sold By Vicar Humbletoes, Stormshore Tabernacle. |
Helldusk Boots | Very Rare | - | Ignore Difficult Terrain and Effects of Spells That Would Otherwise Move the Wearer. Reaction Can Be Used to Succeed a Failed Saving Throw. Teleport to a Location and Deal 2d8 Fire Upon Impact. | Act III - Chest in Wyrm's Rock Fortress. |
Boots of Aid and Comfort | Uncommon | - | Healed Targets Gain +3 Temp HP. | Act I - Grat the Trader, Goblin Camp. |
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Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is arole-playing video gamedeveloped and published by Larian Studios. It is the third main installment in the Baldur's Gate series.
RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC , macOS , PS5 , Xbox Series X
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 100+ Hours
- Prequel(s)
