After almost two years of updates, the final patch has now been released for Patch 8 added 12 awesome new subclasses, one for each class. So, with that in mind, it is the perfect time to look at each companion to see what subclass would be right for them.

With 10 companions to recruit in Baldur's Gate 3, choosing the right subclass for each of them can be daunting, especially when playing for the first time. Luckily, Withers is on hand to respec the party at any time, allowing new builds to be tested with ease. For this list, I've looked at each companion and their class and tried to find a subclass for each that is not only fun to play, but most importantly, works for each character thematically as well.

10 The Best Subclass For Minsc - Swarmkeeper Ranger

Default Subclass - Hunter

Minsc is the last companion to be recruited, not appearing in BG3 until Act 3, where he must be saved from the Absolute’s cult. For Minsc, I think the new Swarmkeeper ranger subclass is a great fit and I like the idea of Minsc drawing swarms of small creatures to fight alongside him and Boo. Swarmkeepers are fun to play with them summoning swarms of bees, jellyfish, or moths to deal different damage and teleport Minsc to safety if needed.

With this subclass, Minsc's swarms will deal extra damage to enemies marked by Hunter's Mark, and he will gain the spells Mage Hand and Faerie Fire. Swarmkeeper gets even more fun at level seven, where Writhing Tide will allow Minsc to be lifted up and flown around the battlefield by the swarms. Finally, at level 11, Minsc's swarms will become even stronger, dealing more damage and gaining more utility options such as disarming enemies.

9 The Ideal Subclass For Jaheira - Circle Of The Stars

Default Subclass - Circle Of The Land

Like Minsc, Jaheira is a returning character from previous Baldur’s Gate games; however, unlike her previous incarnations, she appears in BG3 as just a druid instead of a fighter/druid multiclass. In Act 2’s assault on Moonrise Towers, Jaheira will use her wild shape as well as her dual scimitars, so I wanted a subclass that would give her some good weapon-based options. I think the new Circle of the Stars subclass is a great fit for Jaheira as it will give her wild shapes more versatility beyond beast forms.

This circle is a great alternative to Jaheira's default subclass, giving more spellcasting options with Star Maps functioning as extra spell slots. Jaheira will also gain the Guidance cantrip and Guiding Bolt, both very useful spells. At level six, she will gain Cosmic Omens, which are very similar to the Wild Magic sorcerer's Bend Luck, allowing her to boost attack rolls and saving throws or impose a penalty on the same for enemies.

8 The Perfect Subclass For Minthara - Oath Of Vengeance

Default Subclass - Oath Of Vengeance

Available for recruitment if she is sided with in Act 1 or knocked out and spoken to in Act 2, Minthara is seen as the evil companion, but makes a powerful ally during any playthrough. Minthara's default subclass is Oath of Vengeance, and honestly, it's perfect for her. Although there is an argument to be made that Oathbreaker would also work well thematically for Minthara, an Oath of Vengeance paladin's tenets suit her so well.

Oath of Vengeance is a really solid subclass, with access to some very useful spells like Bane, Misty Step, and Haste. There are plenty of features that will make Minthara a great frontline fighter for the party, such as Abjure Enemy, which will impose disadvantage to a target's ability checks and attack rolls as well as prevent them from moving. Relentless Avenger will increase Minthara's speed on her next turn if she hits an enemy with an opportunity attack.

7 The Most Powerful Subclass For Halsin - Circle Of The Moon

Default Subclass - Circle Of The Moon

Just like Minthara, Halsin’s default subclass is perfectly tailored to his backstory and character. Although Halsin will the party’s camp once he’s been rescued in Act 1, you will need to lift the Shadow-Curse in Act 2 to fully gain him as a companion. Since he is first met in his bear wild shape form, it makes complete sense for Halsin to have the Circle of the Moon subclass, to give him access to more powerful wild shape beast forms.

This druid subclass is focused on using wild shapes with options such as the bear, sabre-toothed tiger, and four elemental forms that are exclusive to the Circle of the Moon. However, what makes this so useful in battle is that Halsin will be able to use his wild shape as a bonus action, allowing him to attack immediately after transforming. Along with Lunar Mend, that will heal Halsin 1d8 hit points per spell slot level while in wild shape, Circle of the Moon is the best combat-focused option for druids.

6 The Top Early Subclass For Karlach - Giant

Default Subclass - Wildheart

Karlach can be recruited in Act 1 by either following Wyll's quest to find her or discovering her by exploring the Risen Road to the north of the map. Karlach has spent the last 10 years as the personal attack dog of Zariel in Avernus, so I chose a barbarian subclass that would make the most sense for that. The new Giant subclass works very well, as feels fitting for a frontline fighter in the Blood Wars.

Tavern Brawler is a fantastic feat to pair with the Giant subclass for even more damage.

With the Giant subclass, Karlach will be able to increase in size when she rages, doubling her damage on throw attacks, and at level 10, she will be able to throw medium-sized creatures, which is very fun. Along with an increased carrying capacity, Karlach will also gain the Thaumaturgy cantrip to give her advantage on Intimidation checks, which makes sense to me for someone representing Zariel out in Avernus. Finally, Elemental Cleaver at level six, will let Karalch deal extra elemental damage with her weapon, which she will also be able to throw.

5 How To Best Kit Out Wyll - The Hexblade

Default Subclass - The Fiend

Wyll and Karlach’s personal quests and backstories are intertwined, so it made sense to me to take a look at the new subclasses for the Blade of Frontiers as well. While Wyll’s original subclass of The Fiend is very fitting for his pact with Mizora, I feel like the new Hexblade subclass is a better fit for his skill set.

Wyll’s subclass is already fixed when he is recruited, however, he can be respecced by speaking with Withers in camp.

The Hexblade will give Wyll proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, giving him far more options when it comes to equipment. This subclass also focuses heavily on a melee-based warlock, and as Wyll has been primarily using his rapier, this lets him use his Charisma for better damage. Along with some great additions to expand his spell list, Wyll will also gain the Hexblade's Curse for a better chance to crit, and some healing if the target of the curse dies.

4 A Versatile Option For Gale - Divination School

Default Subclass - Evocation

There are arguments to be made for most of the schools of magic available in BG3 being a good match for Gale's backstory, and overall, the wizard class is very versatile. However, after much consideration, I settled on the school of Divination for Gale, as its focus is on fate and knowledge, two things I associate Gale with. The Divination subclass is a powerful addition to any party, and most importantly, a lot of fun to play.

The main feature of the Divination School is the level two ability Portent, which gives Gale two Portent Dice per long rest. These can be used as a reaction to change the result of attack rolls and saving throws for both the party and enemies. This is fantastic at higher difficulties, to negate a crit against a party member, or when the difference between a hit or a miss can change the course of a battle.

3 How To Pump Up Fan-Favorite Astarion - Swashbuckler

Default Subclass - Arcane Trickster

For over 200 years, Astarion was sent out into Baldur's Gate to lure back victims for Cazador, and I wanted to find a subclass for him that was not only fun to play but made sense. Prior to Patch 8, I found the Thief was the best choice for Astarion, giving him an extra bonus attack for more damage. However, the introduction of the Swashbuckler rogue subclass means I have a new favorite, and the features and general feel of this subclass have Astarion written all over them.

Swashbuckler Astarion will gain the new ability Fancy Footwork, which will allow him to move away from targets that he's made a melee attack against. He will also gain Rakish Audacity, giving Astarion a plus two to initiative and making it so he won't need advantage to trigger sneak attack damage so long as he is within melee range. With a range of new Dirty Tricks to learn at level four, and Panache at level nine to charm enemies, Swashbuckler Astarion is formidable and fun.

2 The Initial Companion Lae'zel - Eldritch Knight

Default Subclass - Battle Master

As one of the first companions met and recruited, Lae'zel benefits from having a strong subclass that can not only keep the party alive, but also herself. The Eldritch Knight subclass is fantastic for this, as although it isn't the strongest fighter option, it does fit with Lae'zel's character very well. The mixture of spells and martial abilities offers a lot of flexibility, and the Eldritch Knight's weapon bond will prevent her from being disarmed.

At level three, Lae'zel will be able to learn two wizard cantrips and a first level spell, and I recommend bone chill, Shocking Grasp, and shield. She will be able to learn one more spell at each new level before level two spells are unlocked at level eight. Here I recommend Misty Step for increased mobility, however, Lae'zel will continue to add spells to her repertoire each level until level 12.

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

Default Subclass - Trickery Domain

The final companion is Shadowheart, who like Wyll, will already have her subclass set when she is first recruited. The Trickery domain is by far the weakest cleric domain in BG3, and I highly recommend respeccing Shadowheart as soon as Withers is available. For Shadowheart, I have two options: Death Domain if she stays loyal to Shar, and Life Domain if she embraces Selûne.

The new Death Domain comes with the new cantrips toll the dead and bursting sinew, and will also grant Shadowheart martial weapon proficiency. Along with a host of necromancy-themed spells, this subclass also has a new channel divinity, Touch of Death, to deal extra necrotic damage with a melee attack. However, if the Nightsong is spared, the Life Domain is a great choice for Shadowheart and is the strongest Baldur's Gate 3 cleric subclass with unparalleled healing.