Baldur’s Gate 3: The Game's Rising Popularity and Companions' Controversy
Since it hit the gaming scene, Baldur’s Gate 3 has rapidly climbed the popularity ranks, garnering a significant number of players. However, not all aspects of the game have been equally embraced. One such element is the Companions feature, which has received mixed reviews.
The Game's Engrossing Storyline and Gameplay
The game offers a lengthy and intricate storyline filled with quests, explorations, mysteries to unravel, and Companions to discover or woo. This myriad of activities has kept a sizeable number of Baldur’s Gate 3 players engrossed in the world of Faerun. Nevertheless, the lengthy storyline has stirred some players to scrutinize Larian's game design decisions, particularly the Companions feature.
Concerns Over Limited Diversity
A significant concern among players is the limited diversity among Companions, particularly concerning their chosen races. The impact of such a limited choice of races affects not only the gaming experience but also the potential for exploration within the game.
![Mixed Reactions to Baldur’s Gate 3 Companions Amid Calls for Greater Diversity ImageAlt](/media/w4thhwx0/astarion.webp?format=WebP&quality=50&v=1d9d7d91a318bb0)
Call for More Companion Variety
In light of this issue, Baldur’s Gate 3 players have begun to rally for more Companion variety. A recent post highlighted that out of all ten companions in the game, five are elves, three are human, and only two represent different races – a Tiefling and a Githyanki.
Player's Reactions
Following a slew of comments and upvotes, many players expressed their confusion and disappointment. Some players described their shock and disappointment over the absence of an exaggerated, stereotypical dwarf character, referencing certain characters from the Lord of the Rings as an ideal example.
The Halfling Werewolf Bard: Helia
Although the concept of a Dwarf companion was warmly received, the discussion seemed to centralize around Helia. Many players expressed their sorrow over the loss of Helia, a briefly included halfling bard werewolf character, during the Early Access stage. They voiced hopes of her return in future enhancements of the game.
The Hope for a 'Shorty' Companion
Eventually, it became clear that many players yearn for a Companion from the smaller races, particularly vocalized by experienced players. According to them, there has been a demand for a 'shorty' companion throughout the EA phase, and it continues to be a point of contention. In light of this, players hope for the addition of a new Companion in a future patch, though no confirmation of such a plan exists so far.