In Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), Larian Studios gives players an incredible amount of freedom, not just in character creation, but in the stories you choose to experience. One of the most intriguing ways they do this is through the “Origin Characters.” These are fully realized characters you can choose to play as, each with their own unique backgrounds, motivations, and even gameplay styles.
But even if you don’t want to play as one of these origins, they can still become your companions – adding a ton of depth and reactivity to your journey. Let’s take a quick look at all of the origin characters:
- Astarion: A charismatic High Elf rogue with a dark secret. His elegance and wit hide a past full of danger and intrigue. If you love the idea of a charming scoundrel with hidden depths, Astarion is your guy.
- Lae’zel: A Githyanki warrior on a desperate mission. Battle-hardened and fiercely independent, she’s not one to be trifled with. For those who prefer a no-nonsense fighter with a strong personality, Lae’zel is the way to go.
- Gale: A human wizard with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and power. But his ambition comes at a cost…a dangerous magical artifact ticking away within him. If you’re drawn to powerful spellcasters with complex internal struggles, Gale is your choice.
- Shadowheart: A mysterious High Elf cleric devoted to Shar, the goddess of darkness and secrets. Her path is shrouded in shadow, but her strength and resilience are undeniable. For players who enjoy exploring the darker side of faith and magic, Shadowheart is a compelling option.
- Wyll: A human warlock who made a pact with a powerful fiend. He’s a hero of the people, but his deal with the devil weighs heavily on him. If you’re into the classic “deal with the devil” trope and like charismatic characters with a tortured past, Wyll is your man.
- Karlach: A tiefling barbarian with a fiery spirit and a heart of gold. Escaped from a hellish existence, she’s now seeking a new purpose. If you like playing a powerhouse character with a surprising amount of warmth and compassion, Karlach is a great choice.
- The Dark Urge: This one’s a bit different! The Dark Urge is a fully customizable character with a sinister secret – an insatiable urge for violence and mayhem. If you want to walk the line between hero and villain, this is the ultimate challenge.
Why Choose an Origin Character?
These are just a few of the reasons to consider playing an Origin character, or at least recruiting them into your party:
- Rich Backstories: Each origin comes with a detailed backstory that unfolds as you play, adding depth and meaning to your decisions.
- Unique Gameplay: Many origins have special abilities or interactions that change how you approach the game.
- Companion Dynamics: Your interactions with these characters are deeply affected by who you are and what you do.
Which Origin is Right for You?
The beauty of BG3 is that there’s no right or wrong answer. The best origin is the one that sparks your imagination and aligns with your playstyle.
Ultimately, the best origin is the one that resonates with you on a personal level.
Consider your preferred playstyle, the kind of story you want to experience, and the type of character you most enjoy roleplaying.
Whether you’re drawn to a noble hero, a cunning rogue, a powerful spellcaster, or a conflicted soul wrestling with inner demons, Baldur’s Gate 3 has an origin character waiting to take you on an unforgettable adventure.
