Non-player characters

This article is about the concept. For lists of all characters, see List of characters and Category:Characters.

Non-player characters (also known as NPCs) are characters not controlled by the player. They have pre-determined behaviours and defined ability scores, class actions, and inventories. NPCs commonly have dialogue and voice lines, and many NPCs in Baldur's Gate 3 are involved in quests.

Some NPCs, particularly humanoid ones, have sets of abilities that mimic player character progression. A ranger archetype NPC might have ranger-like abilities such as  Hunter's Mark or  Ensnaring Strike. Other NPCs can have class actions that are unique to them and cannot be learned by player characters.

Types of NPC

NPCs can be divided into a number of archetypes that are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Bosses

An informal term used by the Baldur's Gate 3 playerbase to describe unique, particularly strong enemies. Bosses usually have special and powerful abilities, and are often in set-piece areas that play to their strengths. Bosses also often drop plentiful loot, and might have a few unique magic items as well. However, whether an NPC is a boss is ultimately subjective.

See Bosses.

Companions

Origin Companions

Origin companions are playable characters with rich backgrounds and ties to the world and the events of the game. The origin companions can be recruited shortly after completing the Prologue. Each Origin can also be selected as a player character as an alternative to creating a custom character.

See Origin Companions.

Non-Origin Companions

Non-Origin companions may be recruited at various points later in the game, and each non-origin companion has specific recruitment scenarios that must be followed.

See Non-Origin Companions.

Temporary Companions

Temporary companions are characters that can be recruited as party members and take up a genuine but temporary party slot during Quests or through world interactions.

See Temporary Companions.

Followers

Attached Followers

Attached Followers are characters that can be attached to the player character or other party members like Summons during Quests or through world interactions.

See Attached Followers.

Camp Followers

Camp followers are characters that remain at camp and cannot be invited to the player's party. They usually have Quests tied to them, provide lore and may provide services.

See Camp Followers.

Common Citizens

These NPCs populate the game world, creating a sense of a living environment, having limited dialogue options and do not typically provide quests or items.

Hostile NPCs (Enemies)

Hostile NPCs - or Enemies - are adversaries that the player encounters during exploration and quests, varying in level of difficulty.

Traders

A trader is an NPC with an expanded list of items to trade or pickpocket, as well as a large amount of gold. They can be commonly found in what can be considered settlements or cities.

See Traders or Trading.