Best Origin Characters in Baldur’s Gate 3, Ranked

When starting Baldur’s Gate 3, you are greeted by an elaborate character creator system that lets you craft your ideal protagonist. If you’re feeling a little short on creativity, there are also Origin characters to pick with their own traits and personality. There are seven Origin characters to choose from, and they have varied backgrounds and storylines.

It can be tricky to decide which Origin character will be the best fit for you, though this list should help you decide.

7. Karlach

Karlach is for players who are feeling devilish. She has escaped ten years of service in the Hells, so you know you’re dealing with a tough girl.

Karlach is a brave Barbarian who can deal massive damage, making her ideal for anyone who wants to brute force their way through most situations.

6. Astarion

If you’re looking for a brooding character, try Astarion. The vampire High Elf is finally free after being enslaved by Cazador, and he is now he is out for revenge. He excels in dexterity, which comes in handy for his sneak attacks.

He isn’t the best Origin character to pick if you’re focused on combat, as Astarion relies on his manipulation skills.

5. Wyll

Wyll was exiled from Baldur’s Gate years ago. He once made a pact with the devil, but he now wants out of it, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this. Though Wyll can handle his own in combat, his secret weapon is his charisma.

Wyll makes a good companion, and he’s not bad looking either.

4. Gale

No fantasy RPG is complete without a Wizard class. If you are keen on being the best spellcaster around, consider picking Gale of Waterdeep. His intelligence is his strongest trait, and his Sage background gives him an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

There are some downsides to picking Gale. First, he is part of the Human race, which is a boring option in a fantasy RPG. Additionally, his strength is pretty low, and his arrogance can be annoying.

3. Shadowheart

For a well-balanced character, it’s hard to do better than Shadowheart. She doesn’t particularly excel in any ability, but this makes her an excellent jack-of-all-trades.

Her story has her delivering a powerful artifact to Baldur’s Gate. To protect the secrets of her fellow Shar worshipers, she has willingly wiped her memory. For players who want a gripping story along with a competent protagonist, Shadowheart is the one to pick.

2. The Dark Urge

The Dark Urge is a unique Origin character because you can customize almost every aspect of them. Furthermore, you cannot recruit the Dark Urge as a companion. Pick this character if you’re keen on a darker story, as the Dark Urge struggles with a desire for violence and bloodshed.

It’s worth selecting the Dark Urge for a playthrough, as it offers a unique journey, though it’s probably best to go with a more conventional Origin character for your first playthrough.

1. Lae’zel

Lae’zel of K’liir is a Githyanki fighter, though she is fierce even by their standards. Her strength is her greatest asset, and as a member of the Fighter class, she’ll feel at home in any combat situation. She is also aided by her Soldier background which gives her knowledge of battlefield tactics. She seeks to kill a mind-flayer and return its head to Queen Vlaakith. Hard-headed and hellbent on her goals, Lae’zel is the Origin character to pick for exciting combat and a compelling story.

Ultimately, all the Origin characters have unique strengths and weaknesses that appeal to different playstyles. If you like a certain Origin character but don’t want to play as them, don’t fret, as you can also have them as companions.