Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3

Hirelings Guide

Baldur's Gate 3 hirelings: Recruit Withers' hirelings to fill party gaps, experiment with classes, and gain flexibility.

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Hirelings Guide

Hirelings are unique characters available for recruitment in Baldur's Gate 3, offering a flexible solution for filling gaps in your party or experimenting with different class combinations. Unlike companions, hirelings do not have personal quests or deep backstories, but they possess all the capabilities of their chosen class.

Hirelings can be recruited from Withers, a mysterious NPC found in the Dank Crypt early in the game, and later at your camp. Withers offers a selection of hirelings, each representing a different class from the game's roster. You can hire up to four hirelings at a time to join your party.

The primary benefit of hirelings is their adaptability. If you find yourself lacking a specific role in your party—such as a healer, a tank, or a crowd-control specialist—you can hire a hireling to fill that niche. This allows you to experiment with different party compositions without committing to a specific companion.

Each hireling costs a significant amount of gold to recruit, and their services are not free. Withers will charge you for their initial recruitment, and they will continue to demand payment for their services. This makes them a more temporary or specialized solution rather than a permanent addition to your adventuring group.

Hirelings are particularly useful for:

  • Experimentation: Trying out different class builds or party synergies without having to respec your main character or companions.
  • Filling Gaps: Ensuring your party has the necessary skills for specific challenges, such as a character proficient in lockpicking or disarming traps.
  • Specific Quest Needs: Sometimes, a particular quest might benefit from a specific class or set of abilities that your current party lacks.
  • Replacing Companions: If a companion leaves your party due to story choices, a hireling can temporarily fill their spot.

While hirelings lack the narrative depth of companions, they are fully functional characters in combat and exploration. They can equip gear, learn spells, and participate in all aspects of gameplay. Their presence allows for greater player freedom in party composition and strategic planning.

When considering hiring a hireling, weigh the cost against the benefit. If you consistently find yourself needing a specific role filled, or if you want to explore different character builds, hirelings offer a valuable, albeit expensive, solution.