Players diving into Baldur’s Gate 3 quickly discover that party composition is one of the most important aspects of success, both in combat and during story-focused encounters. Many face the question of whether they should recruit a hireling in BG3, especially if they feel their current companions are not fulfilling a necessary role or if they want more flexibility. Hirelings can fill gaps in your team, offer specific class abilities, and allow experimentation without permanently replacing beloved companions. However, recruiting a hireling comes with advantages and trade-offs that are worth considering before making the decision.
What Is a Hireling in Baldur’s Gate 3?
A hireling is a customizable mercenary-like character that you can recruit to join your party. Unlike companions with detailed backstories and personal quests, hirelings exist primarily for gameplay utility. They do not engage in deep conversations, do not participate in romantic interactions, and do not influence story outcomes. Instead, they serve as functional additions that can be used to complete key roles when necessary.
Hirelings become available after players reach a certain point in Act 1 and gain access to Withers, who stays at the camp. Once unlocked, hirelings can be recruited for a fee, and their class and build can be customized to suit strategic needs.
Why Consider Recruiting a Hireling?
Many players ask whether they should recruit a hireling in BG3 when they already have a strong cast of companions. The answer depends on playstyle, difficulty level, and party balance. For some, hirelings are essential to create a well-rounded lineup; for others, they may feel unnecessary if they prefer focusing on story-driven characters.
Key Reasons to Recruit a Hireling
- To fill a missing class or role requirement
- To support a more strategic party composition
- To manage complex battles more effectively
- To experiment with multiclassing or build concepts
- To provide utility spells such as healing, support, or crowd control
If your current companions don’t offer the skill set needed for tougher encounters, hiring a specialized character can make a significant difference.
Advantages of Recruiting a Hireling in BG3
Hirelings offer several gameplay advantages, particularly for players who want flexibility. They help cover weaknesses in combat or skill checks and create opportunities to explore diverse playthrough strategies.
Improved Party Balance
Sometimes players choose companions based on personality rather than class advantages. However, difficult battles may require specific abilities such as
- Healing or resurrection spells from a Cleric
- Stealth and trap disarming from a Rogue
- Tank defense from a Fighter, Paladin, or Barbarian
- Powerful area-of-effect spells from a Wizard or Sorcerer
If your current lineup lacks balance, hirelings fill those needs instantly.
Freedom to Experiment With Builds
Players who enjoy theory-crafting appreciate hirelings for experimentation. Instead of respeccing main companions constantly, hirelings allow testing of new builds, multiclassing combinations, or unique spell strategies without affecting core party members.
More Control in Multiplayer Sessions
During co-op play, friends may take control of companions, leaving fewer options. Hirelings ensure that the team remains full and functional.
Support for High Difficulty Settings
On higher difficulties, every action and ability matters. Having the right support character can prevent wipes, reduce expenditure on potions, and improve resource management.
Potential Downsides of Recruiting a Hireling
While hirelings can be useful, they are not always the ideal choice. Some players feel that adding hirelings changes the dynamic of the game, reducing emotional engagement or immersion.
Lack of Story Involvement
Hirelings do not have backstories, personal quests, or unique dialogue. Players who prioritize narrative depth may feel that adding hirelings weakens the emotional experience. Companions like Shadowheart or Astarion provide story progression that hirelings simply cannot offer.
Cost and Resource Management
Hiring characters requires payment, and depending on timing, gold may be limited. Spending resources on hirelings may prevent players from obtaining equipment upgrades or spell components early in the game.
Less Personality Diversity
A team made up of too many hirelings can feel silent and functional rather than lively and dynamic. This reduces one of the core strengths of Baldur’s Gate 3 character interaction.
When Hiring a Hireling Is Especially Useful
There are specific situations where hiring a hireling provides substantial benefits. If you encounter any of the following challenges, a hireling might be a smart choice
- Frequent party deaths due to lack of healing or protection
- Inability to unlock chests or disarm traps
- Overdependence on a single damage dealer
- Need for ritual spells, utility magic, or resurrection safety
- Boss fights requiring diverse tactical options
If combat feels overwhelming because your party lacks balance, adding a hireling can immediately stabilize progression.
Best Classes to Choose When Recruiting a Hireling
The best hireling class depends on your current party composition. Players commonly hire characters to support missing abilities rather than duplicate existing strengths.
Popular Hireling Class Choices
- ClericBest for healing, reviving, and protective spells
- WizardVersatile spellcasting for area damage and control
- RogueEssential for lockpicking and stealth tasks
- PaladinIdeal for tanking and burst damage
- DruidSummons and nature-based utility
These roles can dramatically improve success across encounters.
Should You Recruit a Hireling in BG3?
The decision ultimately depends on the type of experience you want. If you value story-driven relationships, fully voiced interactions, and character arcs, relying primarily on companions may feel more satisfying. If you prefer tactical optimization, strategic flexibility, and experimenting with different builds, hirelings are a powerful tool.
There is no right or wrong choice only what makes the playthrough enjoyable. Many players use a hybrid approach focus on companions for most story content but recruit hirelings for difficult fights.
Recruiting a hireling in Baldur’s Gate 3 can greatly enhance your control over gameplay, strategy, and party composition. They offer utility, allow experimentation, and help balance roles during difficult encounters. However, they do not replace the emotional depth and storytelling provided by main companions. Whether or not to recruit a hireling depends on your priorities as a player tactical advantage or narrative immersion.
Consider your current needs, your preferred play style, and the challenges ahead. The flexibility of BG3 ensures that whichever path you choose, the journey remains rich and engaging.