Baldur’s Gate 3has quickly established itself as one of the most popular CRPGs of recent years, and many players are still making their way through the game’s massive depth of content. Following in the footsteps of the games that came before it,Baldur’s Gate 3presents a multitude of choices that are capable of drastically altering a given playthrough. In a world filled with decisions, one of the most prolific parts of the game is the various party members players will meet. With a set of companions that have become nothing short of iconic among fans, a major aspect of the game’s popularity has no doubt been the charm of its cast.
Each remarkably well-written and acted alike,Baldur’s Gate 3’s party provides a diverse array of perspectives and skill sets that make each individual worthwhile. Of these recruits, one is only first encountered near the end of most playthroughs if he is found at all.Baldur’s Gate’s Minschas always been a dim-witted Ranger with an undeniable charm, and his first appearance as a party member since the original BioWare titles is no exception. Despite all that he brings to the table, however, obtaining Minsc isn’t actually possible until it’s nearly time to face the ending.
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Only available through what is technically the most complex and specific route required of any companion, the path to meeting Minsc starts long before his appearance in Act 3. Upon reaching the Last Light Inn hub area of Act 2, players will meet another returning face andpotentialBG3companion Jaheira. The High Harper in charge of the resistance against Ketheric Thorm, she must live through the assault on Moonrise Towers (and preceding events) before she will officially join the party during the battle. If Jaheira has made it into Act 3’s Rivington after surviving the battle at Moonrise, only then can the quest to eventually acquire the former Berserker of Rashemen himself begin.
Many players are likely to take their time exploring the start of Act 3, but Jaheira’s quest is located in theWyrm’s Crossingarea at the very end of Rivington. After surviving an ambush at her meeting and hearing a rumor at Sharress' Caress, players then have to venture into the secret Guildhall of the Lower City. Only then will the party have the proper context to delve into the depths of the Counting House, a building located all the way across the starting point of the city, and finally find Minsc.
Minsc Deserved Better in Baldur’s Gate 3
With multiple points of failure that can lead to losing him, including failing to inflict a non-lethal blow on him, Minsc is undoubtedly the hardest companion to recruit. Despite entertaining writing and an excellent performance byvoice actor Matthew Mercer, most players are likely to only spend a few hours with Minsc due to how late into the final zone of the game he is discovered. If all the content located before him is explored first, there could be little left to do besides the final battle for the most unfortunate of players.
As hope for future expansions grows, there’s still a chance that players could get a lot more time afterrecruiting Minscin the future. Until then, making quick work of Jaheira’s questline is the best method for players who want to be able to use Minsc and Boo throughout Act 3. The time together is great, but it is unfortunately too short.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available now for PC and PS5. Xbox Series X/S versions are in development.
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