More Companion Chemistry on the Horizon for Divinity

The emotional core of Baldur’s Gate 3 really shines through its eclectic mix of likable and tragic companions. Their stories and dialogue often tie back to their relationship with you, the player. Sure, they’ll exchange a casual greeting here and there, and in key moments, some characters have more tailored interactions. But honestly, it feels like the chemistry amongst the cast hinges on what the player does. It’s not inherently a bad thing, of course, yet there I was—at camp or exploring caves—desperately wanting to witness the likes of Shadowheart and Karlach riff off each other, or see if Astarion and Wyll would bond over shared misfortune. There’s a sprinkle of these interactions, but I’m always hungry for more, eager to celebrate my favorites colliding in glorious banter. So, it’s thrilling to hear that, as Larian dives into their upcoming RPG, Divinity, they seem to be intent on deepening those cross-companion dynamics.

Earlier today, several Larian developers participated in a lively Reddit AMA, where they notably shifted their stance on some generative AI usage while dreaming alongside Wyll fans about potential narrative arcs. One remark from senior writer Kevin VanOrd really caught my attention. Responding to a question about what the team aims to enhance in terms of writing and narrative for Divinity, he said:

“Firstly, to have more interaction between companions—not just with more and better banter, but to have them develop deeper relationships with each other, just as they do with players. Secondly, to ramp up player friendship and romance more subtly, so relationship building feels natural.”

Kevin VanOrd

Honestly, I would’ve been satisfied with the first point alone. But the prospect of fostering NPC relationships gradually, instead of boiling things over too quickly, sounds incredibly appealing. The whirlwind romances in Baldur’s Gate 3 were partially due to a launch bug, but even after the fix, that leap from “Hello, fellow mind prisoner” to full-blown romance has always felt a bit rushed to me. I pursued Shadowheart—totally no regrets there—and inadvertently rebuffed Lae’zel. I just wanted to be friendly! A more nuanced approach in this area could lead to richer experiences and those heartwarming moments we love to see.

Writing director Adam Smith also chimed in about companions in Divinity. “We’ll give you space to build your relationships with the companions. I won’t go into too much detail here,” he said in response to a user asking about a system akin to the camp setup in Baldur’s Gate 3 that fosters organic interactions. “And, yes, you won’t have to refill any spell slots,” he added, pointing out the distinctions between Larian’s plans and the D&D rules that shaped BG3.

With these insights, it seems Larian is gearing up to create a more connected and organic relational experience in their new title. Here’s hoping it delivers those cherished moments we crave in our adventures.