Great designs, great writing, it should be a crime that you can only choose up to 4 of these fascinating companions.

In the excitement of the early access release of Baldur's Gate 3, many are hearing the name Larian Studios for the first time. While interest in early access testing has exceeded Larian's expectations many people may prefer to wait for the complete, polished game. There is still good news for those interested in bringing the tabletop RPG experience to the PC, Larian has already provided what IGN and many others call one of the best RPG's of all time in the form of Divinity: Original Sin 2.

DOS2 is the perfect opportunity to learn the ropes of party building and experience Larian's stellar character writing. You can only pick up to 4 of the 6 pre-made characters (3 if your main is custom) so some planning is necessary when crafting an effective team while still getting the most out of the story. Here then, is a guide to DOS2's Origin Characters and how to build your ideal party.

Ifan Ben-Mezd

Ifan's piercing gaze comes with crossbow bolts to match.

Ifan is a human mercenary that exudes protagonist energy. His colorful history as the most feared of the Lone Wolves makes him an imposing presence in your party. He has a soft spot for animals.

Ifan's Strengths - 

• Wayfarer Class - Ranged attacks with crossbows and earth spells keep your enemies always within reach. 
• Succeeds some persuasion/intimidation checks because of who he is.
• Can talk to animals, opening up alternate dialogues, quests, and solutions.
• Bartering; Sell items for more and buy them for less.
• Humans are Ingenious and Thrifty with better critical chance and +1 Bartering. 
• Encourage allies for a stat boost.
• Special Ability; Summon Soul Wolf - Summon a wolf to fight enemies, keeping them at range.

Pick Ifan if -

• You want to deal physical and magical damage at range.
• You want to talk to animals without spending a talent on Pet Pal.
• You prefer to navigate conversations with brute force.

Sebille

Sebille's not shy about telling you where she got those scars.

Cool, collected and a touch psychotic, this elf assassin will strike needles of fear into the hearts of your enemies, literally or figuratively. She is not known for being an effective mediator. Does bad things for decent reasons; hates lizards.

Sebille's Strengths - 

• Rogue Class - A nimble fighter specializing in critical hits and mobility.
• Comes with her own unique needle weapon and accompanying hit list.
• Sneaking; reduces enemy range of vision allowing freer movement undetected
• Elves are Corpse Eaters learning memories, hints, and spells from eating limbs. Their Ancestral Knowledge gives them +1 to Loremaster
• Use Flesh Sacrifice to trade 1 point of Consitution for increased damage and AP.
• Special Ability; Break the Shackles - Cure status effects that have no other in-game counter.

Pick Sebille if -

• You want to cut bloody swaths across the battlefield, rapidly eliminating physical armor. 
• If you want the best items and extra cash, you'll need a rogue to steal it.
• You're here to break things, ruin people, and just be dirt evil.

Fane

Fane's got a lot of arcane knowledge in his blinged-out skull.

An undead wizard with a mysterious past, this snarky skeleton has awoken from a millennia-long slumber to uncover the truth. He is endearingly ignorant of cultural norms. May explode, needs a wide berth in battle.

Fane's Strengths -

• Wizard Class – Combine volatile Fire, Earth, and Poison spells for explosive combos. 
• His background is integral to the story, making him an ideal choice for your first playthrough.
• Can pick locks with his boney fingers, saving consumable lock picks.
• Immune to Death Fog, Bleeding, Suffocating, and Drunk status effects.
• Loremaster; Identify powerful weapons and armor.
• The Undead are hurt by healing but healed by poison. 
• Play Dead to lie down and go unnoticed by enemies. Mask of the Shapeshifter grants the abilities of chosen race
• Special Ability; Time Warp - Gives caster or ally two consecutive turns.

Pick Fane if -

• You want to deal heavy magical damage, crippling status effects, and dissolve magic armor.
• You want to get the most backstory out of your playthrough.
• You just want to watch the world burn...

The Red Prince

Could the Red Prince be your lizard knight in shining armor?

The lizard formerly known as Prince of the Ancient Empire was exiled for cavorting with demons. His newfound thirst for adventure is rivaled only by his thirstiness in general. Thrives in close combat, but also great for hauling your horde of stolen paintings.

Red Prince's Strengths - 

• Fighter Class - The best candidate for a frontline fighter and tank.
• Bartering; Sell items for more and buy them for less.
• Lizards are Sophisticated; +10% Fire and Poison resistance. Spellsong; +1 Persuasion 
• Breathe a cone of fire, damaging enemies with Dragon's Blaze.
• Special Ability; Demonic Stare - Take an enemy's magic armor for yourself.

Pick the Red Prince if - 

• You want a frontline defender to draw aggro and soak up damage.
• You want high Strength and Persuasion to manipulate any obstacle, physical or social.
• You want high Constitution to protect from the consequences of your Noble's arrogance.

Lohse

Ever noticed Lohse's expression is as split as her personality?

Lohse is a witty and energetic bard beloved by an array of adoring fans. Chronically plagued by children and also malevolent spirits. She is currently suffering from a moderate-to-severe case of possession. 

Lohse's Strengths -

• Enchanter Class -  Ice damage, defense buffs, and healing make Lohse an ideal support ally.
• Her fame and reputation immediately immerse you in the game's world.
• Synergy between water and electric spells means flooding battlefields with potential stun traps.
• Loremaster; Identify powerful weapons and armor. 
• Humans are Ingenious and Thrifty with better critical chance and +1 Bartering. 
• Special Ability; Maddening Song - Enemies attack the closest target, regardless of affiliation.

Pick Lohse if - 

• You want a support character that can still deal damage.
• You want to build a pure caster or elemental mage
• You want an alternate personality to blame your evil deeds on.

Beast

Beast's is a portrait fit for hanging over a fireplace.

This crusty sea captain found a new life on the open ocean after a failed rebellion against the dwarven Queen. Now he needs your help to finish what he started... cause he can't even pull up a board by himself without help from someone with no extra points in strength.

Beast's Strengths - 

• Battlemage Class – Balances melee combat with flashy spells.
• Two words; PIRATE DWARF.
• Persuasion; Ability to pass dialogue checks offering unique solutions to quests.
• Dwarves are Sturdy with added Vitality and Dodging, while their Dwarven Guile makes them better at Sneaking. 
• Use his Petrifying Touch to turn enemies to stone, deal damage, and skip turns.
• Special Ability; Blinding Squall - AOE spell inflicting electric damage and blinding enemies.

Pick Beast if - 

• You want a blended ally dealing both physical and magical damage
• You need a frontman in battle that Sebille won’t want to stab. Remember, she hates lizards.
• You want to reward the decency of the least initially hostile companion.

Bear in mind, characters you choose to main and recruit can be of any class build but they will still excel in or near their default set of skills. Companions can also take on other specialties as they level or re-spec at any time past a certain point in the story. This guide is here to help you succeed with the default character designs and classes as they were intended.

Create your dream build either custom or from one of the Origin Characters and refer back here to fill in the gaps. By the end of my first playthrough, the party had grown to cover almost all these skills. Consider not only what these characters can do at the start but what you'll need from them long term. Have fun and happy questing!

Also be sure to read:

• Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Damage Builds [Top 5]
• Top 5 Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Party Composition
• [Top 10] Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Armor And How To Get Them
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• Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Fane Builds [Top 3]
• Divinity Original Sin 2 Difficulty Explained - Which To Choose
• Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Civil Abilities
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• Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Archer Builds [Top 3]
• DoS2 Best Companions - Who Should You Choose?
• [Top 10] Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Talents
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• Top 5 Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Bow And How To Get Them
• Top 5 Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Amulets And How To Get Them
• [Top 15] Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Skills