If you’ve been playing *Baldur’s Gate 3* (BG3), you know the joy of exploring the world, battling enemies, and developing your character. But there’s one thing that can sometimes cause frustration—changing the appearance of your companions. Let’s dive into why this happens and how you can fix it, all while making sure you still look your best in the world of Faerûn.
The Problem: Why Can’t I Change My Companion’s Appearance?
Okay, let’s face it. You’ve spent hours customizing your own character, maybe making them look like a powerful hero or a funny little gnome. But then, your companions, the ones fighting by your side, look… well, kinda plain. Or maybe they have that one hairstyle that you *really* wish could be different. So, what’s the deal with changing their looks?
Unfortunately, unlike your own character, companions in BG3 are a bit more limited in terms of customization. You can’t just walk up to your trusty sidekick and change their hair, skin, or clothing with a snap of your fingers. While your character can enjoy all the creative freedom in the world, companions are locked into their starting appearances, and it can be a bit of a bummer.
How This Affects Gameplay and User Experience
Not being able to adjust your companion’s appearance can feel a bit limiting. As players, we want to feel connected to our team, and visual customization is a huge part of that connection. Imagine having a team where you, the player character, are rocking the coolest armor, but your companions are still wearing the same old gear and have the same unchangeable face. It might break the immersion a little, right?
This is especially noticeable in multiplayer sessions, where you want your entire group to look cohesive and stylish. But the reality is that this visual gap can cause some frustration. You’re spending all that time fighting monsters, completing quests, and exploring, yet your companions’ looks are fixed in place. It’s a small detail, but for some players, it really matters.
The Solution: Can I Change My Companion’s Appearance?
Good news! There are ways to work around the limitations, but it requires a bit of effort. Here’s what you can try:
1. **Character Creator Mod**: One of the best ways to change a companion’s appearance is by using mods. The modding community for BG3 is huge and active, and there are mods available that let you change your companions’ looks. A popular one is the “Companion Appearance Change” mod, which can let you tweak things like hair, face, and even their outfits. Mods can be installed easily, but keep in mind that they might require updates after each game patch.

2. **Dialogue and Decisions**: While you can’t directly change a companion’s appearance at will, your choices in the game can affect their personality and, in some cases, their outfits. For example, some companions change their gear or appearance as a result of story progress or certain decisions made in the game. It’s not the same as complete customization, but it’s something!
3. **Patch Updates**: The developers at Larian Studios are known for being responsive to player feedback. If a lot of players demand more customization options for companions, there’s always a chance they might add more features in future patches or DLCs. So, keep an eye on updates!
Player Experiences: What Are Others Saying?
The *Baldur’s Gate 3* community has been pretty vocal about the lack of companion customization. Many players express their frustration on forums like Reddit, with some saying they wish there were more options for tweaking the looks of their team. Others get creative by using mods and appreciate the way these customizations allow for a more personalized experience.
For example, one player mentioned: “I love my character, but my companion Astarion’s face just doesn’t match my vibe. The mod to change his appearance really helped!” On the other hand, some players are okay with it, saying, “I’m just happy I can change my own character. The companions add a lot of character with their set designs.”
Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge or Use Mods?
In conclusion, while BG3 doesn’t currently allow you to change your companion’s appearance directly in the base game, there are workarounds like using mods or waiting for potential future updates. If this is something that’s really bothering you, give the mods a try—just be prepared for the occasional update after patches.
What about you? Have you tried changing your companions’ looks in *Baldur’s Gate 3*? How do you feel about the lack of options? Have you used mods to fix it, or are you happy with how your team looks? Let us know in the comments!
Final Thoughts

BG3 offers so much depth in terms of story and gameplay, but sometimes, those little details like companion appearances can make a difference in how immersive the experience feels. Whether you choose to work with the system in place or dive into modding, just remember that the journey is all about fun. Keep exploring, adventurer!