How To Recruit Minsc In Baldur's Gate 3

Befriend this silly Ranger and his pet hamster Boo in Baldur's Gate 3.

By Jason Rodriguez on August 28, 2023 at 12:37PM PDT

In Baldur's Gate 3, the last character who can potentially join your squad is Minsc, a returning character from the previous games. However, there are a few things that you're required to ensure before he happily buddies up with you. Our Baldur's Gate 3 Minsc guide discusses how you can recruit him, as well as his hamster Boo, later in the game. Likewise, please be reminded that this article contains spoilers.

The Baldur's Gate 3 Minsc recruitment method happens much later, specifically during the game's third act. Here's a quick summary of how we progressed in the campaign:

Later, you'll have to explore the Lower City's sewers while you're looking for Orin the Red. Regardless of the passage that you took, you'll want to head all the way to the west. The coordinates are: X = -203, Y = 867.

There, you'll come across the Abandoned Cistern valve puzzle. The goal is to raise both the water and temperature to their optimal levels. Before you continue, make sure you have a backup save.

In any case, here's how we solved the Baldur's Gate 3 Abandoned Cistern valve puzzle:

Before you attempt to recruit Minsc in Baldur's Gate 3, you'll have to battle him and his cohorts. Again, keep a backup save just in case. Here's what you need to watch out for during the fight:

After defeating all hostiles and dropping Minsc with a non-lethal attack, there will be a dialogue sequence. Jaheira wants to save him, but the Emperor Mindflayer thinks he's too chaotic and would disrupt your plans. Choose the following replies if you want to recruit Minsc in Baldur's Gate 3:

Choosing the above responses will make the Emperor Mindflayer shield Minsc's mind from the Absolute's control. Shortly thereafter, Minsc will start bashing the cistern walls. Follow him and you'll be introduced to his hamster, Boo. You can then have the two join your party permanently.

Once Minsc is part of your team, you'll see that he has the Folk Hero background. Moreover, he'll be reset to level 1, though he has enough XP to reach the level 12 cap. He's also a Ranger by default, with proficiencies in most armors and weapons. Still, you can always do a class respec if you want. Alternatively, you can take a look at our Ranger guide to see some viable build options.

This fella is quite silly, often relying on his hamster's ideas. He also shares information about his past, notably when he fought alongside Jaheira and the Bhaalspawn (i.e. the player's character from the previous game). Likewise, he has hilarious views about some of your other teammates.

Lastly, don't forget that Minsc has been "tadpoled," which means he can be persuaded to gain newfound Illithid Powers. The first set of dialogue responses about this topic will lead to his refusal. However, another option will appear, where you can convince him to use the Astral-Touched Tadpole to receive high-tier abilities.

In any case, that's how you recruit Minsc in Baldur's Gate 3. It's been a long and winding road, but you should have most companions with you at this stage.

Baldur's Gate 3 is filled to the brim with activities and secrets. You'll no doubt be part of an adventure that can take countless hours to complete. For other tips, you can visit our BG3 guides hub.

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