Lae’zel’s introduction in Baldur’s Gate 3 sets the tone for her character. She’s not here to make friends. While she may be abrasive, she’s essential for your survival. As a result, she has gained a reputation as one of the least favorite companions in BG3.
Despite being a strong female character, Lae’zel doesn’t fit the mold of being instantly likable. In an interview with PCGamesN, voice actor Devora Wilde discussed what it was like to portray such a divisive character in one of the year’s best PC games.
“It was really refreshing. I’ve never played a character that’s so unlikable and honest,” Wilde revealed. “It’s liberating to play a character like that. You don’t come across them very often.”
Lae’zel reflects the warrior culture of the githyanki: ruthless and pragmatic. This is the opposite of Wilde’s tendency to please others. “That’s just the way she is, and if you find her rude or off-putting, then that’s not her problem.”
In certain circles of the Baldur’s Gate 3 community, Lae’zel is adored for her straightforward nature. However, in others, she is criticized for her cruelty and selfishness, as she is opposed to acts of charity.
Wilde believes that the writers at Larian Studios knew that Lae’zel would be a divisive character. However, she attributes it to their creative honesty as well as their willingness to take risks. “I think you could argue that all of the characters have a bit more unlikability about them than usual.”
Unlike companions in other RPG games, the companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 prioritize their own self-interests. This goes beyond what we have seen in high fantasy D&D-inspired games like Dragon Age. Wilde acknowledges that this aspect is pushed to the extreme with Lae’zel. From her perspective, the player is the supporting role, not herself.
It’s this self-determinism that makes characters like Lae’zel and Astarion so beloved. It’s satisfying to win them over or start a romance with them in Baldur’s Gate 3. “Lae’zel is focused on her own path, which she considers the most important,” Wilde stated, referring to the tadpole that drives the plot of Baldur’s Gate 3. “If you want to go on silly side-quests, do so at your own peril,” Wilde warns.
Wilde also shared her recommendations for the best movies to marathon if you’re a githyanki like Lae’zel. This will complement our dedicated Baldur’s Gate 3 Lae’zel companion guide. Alternatively, you can read our Baldur’s Gate 3 review, which explores our impressions of the companions, including Gale and Karlach, if you simply can’t get enough of the Origin characters.