Patch 7 forBaldur’s Gate 3is here, at least for PC players, and with it has come a slew of fun new features. One of the more subtle changes made to the game is the addition ofnew idle animations for companions at camp. A moment from one of those new animations has captivated fans online, showcasing why this game deserves to remain in the spotlight for a while longer.
The new idle animation belongs to Shadowheart, the group’s standoffish cleric with a mysterious past, whose fear of wolves pops up early in the game. Despite this, she now seems to have some affinity for Scratch, the camp dog and best boy of the party, asshe can be seen petting Scratch beside her tent. This change is minute and will likely go unnoticed by many players, but it illustrates how well the developers pay attention to small details and provide the Sword Coast with plenty of life.
Even Shar Worshipers Like Shadowheart Love Scratch
A Good Boy Who Can Unite The Strangest Of Allies
Scratch and Shadowheart can both berecruited to campearly, at the beginning of Act 1. The cleric can be found along the beach beside the wrecked nautiloid, whilethe dog waits by his friend’s corpse outside the blighted village of Moonhaven. Once both are at camp, it’s just a matter of time and RNG before they end up interacting.
Many players will remember how, in earlier patches of the game, the player’s camp felt somewhat lifeless, with only a few idle poses available for companions and little movement besides the player character running around. The game has gone through several iterations since then, withBaldur’s Gate 3Patch 7the latest and likely the last major one, adding small scenes like Jaheira communicating with a rat messenger, Gale practicing his cantrips, and Karlach’s famous dance moves. But rarely have these animations seen camp members interact – until now.
Scratch Helps Shadowheart To Face Her Fears
How A Small Moment Can Act As Background Character Growth
As stated,Shadowheart has a fear of wolves, due to circumstances from her background that are explored throughout the course of the game. The ones in the Emerald Grove and Githyanki Crèche can cause her to become frightened, and ask the player to avoid them moving on. Of course, Scratch is nowhere near as ferocious or fearsome as a dire wolf, but he’s a canine that might elicit a similar fear response from someone with Shadowheart’s trauma.
Scratch won’t cause any kind of frightened response for Shadowheart, even if summoned outside of camp as a familiar.
Which is why it’s so nice to see them getting along in this newBaldur’s Gate 3patch. Scratch is friendly, loves pets and playing fetch, and it’s easy to see how a dog with his disposition could help the cleric to face her fears in a safe environment. Granted, Shadowheart’s fear doesn’t mechanically change at all until a later quest in theHouse of Grief. But the idea that Scratch is helping her overcome that fear from her past makes this sweet moment even more wholesome.
Source:AtlasFlynn/Reddit
Baldur’s Gate 3
Developed and published by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an upcoming role-playing game set to release in August of 2023. Players will create a character to embark on a large-scale journey and can do so solo or cooperatively with a friend. Combat is a turn-based style this time around.
