In the enchanting world of Baldur’s Gate 3, players have the opportunity to forge a bond with a unique companion: Scratch, a fluffy white dog with a heartwarming backstory. Located near the Blighted Village, Scratch is found mourning beside the body of his deceased owner, and recruiting him requires a delicate approach. Players must navigate emotional terrain, using kindness and clever dialogue choices to convince this grieving pup to leave his past behind and join their adventure. Discover how to win over this loyal canine companion and add a touch of warmth to your journey through the Forgotten Realms.
Finding and adopting a dog
To adopt Scratch the dog in Baldur’s Gate 3, begin by locating him in the area northeast of the Blighted Village. Specifically, look near the corpse of Gomwick, Scratch’s deceased owner. Upon approaching, you’ll initiate a scene involving Scratch. Your goal is to tame Scratch using various methods such as casting a Potion of Animal Speaking, performing an Animal Handling check, or passing a Perception check to read his collar. After establishing trust, you must persuade Scratch to follow your scent back to camp. Save frequently before interacting with Scratch, as poor dice rolls could cause him to run away. Once saved successfully, Scratch will arrive at the camp within two to three days, allowing you to pet him, play fetch, and benefit from his assistance in retrieving hidden items.
Related map marker: Dog Scratch (Blighted Village) @ Act 1
- In the world of BG3, there are not only monsters but also potentially friendly animals. Among them is the dog Scratch.
- You can find the dog in act 1 and you need to explore the area northeast of the Blighted Village. You will find the dog next to the corpse of its owner, Gomwick. When you get close to the dog, a scene will start.
Examining Gomwick’s body is completely optional. Among other things, you may find notes next to the corpse.
Your task is to tame a dog so that it can be stroked and adopted by the main character. You can achieve this in 2 main ways:
- Talking to a dog – A spell or a potion for communicating with animals is required for this. We have described the available techniques in more detail on the page How to talk to animals?.
- Passing the Animal Handling test, Persuasion or Intimidation. In each of these cases, you have to roll a higher value than the one shown on the screen.
Proper taming of Scratch will allow you to pet the dog and let it sniff you. The animal will find its way to the party camp on its own and you don’t have to personally lead him there.
Interactions with a dog in the party camp
The interactions with Scratch the dog in the party camp add a delightful layer to the gameplay experience in Baldur’s Gate 3. Once adopted, Scratch becomes a loyal companion that players can engage with during their downtime at camp. Players can pet him, which not only strengthens their bond but also earns approval from certain companions, such as Karlach. Additionally, Scratch has practical benefits; he can retrieve small items like health potions, making him a valuable asset. Engaging with Scratch through activities like playing fetch not only enhances the camp atmosphere but also encourages players to explore the deeper connections available within the game.
- The dog can now appear inside the camp – the picture shows an example of where it can be found. You can continue to pet the dog and further befriend him. This type of interaction will be welcomed by some companions (e.g. by Karlach).
- The dog can also retrieve small items for the protagonist, such as health potions. This is motivation to pet him at every possible moment.
What are the benefits of having Scratch in your camp
Having Scratch the dog in your camp in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a variety of benefits that enhance gameplay and provide emotional depth to your adventure. Here are the key advantages:
- Companionship and Interaction: Scratch provides a delightful presence at camp, allowing players to pet him and engage in playful interactions. This not only boosts the mood but also increases the approval ratings of certain party members who are fond of animals, fostering better relationships within the group.
- Treasure Hunting: Scratch has a unique ability to sniff out hidden items during exploration. When he detects treasure, he will lead players to it, making him an invaluable companion for discovering loot that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- Combat Assistance: In battles, Scratch can perform the Help action, which allows him to revive downed party members with a lick, bringing them back to life with 1 hit point. This capability can be crucial in tight combat situations where every action counts.
- Fetch and Fun: After some interaction, Scratch will give players a ball that can be used for a game of fetch. This not only serves as a cute distraction but also allows players to summon Scratch outside of camp, enhancing his role as a familiar during adventures.
- Item Retrieval: Scratch occasionally brings back items he finds while roaming around camp. These can range from trivial objects to useful supplies like healing potions, adding an element of surprise and utility to his presence.
Overall, Scratch is more than just a pet; he enriches the gameplay experience with his charm and practical abilities, making him one of the most beloved companions in Baldur’s Gate 3.
How does Scratch’s presence affect companion relationships
Scratch’s presence in your camp significantly influences companion relationships in Baldur’s Gate 3. Here are the key effects:
- Approval Boost: Interacting with Scratch, particularly through petting him, grants approval from all companions present. This collective boost can enhance party dynamics and improve relationships with individual characters, making it easier to manage group morale and loyalty.
- Emotional Connection: Scratch’s backstory and the circumstances surrounding his recruitment add an emotional layer to the game. Engaging with him allows companions to express their feelings towards animals and loss, fostering deeper connections among party members. This can lead to unique dialogue opportunities and character development.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The approval gained from Scratch’s interactions can influence how companions react to your decisions throughout the game. Positive relationships may yield benefits such as more favorable dialogue options or support during critical moments, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Overall, Scratch not only serves as a charming companion but also acts as a catalyst for strengthening bonds among your party members, enriching both the narrative and gameplay aspects of Baldur’s Gate 3.
