How to recruit Alfira as a companion in BG3

Baldur's Gate 3 offers a large cast of companions, from the Origin characters you meet at the very start of the game to those that show up along the way. Alfira, on the other hand, is a bit of a different story altogether-as some changes recently in Patch 7 have changed some subtle dynamics in how she interacts.

How to Get Alfira in Your Party in Baldur's Gate 3

Patch 7 adds Alfira as a temporary companion, but only if you play as The Dark Urge. You don't get this special interaction if you play as any other Origin character or as a custom Taves. It can happen whenever during the game, but doing Alfira's side quest in the Emerald Grove will allow you to speed up this process.

Finding Alfira

You initially meet Alfira on a cliff east of the Druid's Grove. To meet her afterwards, enter the Emerald Grove and walk down the pathway toward the Sacred. Instead of following either quest marker up take the ramp up, east, then turn south. You will see Alfira playing two squirrels with her lute.

Flirting with Alfira through song

When you speak to Alfira for the first time, she will be annoyed with writing songs. You can offer to help her, and you'll get two choices: helping her with the lyrics or playing the lute. Both options have their pros and cons.

Playing the lute now requires two Performance Checks-DC 15 Charisma and then DC 10. Success is more likely for Bards and those with high Charisma. With Shadowheart as your tutor, success means you take ownership of the lute, gain proficiency with musical instruments, and if you have the Entertainer background, inspiration.

Writing lyrics skips out on these rewards but doesn't have any checks. It's an easier and less risky option if you're not looking to make yourself a musician. The song will conclude with Alfira explaining her backstory regarding her late teacher Lihala regardless of which option you choose.

Spoiler: The following paragraph contains a spoiler related to the storyline of The Dark Urge. If you don't want to spoil anything for yourself, please skip.

Hiring Alfira

You will have to progress through Act One in order to find Alfira again. I encountered her after speaking with the True Souls, but my editor found her while he was looking for Withers.

Important: Do not raid the Emerald Grove with the goblins because Alfira will be killed in the fight and you will not be able to recruit her.

When you have cleared part of the Goblin Camp, return to camp. Do not rest yet, instead ask a party member to stay in camp which will open up a slot for the new recruit. After a long rest, a new character Alfira will pop in and volunteer to join your party. Say yes, which will add her to your party as a temporary party member until the next long rest.

With Patch 7, Alfira becomes a bit more permanent of a companion. You'll be able to level her, equip her, and treat her like any other party member. However, do note that her storyline-the especially relevant one as The Dark Urge-doesn't always go so nicely.