Baldur's Gate 3: how to recruit Scratch the dog

How to find and recruit Scratch the dog in Baldur's Gate 3

Who needs human companions when you can have a dog? Baldur’s Gate 3 knows this to be true, and it lets you get a canine companion of your very own, Scratch. You have to find him though, and get him through some rather traumatic circumstances. It requires a delicate hand, and a single mistake can cause you to miss the opportunity.

We’ll tell you where to find this good boy and how to recruit Scratch in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you insist on bringing smelly humans into your party though, we have guides on how to recscue Volo, Wyll, and Gale.

How to recruit Scratch – Baldur’s Gate 3

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After leaving the Emerald Grove, head west until you reach a bridge. Before crossing said bridge, go north, and there you’ll find Scratch standing over a dead body. 

This conversation can go south quickly if you don’t pick the right options, but if you happen to have a Druid in your party with the “Speak to Animals” spell, things will be much easier. If you want to become one for this conversation, you can check our guide on how to change class.

Whether you can understand him or not, he will start by very clearly telling you to stay back. You can intimidate him to back down, or a Druid can persuade him you’re not a threat. Either way, passing the skill check will get Scratch to allow you near.

If you can’t understand him, you’ll then have the option to let him become familiar with your scent, then you’ll have to be on your way. If you can understand, then you’ll learn that he’s waiting for his owner to wake up, except it’s very clear that’s not going to happen. Be nice to him, otherwise, he will attack you.

Nothing will convince him his owner is dead, so just let him know that he can come to your camp anytime. Scratch will then wander into your camp after your next long rest and be a part of the team – he can’t be an active partner, but you can pet him at camp and will occasionally retrieve useful items.