Shields boost AC without the need for armor proficiencies in Baldur's Gate 3. Most companions are proficient in shields, allowing them to increase defense. Some shields offer additional bonuses, making them valuable for various builds.

Don't skip the most underrated kind of equipment in Baldur's Gate 3 - when used properly, it can save even the weakest companion's life. Following Dungeons & Dragons' fifth edition rules, companions live and die by their equipment in BG3. Somewhat uniquely, a character's Armor Class (AC) doesn't determine how much damage they take; it's a deciding factor in whether every attack targeting them successfully hits. That means that an under-armored character is at a much greater risk, and needs to be kept strategically far away from any enemies who might pose a threat.

The thing is, not every companion can equip every piece of armor. Baldur's Gate 3 armor is divided into three classes: Light, Medium, and Heavy.