In a recent candid moment, Jennifer English, the actress behind Baldur's Gate 3's beloved companion Shadowheart, offered some surprising advice to the game's dedicated fanbase: don't play as her character. English, reflecting on her role nearly two years after the game's monumental launch, suggested that choosing Shadowheart as the player's protagonist, or 'Tav,' in a new playthrough results in missing out on a significant portion of her rich, narrative-driven content. This insight throws a curveball for players meticulously planning their next adventure through Faerûn, highlighting the intricate design choices that make companion characters so vital to the Baldur's Gate 3 experience.

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English's comments came during an appearance on the show Fall Damage, where she was tasked with recalling her character's most iconic lines. After successfully identifying Shadowheart's dialogue from the character creation screen, the actress added a personal postscript. "It's the idle at the beginning. Where you can possibly play as me... but don't do that," English cautioned, "because then you lose loads of my conversational dialogue." This isn't just an actor's humble opinion; it's a factual assessment of the game's structure. Shadowheart's journey from a secretive cleric of Shar to a pivotal figure in the story is packed with revelatory conversations, personal quests, and romantic developments that are only fully accessible when she is a companion reacting to the world and the player's choices.

Since its release, Shadowheart has consistently been a fan-favorite, often topping charts as the most romanced companion in the game. Her complex personality—a blend of guarded cynicism and vulnerable warmth—and her deeply personal storyline involving memory loss and faith have captivated players. For many, a party without Shadowheart feels incomplete, making her a permanent fixture in their adventuring group across multiple playthroughs. However, English's advice spotlights the ironic trade-off: the very qualities that make her an S-tier companion are the reasons she's a suboptimal main character pick. Playing as Shadowheart means silencing her voice, turning a character renowned for her poignant reactions and evolving banter into a silent avatar, thereby forfeiting the performance that earned English such acclaim.

Let's break down what players actually miss by making Shadowheart their protagonist:

  • The Narrative Arc: Her personal quest, The Chosen of Shar, is a cornerstone of her character development. Experiencing it from the outside, as her confidant and leader, is fundamentally different from controlling her actions directly.

  • Party Dynamics: A huge part of Baldur's Gate 3's magic is the inter-party chatter. Shadowheart's witty, sometimes tense, exchanges with characters like Lae'zel, Astarion, and Gale are legendary. As the main character, these dynamic interactions are severely diminished.

  • Romance Content: For players who enjoy the romantic subplots, romancing Shadowheart is a major draw. This path is, of course, unavailable if you are Shadowheart.

  • Voice Performance: Jennifer English's delivery is a key part of the character's charm. Removing her voice from the majority of gameplay is, as English implies, losing a 'load' of the experience.

Playstyle Pros Cons
Shadowheart as Companion Access to full dialogue, romance, quest reactions, and voice performance. She is not your customized avatar.
Shadowheart as Protagonist You control her class development and decisions directly. Lose her iconic voice, reactions, and narrative depth as a party member.

As of 2026, with no announced DLC for Baldur's Gate 3, English's work on the game is complete. However, the door isn't fully closed on Shadowheart. Last year, English outlined her conditions for potentially reprising the role in future installments, stating she would want any return to be "beautifully written," even if Larian Studios wasn't at the helm. This shows a deep commitment to the character's integrity beyond a single project.

For the community, this advice serves as a valuable pro-tip for maximizing enjoyment. While some hardcore role-players might still choose to walk a mile in Shadowheart's shoes for a unique, silent-run perspective, English's guidance confirms what many players intuitively feel: the companions are the heart and soul of Baldur's Gate 3. They are designed to be experienced alongside you, not as you. So, for those planning another run, maybe take the actress's advice—keep Shadowheart in your party where she can truly shine, and let your custom character be the canvas for her stories to unfold against. After all, why fix what ain't broke? The game's design, and now the actor's own counsel, suggest that having Shadowheart as your ride-or-die companion is the way to go for the most content-rich experience.