How to Create a Custom Party in Baldur's Gate II

Creating a full custom party in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn / Enhanced Edition lets you tailor every class, race, and portrait. Here’s how:

Select **Create Party** (not “Custom” single character).
You’ll create **6 characters** sequentially (or fewer — you can add NPCs later).

For each slot:

Name & Portrait: Custom portraits go in `/Portraits` (BMP 110x170, 38x60 for EE).
Race: Human, Elf, Half-Elf, Dwarf, Gnome, Halfling, Half-Orc (EE). Affects stats, class options, saves.
Class / Kit: Fighter (Berserker, Kensai, Wizard Slayer), Mage (Specialist), Cleric (Kit), Thief (Swashbuckler, Shadowdancer), Bard (Blade, Skald), Ranger (Stalker, Beast Master), Paladin (Cavalier, Inquisitor), Druid (Avenger, Shapeshifter), Monk, Sorcerer, Barbarian. **Multiclass / Dual-Class** (Human only) for combos.
Ability Scores: Roll (reroll until 90+ total) or **Custom** (min 75, max 108). Prioritize prime requisites (Str/Fighter, Int/Mage, Wis/Cleric, Dex/Thief, Cha/Pal/Bard).
Alignment: Restricts some items/quests. Party reputation reacts.
Proficiencies (Weapon Styles): Assign * (1) to **Two-Weapon Style** (Fighters/Rangers), **Single Weapon**, **Sword & Shield**, **Two-Handed**. Specialize later.
Skills (Thieves/Bards): Open Locks, Find Traps, Stealth, Detect Illusion, Set Traps. Max one primary.
Spells (Mages/Clerics): Pick starting spells. Sleep, Magic Missile, Identify, Cure Light Wounds, Bless.

Role	Classes	Notes
Tank (Frontline)	Fighter (Kensai→Mage dual), Paladin (Inquisitor), Cleric (Cleric/Fighter), Ranger (Archer? no melee)	High AC, HP, saves. Inquisitor dispels.
Arcane Caster	Mage (Conjurer/Invoker), Sorcerer, Mage/Thief, Fighter/Mage	CC, Damage, Buffs, Scroll scribing.
Divine Caster / Healer	Cleric (Cleric/Ranger), Druid (Totemic), Fighter/Cleric	Heals, Buffs (Draw Upon Holy Might), Raise Dead.
Skill Monkey / Trap/Lock	Thief (Swashbuckler→Mage), Bard (Blade), Mage/Thief	Detect Traps/Illusion essential. UAI (HLA) = use any item.
Damage Dealer (Melee/Ranged)	Fighter (Grand Mastery), Ranger (Archer), Monk, Kensai	High APR, crits, called shot.
Flex / Support	Bard (Skald - song), Druid (Shapeshifter), 2nd Mage, Sorcerer	Skald song = party-wide +2 hit/dam, immunity to fear.

Formation: Tanks front, casters back.
Scripts: Assign AI (Advanced → Customize) or **pause & command** (Spacebar) for precision.
Quick Items / Spells: Belt potions, wands, scrolls for instant use.
Rest Strategically: Recover spells/HP. Watch for ambushes.

Your party, your story. A balanced 6-person custom crew makes BG2 a tactical masterpiece.

Party Games