Scratch and Shovel
🟠 Updated over a year ago⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 0.7% endorsement rate
- 🏆 #57 of 515 Gameplay mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Now also available for download in the ingame mod browser and mod.io
Related Mods:
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[]Justice For Nessa - Recruit Nessa after freeing her from Yurgir, a powerful displacer beast that levels with you and gets stronger as she completes "hunts"[/]
[]Other Mods from Syrchalis[/]
Overview of Changes
TL;DR: Start out with some needed QoL, get cool stuff at 5 and 10
All companions level along with you. They are still very easily defeated, but now you can re-summon them at any time (outside combat). Their utility will make them very useful, even if you can't go in and attack with them.
All
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[]Level alongside you[/]
[]When summoned, sync their level up to yours[/]
[]Gain health based on your level[/]
[]Gain proficiency in stealth[/]
[]Disengage as bonus action (except "Us")[/]
[]Gain attack roll bonus based on your highest ability modifier (other than Constitution)[/]
[]At Level 5 and 10, unlock an array of upgrades (10/12 for Us)[/]
[]All summons are available without a cooldown now, but can not be summoned in combat[/]
[]Scratch and Shovel are no longer considered "familiars", so you can summon them together on the same character and still use 'Find Familiar' in addition[/]
[]Shovel, Us and Nimbus will now wander around the camp[/]
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[]Base Health: 9 + 1 per Level[/]
[]Proficiency in DEX, CON Saving Throws, Perception and Stealth[/]
[]"Help" as bonus action[/]
[]Level 5: Extra Attack, Inciting Howl (+3m movement to anyone in a large radius), +2 to all abilities +1. 5m Movement, +3m Jump Distance and +1 AC[/]
[]Level 10: Alert feat, Inspire Ally (buff an ally by adding proficiency bonus to attack and damage roll for one attack), +2 to all abilities, +1 all Saving Throws, +1. 5m Movement, +3m Jump Distance and +1 AC[/]
[]Scratch's ability to find things can be toggled off[/]
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[]Base Health: 9 + 1 per Level[/]
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[]Level alongside you[/]
Scratch and Shovel is a gameplay mod that makes the titular characters scale with your party, keeping them useful in later stages without becoming overpowered. With 1,778 endorsements and 248,479 downloads, it's a popular quality-of-life tweak for players who want companions to remain relevant.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community favorite with 1,778 endorsements and 248k downloads—clearly fills a need.
- Solves a real problem: companions falling off in late game.
- Balanced approach—scaling without making them overpowered.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated June 2025—check compatibility with your current game version.
- May require manual installation if no mod manager support is mentioned.
For players who love having Scratch and Shovel in their party but hate that they become useless later. If you want companions that stay relevant without trivializing combat, this is for you. Skip if you prefer companions to remain as-is or want more drastic overhauls.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Check if your game version is compatible with the June 2025 update.
- If using a mod manager, import the mod file directly; otherwise, place it in the appropriate mod folder.
- Test in a low-stakes save to see how the scaling feels before committing.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Baldurs Gate 3 Mods
- Author
- Syrchalis
- Version
- 1.3.6.6
- Downloads
- 248,479
- Endorsements
- 1,778
- Category
- Gameplay
- Created
- 10/19/2023
- Updated
- 6/22/2025
🔗 Required By 1 Mod
These mods list this mod as a dependency.
🔧 How to Install Baldurs Gate 3 Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Baldurs Gate 3 →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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