Should I be scared?

[Frog Man]

On a scale of 1-10, I'm a 5 in terms of skill level in this game. I've beaten the game on hard with a 5man party. I'm ready to take on POTD, but I'd love to include mostly story companions in my party. My question - how hard will that make the game?

 

I like a good challenge, but I want to make sure I'm not gimping myself too severely with Aloth, Eder, Durance, and the like.

[Torm51]

I've done it multiple times with story characters. If you play well it will be a non issue. Good synergy, accuracy and debuffs are the name of the game in PoTD.

[MountainTiger]

Story companions are just fine. I do think that running a melee MC is a big advantage in the early game, since the early pickups tend towards the squishy side.

[rheingold]

Stats actually aren't that important in the game, sure they make a difference but the companions are fine. Talents, abilities and equipment make a bigger difference. Sure some of the companions are not ideal statwise, but a few of them are really, really good. Zahua, for instance makes an awesome monk. Kana is a great chanter.

[Boeroer]

Official companions start one level above hirelings. That makes them a lot better in the early game. Since the early game is the hardest part of the game, in my opinion the official companions make the game easier, not harder.