To efficiently level up your companions in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire and ensure they keep pace with your main character, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Gain Experience Together
Companions earn experience points (XP) whenever your party gains XP through various activities, such as completing quests, discovering new locations, and adding enemies to the bestiary. Therefore, actively engaging with the main storyline and exploring the game’s world is crucial. Whenever the party achieves these milestones, your companions will level up alongside your main character, ensuring they remain relevant and capable in battles.

2. Equip Training Gear on Yourself, Not Companions
Utilize experience-boosting gear, such as training gear, on your main character rather than on your companions. This strategy is effective because the XP bonuses from such gear benefit the entire party as long as it’s worn by the main character. Thus, by maximizing XP gain on yourself, you ensure that your companions also receive a share of the experience without needing to invest in teaching them through gear.

3. Optimize Combat Skills by Monitoring Equipment
Companions develop their weapon and armor skills based on the gear they use during combat. To level up a companion effectively, equip them with weapons and armor that fit their intended role early on. For instance, if you aim to develop a companion into a tank, give them a one-handed weapon paired with a shield early in the game, which will help them gain proficiency in those skills. Apply the same concept to armor types; the right gear will facilitate skill improvements over time.

4. Plan Companions’ Role and Build Properly
Early planning for your companions’ roles is essential to maximizing both their effectiveness and growth. Decide what your companion’s primary function will be—whether as a tank, damage dealer, or healer—then equip and level them with this in mind. For example, Edér can be effectively built as a Defender by combining Fighter and Rogue skills, focusing on abilities like Defender Stance and passive skills that enhance durability. Similarly, Xoti can be tailored with a Monk build focused on healing and support functionalities, ensuring that she grows into a valuable asset for your party.

5. Use Combat and Rest Efficiently
Experience is largely gained through combat and quests, so it’s vital to ensure that your companions consistently engage in battles. Make sure they participate actively in fights to earn XP. Additionally, strategically resting and rejoining quests helps maintain a smooth progression for your companions. However, prioritize completing significant objectives that yield higher XP totals to maximize the experience gained per session.

Conclusion
By combining active participation in quests with thoughtful equipment choices and careful role planning, you can effectively level your companions, ensuring they remain competitive alongside your main character throughout your journey in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. This strategic approach will make your party more versatile and capable of overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.