Favourite party composition: Custom party of ranger, rogue, sorcerer, wizard (sometimes cleric depending on mood.) Playstyle is all stealthy ranged and frequent use of crowd control effects.
Using companions: Ranger (or sorcerer,) Gale, Astarion, Shadowheart.
As other posters have already said, you don't need any particular class in your party. Play what you want and bring whichever companions you like the best
