What happens if I let Gale leave the party in Baldur's Gate 3?

If you let Gale leave the party in Baldur's Gate 3, the consequences can be significant, both for your gameplay and the story. Gale is a powerful wizard with a unique backstory tied to the game's main plot, and his departure can affect your party's dynamics, combat effectiveness, and narrative outcomes. Here's a detailed breakdown of what happens and how to handle this situation.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of Gale leaving the party. Gale has a personal quest tied to his need for magical artifacts to stabilize a dangerous condition he suffers from. If you fail to provide him with these artifacts or make choices that alienate him, he may decide to leave the party. Additionally, if you consistently make decisions that lower his approval rating, he may also choose to depart. The game gives you warnings through dialogue and narrative cues, so pay attention to his reactions and the choices you make.

To let Gale leave, you can either refuse to help him with his condition or make choices that directly conflict with his values. For example, if you prioritize selfish or evil actions, Gale, who values knowledge and altruism, may decide he can no longer travel with you. Alternatively, if you ignore his requests for magical artifacts, he may leave out of necessity to find them on his own. The game will present you with dialogue options that can lead to his departure, so choose carefully if you want him to stay.

If Gale leaves, your party loses access to his powerful spellcasting abilities. Wizards in Baldur's Gate 3, and in D&D 5E, are versatile spellcasters capable of dealing massive damage, controlling the battlefield, and providing utility. Without Gale, you may need to adjust your party composition to compensate for the loss of his magic. Consider recruiting another spellcaster, such as Shadowheart or Wyll, or respec another character to fill the wizard role. However, no other companion can fully replicate Gale's unique abilities and story contributions.

From a narrative perspective, Gale's departure can alter the story. His personal quest is deeply tied to the main plot, and his absence may close off certain story paths or dialogue options. For example, Gale's knowledge of the Weave and his connection to Mystra, the goddess of magic, provide unique insights and solutions to problems you may encounter. Without him, you may miss out on these opportunities.

There are a few important tips to consider if you're thinking about letting Gale leave. First, ensure you have a backup plan for your party's spellcasting needs. Wizards are invaluable in combat, especially in higher difficulty levels, so losing Gale can make certain encounters more challenging. Second, think about the long-term narrative implications. Gale's story is one of redemption and sacrifice, and his presence can lead to unique and rewarding outcomes. If you're invested in the story, keeping Gale in the party may be worth the effort.

Common mistakes to avoid include ignoring Gale's requests for magical artifacts or making choices that consistently lower his approval. If you want to keep Gale, prioritize actions that align with his values, such as helping others, pursuing knowledge, and avoiding unnecessary cruelty. Additionally, don't underestimate the importance of his personal quest. Completing it not only strengthens your bond with Gale but also unlocks powerful abilities and story developments.

Advanced techniques for managing Gale include optimizing his spell selection and equipment. Wizards can learn spells from scrolls, so make sure to collect and use scrolls to expand Gale's repertoire. Focus on spells that complement your party's strengths and cover its weaknesses. For example, if your party lacks crowd control, prioritize spells like Hypnotic Pattern or Web. If you need more damage, consider Fireball or Lightning Bolt. Additionally, equip Gale with items that boost his spellcasting, such as robes that increase his spell save DC or amulets that grant additional spell slots.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, Gale's abilities are based on the wizard class, which relies on Intelligence for spellcasting. This means you should prioritize increasing his Intelligence score through ability score improvements or magical items. Wizards also have the unique ability to prepare spells from their spellbook, allowing for flexibility in adapting to different challenges. Make use of this feature to tailor Gale's spell list to the encounters you expect to face.

Specific examples of scenarios where Gale's departure might occur include refusing to give him magical artifacts when he requests them or siding with factions or characters that oppose his ideals. For instance, if you align with the goblins in the early game, Gale may disapprove and consider leaving. Similarly, if you prioritize personal gain over helping others, Gale may find your actions incompatible with his values.

In conclusion, letting Gale leave the party in Baldur's Gate 3 has significant consequences for both gameplay and story. His departure removes a powerful spellcaster from your party and can alter the narrative in meaningful ways. If you decide to let him go, ensure you have a plan to compensate for his absence and consider the long-term impact on your playthrough. If you want to keep Gale, prioritize actions that align with his values and complete his personal quest to strengthen your bond. By understanding the mechanics and implications of Gale's departure, you can make informed decisions that enhance your experience in Baldur's Gate 3.