What are the best ways to gain approval from Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3?

Gaining approval from Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a deep understanding of her personality, motivations, and the game's approval mechanics. Minthara is a Drow Paladin of the Absolute, and her alignment leans heavily toward Lawful Evil. She values strength, loyalty to the Absolute, and decisive action. To gain her approval, you must align your choices and actions with these values. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of approval. Approval in Baldur's Gate 3 is influenced by your dialogue choices, story decisions, and actions during quests. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on how they perceive your choices. Minthara, in particular, approves of ruthless, pragmatic, and power-driven decisions. She dislikes acts of mercy, indecision, or anything that undermines the AbsoluteÔÇÖs authority. To gain her approval, you must consistently make choices that reflect her worldview.

Step-by-step, the process begins with recruiting Minthara. She is found in the Goblin Camp during Act 1. To recruit her, you must side with the Goblins and the Absolute, which means betraying the Tieflings and Druids at the Emerald Grove. This decision is a major turning point in the story and will lock you out of certain quests and companions, so itÔÇÖs important to commit fully to this path if you want to gain MintharaÔÇÖs trust. Once she joins your party, you can start building her approval through your actions and dialogue.

One effective strategy is to prioritize quests and decisions that involve the Absolute. For example, during the Goblin Camp questline, you can gain her approval by eliminating the Druids and Tieflings without hesitation. She also approves of aggressive and domineering dialogue choices, such as threatening NPCs or asserting your authority. In conversations with her, choose options that align with her beliefs, such as expressing admiration for the Absolute or discussing plans for conquest.

Combat tactics can also influence her approval. Minthara respects strength and efficiency in battle, so using her effectively in combat can help. For example, deploying her as a frontline fighter and allowing her to deal significant damage will earn her respect. Additionally, using her Divine Smite ability to obliterate enemies aligns with her Paladin ethos and can subtly boost her approval.

Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your party composition. MintharaÔÇÖs approval can be influenced by how you treat other companions. For instance, if you show favoritism toward characters like Wyll or Karlach, who oppose the Absolute, she may disapprove. ItÔÇÖs also crucial to avoid actions that undermine her authority or the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals, such as freeing prisoners or showing mercy to enemies.

Common mistakes to avoid include wavering in your commitment to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause. Minthara despises indecision, so flip-flopping between siding with the Goblins and helping the Tieflings will severely damage her approval. Additionally, avoid dialogue choices that express doubt or weakness, as these will lower her opinion of you.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging her personal questline to deepen your relationship. MintharaÔÇÖs backstory is tied to the Absolute, and completing her quests will provide opportunities to gain significant approval. For example, helping her consolidate power within the AbsoluteÔÇÖs hierarchy or supporting her in conflicts with other Drow will earn her favor. Additionally, engaging in romance with her requires high approval, so focusing on her quests and making choices that align with her values is essential.

Related D&D rules and mechanics come into play with MintharaÔÇÖs Paladin class. Paladins in D&D 5E are bound by their Oaths, and MintharaÔÇÖs Oath to the Absolute shapes her behavior. Understanding her Oath and how it influences her decisions can help you predict her reactions and tailor your choices accordingly. For example, breaking your own Oath as a Paladin might earn her disapproval if it conflicts with her beliefs.

Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation at the Emerald Grove. If you side with Minthara and lead the Goblin assault, she will approve of your decisiveness and loyalty to the Absolute. Another example is the interaction with the Tiefling refugees. If you choose to eliminate them or hand them over to the Goblins, Minthara will respect your ruthlessness. Conversely, showing them mercy or helping them escape will result in her disapproval.

In summary, gaining MintharaÔÇÖs approval requires a consistent commitment to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause, ruthless decision-making, and alignment with her values. By understanding her personality, leveraging her questline, and making choices that reflect her worldview, you can build a strong relationship with her and unlock her full potential as a companion.