What are the best gifts to give companions in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, building strong relationships with your companions is a key part of the game. One way to improve these relationships is by giving gifts that align with their personalities and preferences. Each companion has unique likes and dislikes, and understanding these can help you gain their approval and deepen your bond. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to give the best gifts to your companions, along with tips and strategies to maximize your success.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval mechanics. Each companion has an approval rating that increases or decreases based on your actions, dialogue choices, and the gifts you give them. High approval can lead to romance options, unlock special dialogue, and even influence the outcome of their personal quests. Gifts are not explicitly labeled as such in the game, but certain items can be given to companions to boost their approval. These items often reflect their personal interests or backstory.

For example, Shadowheart, a cleric of Shar, appreciates items related to her faith or things that are mysterious and dark. Giving her a Sharran idol or a book about shadow magic can increase her approval. Astarion, a vampire spawn, enjoys items that are luxurious or decadent, such as fine wine or expensive jewelry. Gale, a wizard, values magical artifacts and books, so giving him a rare scroll or a tome on arcane knowledge can make him happy. LaeÔÇÖzel, a githyanki warrior, respects strength and discipline, so weapons or armor that enhance combat prowess are good choices for her.

To give a gift, you simply need to have the item in your inventory and initiate a conversation with the companion. During the conversation, you can select the option to give them the item. If the item aligns with their preferences, their approval will increase. ItÔÇÖs important to note that not all items will have this effect, so itÔÇÖs crucial to pay attention to their reactions and adjust your strategy accordingly.

One common mistake is giving gifts that donÔÇÖt align with the companionÔÇÖs personality. For example, giving Astarion a simple, mundane item like a piece of bread will not impress him and might even lower his approval. Similarly, giving Shadowheart a holy symbol of a god she doesnÔÇÖt worship could backfire. Always consider the companionÔÇÖs background and preferences when choosing a gift.

Another important tip is to pay attention to the context in which you give the gift. Timing can be just as important as the gift itself. For example, giving Gale a magical artifact after he has expressed a need for one during a conversation will have a greater impact than giving it to him randomly. Similarly, giving Shadowheart a Sharran idol after she has shared her struggles with her faith will resonate more deeply with her.

Advanced techniques involve combining gift-giving with other relationship-building strategies. For example, you can increase a companionÔÇÖs approval by making dialogue choices that align with their values, completing their personal quests, and supporting them in combat. Combining these actions with thoughtful gift-giving can significantly boost your relationship with them.

In terms of D&D rules, the concept of gift-giving and approval is rooted in the social interaction mechanics of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. In D&D, building relationships with NPCs often involves understanding their personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws. BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 translates these mechanics into the game by allowing players to influence companions through dialogue, actions, and gifts.

Specific examples of effective gift-giving include giving Astarion a bottle of fine wine after he has shared his backstory about his former life of luxury. This not only increases his approval but also deepens the emotional connection between you. For Shadowheart, giving her a Sharran idol after she has expressed doubts about her faith can help her feel understood and supported. For Gale, offering him a rare magical artifact after he has discussed his need for magical energy can strengthen your bond and show that you care about his well-being.

In conclusion, giving the best gifts to your companions in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 involves understanding their personalities, preferences, and backstories. By choosing items that resonate with them and giving these gifts at the right moments, you can significantly increase their approval and build stronger relationships. Avoid common mistakes like giving inappropriate items and always consider the context in which you give the gift. Combining gift-giving with other relationship-building strategies can further enhance your bond with your companions, leading to richer story experiences and more rewarding outcomes.