How do I increase Minsc's approval in Baldur's Gate 3?

Increasing Minsc's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding his personality, values, and the mechanics of companion approval. Minsc is a classic character from the Baldur's Gate series, known for his strong sense of justice, loyalty, and his love for his miniature giant space hamster, Boo. To gain his approval, you need to align your actions and dialogue choices with his ideals. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand how approval works in Baldur's Gate 3. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your decisions, dialogue choices, and actions. Minsc, being a lawful good character, appreciates acts of heroism, kindness, and justice. He dislikes cruelty, deceit, and selfishness. Therefore, to increase his approval, you should prioritize making choices that reflect these values.

One of the most straightforward ways to gain Minsc's approval is by helping others. Throughout the game, you will encounter various NPCs in need of assistance. Whether itÔÇÖs rescuing someone from danger, standing up to bullies, or offering aid to the less fortunate, Minsc will approve of these actions. For example, in the Goblin Camp, if you choose to free the prisoners or side with the tieflings against the goblins, Minsc will appreciate your bravery and sense of justice.

Dialogue choices also play a significant role in gaining Minsc's approval. When speaking with NPCs or companions, choose options that reflect a positive and heroic attitude. For instance, if you encounter a situation where you can either intimidate someone or persuade them with kindness, Minsc will prefer the latter. He values diplomacy and fairness over brute force or manipulation. Additionally, showing respect and admiration for his companion Boo will earn you points with Minsc. He often refers to Boo as the brains of their operation, and acknowledging BooÔÇÖs importance will make Minsc happy.

Combat tactics can also influence Minsc's approval. Minsc is a ranger, and he appreciates strategic and honorable combat. Avoid using underhanded tactics like attacking from stealth or using poison unless absolutely necessary. Instead, engage in fair fights and protect your allies. Minsc will approve if you prioritize the safety of your party members and innocent NPCs during battles. For example, if you use healing spells or abilities to keep your party alive, Minsc will respect your leadership and care for your team.

Another important aspect to consider is Minsc's personal quest. Like other companions, Minsc has a backstory and personal goals that you can help him achieve. Completing his personal quest will significantly increase his approval. Pay attention to his dialogue and any hints he gives about his past or current objectives. Helping him resolve his personal conflicts and achieve his goals will strengthen your bond with him.

ItÔÇÖs also crucial to avoid actions that Minsc disapproves of. Stealing, lying, and harming innocent people will decrease his approval. For example, if you choose to side with the Absolute or make deals with evil entities, Minsc will disapprove. He values honesty and integrity, so avoid making choices that compromise these principles. Additionally, being rude or dismissive towards him or other companions will lower his approval. Always treat him and others with respect.

Advanced techniques for increasing Minsc's approval include leveraging his class abilities and synergizing with your party composition. As a ranger, Minsc excels in ranged combat and has abilities that can control the battlefield. Positioning him strategically during fights and using his abilities to protect your party will earn his respect. Additionally, building a party that complements his strengths, such as including a healer or a tank, will make him more effective in combat and increase his overall satisfaction with your leadership.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, MinscÔÇÖs approval mechanics are influenced by his alignment and class. As a lawful good ranger, he values order, justice, and nature. Understanding these aspects of his character will help you make decisions that align with his values. For example, rangers in D&D 5E are often protectors of the natural world, so Minsc will appreciate actions that preserve the environment and protect wildlife.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can increase Minsc's approval include the Druid Grove conflict. If you choose to defend the grove and help the tieflings, Minsc will approve of your actions. Similarly, in the Underdark, if you help the myconids and avoid harming innocent creatures, Minsc will respect your decisions. Another example is the Moonrise Towers questline. If you choose to oppose the Absolute and free the prisoners, Minsc will support your efforts.

In conclusion, increasing Minsc's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires aligning your actions and dialogue choices with his values of justice, kindness, and heroism. Help others, make honorable decisions, and complete his personal quest to strengthen your bond with him. Avoid actions that compromise your integrity or harm innocent people. By understanding his personality and leveraging his class abilities, you can build a strong relationship with Minsc and gain his loyalty.