What happens if I side with the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 for companion relationships?

Siding with the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 has significant implications for your companion relationships, particularly with characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Shadowheart. The Tieflings are a group of refugees trying to survive in a hostile world, and your decision to support them can influence how your companions perceive you, their approval ratings, and even their personal quests. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to navigate this choice and its impact on your companions.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Companion relationships in Baldur's Gate 3 are governed by an approval system. Each companion has a hidden approval score that increases or decreases based on your actions, dialogue choices, and decisions in the game. Siding with the Tieflings generally earns you positive approval from companions who value altruism, justice, and protecting the vulnerable, such as Wyll and Karlach. However, companions like Astarion, who lean toward self-interest and pragmatism, may disapprove of such choices. ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval is more nuanced, as she values discretion and practicality, but she can still appreciate acts of kindness if they align with her personal goals.

To side with the Tieflings, youÔÇÖll need to make specific choices during key moments in the story. One of the earliest opportunities arises in Act 1, during the conflict between the Tieflings and the goblins at the Druid Grove. To support the Tieflings, you should help defend the grove by defeating the goblin leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. This decision not only secures the TieflingsÔÇÖ safety but also earns you the gratitude of key characters like Zevlor and Dammon, who play important roles later in the game.

HereÔÇÖs a step-by-step strategy to maximize your positive outcomes with companions when siding with the Tieflings. First, ensure you recruit Wyll and Karlach early, as they are both deeply connected to the TieflingsÔÇÖ plight. Wyll, in particular, has a personal stake in protecting the grove, and his approval will increase significantly if you prioritize the TieflingsÔÇÖ safety. Karlach, a Tiefling herself, will also appreciate your efforts to help her people. When interacting with these characters, choose dialogue options that emphasize compassion, justice, and solidarity with the Tieflings.

During the goblin camp assault, focus on eliminating the leaders without unnecessary collateral damage. For example, avoid killing non-hostile goblins or siding with Minthara, as this will alienate Wyll and Karlach. After the battle, return to the grove to celebrate with the Tieflings. This celebration is a key moment for building relationships with your companions, as it provides opportunities for dialogue and bonding. Use this time to deepen your connections with Wyll, Karlach, and other companions who approve of your actions.

Important tips and considerations include managing your party composition and balancing approval gains. While Wyll and Karlach will strongly approve of siding with the Tieflings, Astarion may disapprove of altruistic choices. To mitigate this, consider leaving Astarion at camp during key moments or balancing your decisions with actions that align with his self-serving nature. ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval can be trickier to manage, but she often appreciates pragmatic solutions that avoid unnecessary risks. For example, she may approve of helping the Tieflings if it serves a greater purpose, such as securing allies for your journey.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting companion quests or failing to engage with their personal stories. For instance, WyllÔÇÖs questline is closely tied to the Tieflings, and ignoring it can lead to missed opportunities for approval and character development. Similarly, KarlachÔÇÖs backstory and motivations are deeply connected to her Tiefling heritage, so taking the time to explore her personal quest will strengthen your relationship.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your choices to maximize approval across multiple companions. For example, you can use persuasion or deception to resolve conflicts in ways that satisfy both altruistic and pragmatic companions. Additionally, paying attention to companion-specific triggers, such as WyllÔÇÖs reactions to Tiefling-related events, can help you tailor your decisions to their preferences.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 mirrors the alignment and personality mechanics of tabletop Dungeons & Dragons. Characters like Wyll and Karlach align with lawful good or chaotic good tendencies, valuing justice and compassion, while Astarion leans toward chaotic neutral or evil, prioritizing self-interest. Understanding these alignments can help you predict how companions will react to your choices.

Specific examples include the aftermath of defending the grove. If you successfully protect the Tieflings, Wyll will express gratitude and his approval will increase significantly. Karlach will also appreciate your efforts, and you may unlock new dialogue options that deepen your bond. Conversely, if you side with the goblins or fail to protect the grove, Wyll may leave your party, and KarlachÔÇÖs trust in you will be severely damaged.

In conclusion, siding with the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 is a powerful way to build relationships with companions who value justice and compassion. By carefully managing your choices, balancing approval gains, and engaging with companion quests, you can create a cohesive and loyal party that supports your journey through the game.