How do I progress Minthara's romance in Baldur's Gate 3?

To progress Minthara's romance in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to navigate a complex web of story choices, approval mechanics, and dialogue interactions. Minthara is a drow paladin of the Absolute, and her romance path is tied to siding with the goblins and the Absolute in the early game. This makes her romance unique compared to other companions, as it requires you to make morally questionable decisions that may alienate other party members. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to progress her romance.

First, you need to recruit Minthara. This happens during Act 1 when you encounter her at the goblin camp. To recruit her, you must side with the goblins and help them attack the Druid Grove. This decision is a major turning point in the game and will lock you out of certain quests and relationships with other companions like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin. Once youÔÇÖve sided with the goblins, Minthara will join your party, and you can begin building your relationship with her.

Approval is a key mechanic in progressing MintharaÔÇÖs romance. She approves of ruthless, pragmatic, and power-hungry decisions. For example, she will approve if you choose to intimidate or dominate others in dialogue, or if you make choices that further the goals of the Absolute. Conversely, she disapproves of acts of kindness, mercy, or selflessness. To gain her approval, focus on making decisions that align with her worldview. This might mean sacrificing innocent lives, betraying allies, or embracing the dark powers of the Absolute.

Once Minthara is in your party, youÔÇÖll need to engage in regular dialogue with her to deepen your relationship. Pay attention to her personal questline, which revolves around her loyalty to the Absolute and her internal conflict as a drow. Completing her questline will unlock new dialogue options and opportunities to express your interest in her romantically. Be sure to choose dialogue options that show your support for her goals and ambitions.

A key moment in MintharaÔÇÖs romance occurs during the celebration at the goblin camp after the attack on the Druid Grove. During this event, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to spend the night with her. This is a crucial step in progressing the romance, so make sure youÔÇÖve built up enough approval and chosen the right dialogue options leading up to this point. If youÔÇÖve done everything correctly, Minthara will express her interest in you, and youÔÇÖll be able to pursue a romantic relationship.

One common mistake to avoid is trying to romance Minthara while also maintaining good relationships with other companions who oppose her, such as Wyll or Karlach. These companions will leave your party if you side with the goblins, so itÔÇÖs important to commit to MintharaÔÇÖs path if you want to pursue her romance. Additionally, be mindful of your choices in Act 2, as MintharaÔÇÖs loyalty to the Absolute may be tested. Stay aligned with her goals to keep her approval high.

Advanced techniques for optimizing MintharaÔÇÖs romance include tailoring your character build to complement her abilities in combat. As a paladin, Minthara excels in melee combat and can provide strong support with her healing and buffing spells. Consider building a character that can synergize with her, such as a rogue for sneak attacks or a cleric for additional healing and support. This will not only make your party more effective in combat but also give you more opportunities to bond with Minthara through shared victories.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, MintharaÔÇÖs romance is influenced by her alignment and class. As a drow, she has a natural inclination towards evil and chaos, which is reflected in her approval mechanics. Her paladin class also plays a role, as she is bound by her oath to the Absolute. Understanding these aspects of her character can help you make choices that align with her values and progress the romance.

Specific examples of choices that increase MintharaÔÇÖs approval include siding with the goblins in the Druid Grove conflict, using intimidation or deception in dialogue, and embracing the powers of the tadpole. On the other hand, showing mercy to enemies or helping innocent NPCs will decrease her approval. For instance, if you encounter the tieflings in the Druid Grove, choosing to spare them will anger Minthara, while killing them will earn her favor.

In conclusion, progressing MintharaÔÇÖs romance in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a commitment to her path and a willingness to make morally ambiguous decisions. By focusing on gaining her approval, engaging in her personal questline, and making choices that align with her values, you can build a strong romantic relationship with her. Be mindful of the consequences of your actions, as siding with Minthara will lock you out of other storylines and relationships. With careful planning and strategic decision-making, you can successfully romance Minthara and explore her unique storyline in the game.