How do I resolve all romance conflicts in Baldur's Gate 3?

Resolving romance conflicts in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding the game's approval system, dialogue choices, and companion-specific triggers. Each companion has unique preferences and storylines that influence their willingness to engage in a romantic relationship. To navigate these conflicts successfully, you need to balance your actions, dialogue, and decisions to align with the companion you wish to romance while avoiding actions that might alienate others.

The approval system is central to romance progression. Each companion has an approval rating that increases or decreases based on your choices. Positive actions, such as helping others, showing kindness, or making decisions that align with a companion's values, will raise their approval. Conversely, negative actions, such as cruelty, selfishness, or decisions that conflict with their beliefs, will lower their approval. High approval is necessary to unlock romantic opportunities, while low approval can lead to conflicts or even the companion leaving your party.

To begin, focus on building a strong relationship with the companion you wish to romance. Engage in conversations with them during camp rests, and choose dialogue options that reflect their personality and values. For example, Shadowheart appreciates pragmatism and subtlety, while Astarion favors cunning and self-interest. Gale values intellectual curiosity and kindness, and Lae'zel respects strength and decisiveness. Pay attention to their reactions and adjust your approach accordingly.

During key story moments, your choices will significantly impact your relationships. For instance, siding with a companion during a conflict or supporting their personal goals can greatly increase their approval. However, these decisions may also create tension with other companions. To manage this, prioritize the companion you wish to romance and make choices that align with their preferences, even if it means sacrificing approval with others.

Camp scenes are crucial for romance progression. After certain story events or when your approval with a companion is high enough, they may initiate a private conversation or event at camp. These moments often present opportunities to deepen your relationship. Be attentive and choose dialogue options that express interest or affection. Missing these opportunities or responding indifferently can halt romance progression.

It's important to note that some companions are more exclusive in their romantic interests. For example, Shadowheart and Lae'zel may compete for your attention, and pursuing one may lead to conflict with the other. In such cases, you must decide which relationship to prioritize. Trying to romance multiple companions simultaneously can lead to jealousy and conflicts, potentially locking you out of certain romances.

To avoid common mistakes, always save your game before making significant decisions or engaging in key conversations. This allows you to reload and try different approaches if things don't go as planned. Additionally, avoid making choices that drastically lower a companion's approval, as this can be difficult to recover from. Pay attention to their reactions and adjust your behavior accordingly.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging the game's mechanics to optimize approval gains. For example, certain spells or abilities can influence dialogue outcomes or provide additional opportunities to gain approval. Using abilities like Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation can help you navigate tricky situations in a way that aligns with your companion's preferences. Additionally, completing a companion's personal quest is a powerful way to boost their approval and unlock romantic opportunities.

In terms of D&D rules, Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the 5th Edition mechanics, particularly in how social interactions and relationships are handled. Charisma-based skills like Persuasion and Insight are valuable for navigating conversations and understanding your companions' motivations. Building a character with high Charisma and proficiency in these skills can make it easier to manage relationships and resolve conflicts.

Specific examples include Shadowheart's personal quest, which involves her connection to the goddess Shar. Supporting her in this quest and respecting her beliefs will significantly increase her approval. Similarly, Astarion's questline involves his past as a vampire spawn, and helping him confront his former master can deepen your bond. Gale's quest revolves around his magical condition, and assisting him in finding a solution will earn his gratitude and affection.

In conclusion, resolving romance conflicts in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful attention to the approval system, thoughtful dialogue choices, and strategic decision-making. By focusing on the companion you wish to romance, understanding their preferences, and managing your relationships with others, you can successfully navigate the complexities of romance in the game. Remember to save often, pay attention to companion reactions, and leverage your character's abilities to optimize your chances of success.