What are the best dialogue choices to unlock all companion endings in Baldur's Gate 3?

To unlock all companion endings in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to focus on building strong relationships with each companion through dialogue choices, approval mechanics, and completing their personal quests. Each companion has unique preferences, backstories, and moral alignments, so your choices throughout the game will significantly impact their loyalty, approval, and potential romance. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve the best outcomes for all companions.

First, understanding the approval system is crucial. Companions react to your decisions based on their personalities. For example, Astarion, a rogue with a chaotic and self-serving nature, will approve of selfish or cunning choices, while Shadowheart, a cleric of Shar, prefers pragmatic and secretive decisions. Gale, a wizard, appreciates intellectual and kind-hearted actions, whereas LaeÔÇÖzel, a githyanki warrior, values strength and decisiveness. Pay attention to their reactions during dialogue and adjust your choices accordingly. You can check their approval levels in the character sheet, which helps you gauge how close you are to unlocking their personal quests and potential romance.

To build approval, engage in conversations with companions at camp and during exploration. Always choose dialogue options that align with their values. For example, when speaking with Astarion, opt for witty or self-serving responses. With Shadowheart, be cautious and avoid revealing too much about yourself. With Gale, show curiosity and kindness. With LaeÔÇÖzel, be direct and assertive. These small interactions add up over time and contribute to their overall approval.

Completing personal quests is another critical step. Each companion has a unique storyline that delves into their past and motivations. For example, ShadowheartÔÇÖs quest involves her connection to Shar and her mysterious artifact. AstarionÔÇÖs quest revolves around his vampiric origins and his former master. GaleÔÇÖs quest deals with his magical affliction and his need for powerful artifacts. LaeÔÇÖzelÔÇÖs quest focuses on her loyalty to the githyanki and her search for a cure to the tadpole. Progressing through these quests not only deepens your bond but also unlocks specific endings tied to their character arcs.

Romance is another layer of companion relationships. To initiate romance, you need high approval and to choose the right dialogue options during key moments. For example, with Shadowheart, you can express interest during a private conversation at camp. With Astarion, you can flirt during a scene where he reveals his vampiric nature. With Gale, you can bond over shared magical knowledge. With LaeÔÇÖzel, you can assert dominance during a sparring match. Timing is crucial, as missing these opportunities can lock you out of romance.

Common mistakes include ignoring companion approval or making choices that alienate them. For example, being overly altruistic might please Gale but displease Astarion. Similarly, being too aggressive might please LaeÔÇÖzel but displease Shadowheart. Balancing your choices to maintain approval across the board is challenging but possible with careful planning. Another mistake is neglecting to complete personal quests, which are essential for unlocking their full story arcs and endings.

Advanced techniques involve using save files to experiment with different dialogue choices and outcomes. This allows you to explore various paths without committing to a single playthrough. Additionally, understanding the D&D 5E rules that influence companion behavior can help. For example, alignment and personality traits play a role in how companions react to your actions. A lawful good character might clash with AstarionÔÇÖs chaotic tendencies, while a neutral character might find common ground with ShadowheartÔÇÖs pragmatism.

Specific examples include the moment when Astarion reveals his vampiric nature. Choosing to accept him and offer your blood will significantly boost his approval and open the door to romance. With Shadowheart, respecting her privacy and supporting her devotion to Shar will earn her trust. With Gale, helping him manage his magical affliction and showing empathy will strengthen your bond. With LaeÔÇÖzel, proving your strength and loyalty to the githyanki cause will earn her respect.

In conclusion, unlocking all companion endings in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of strategic dialogue choices, careful management of approval, and thorough completion of personal quests. By understanding each companionÔÇÖs preferences and aligning your actions with their values, you can build strong relationships and achieve their best possible endings.