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

Romancing companions in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex process that involves understanding the approval system, making the right dialogue choices, and progressing through their personal quests. Each companion has unique preferences, and their approval of your actions will determine whether you can unlock their romance endings. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has an approval rating that ranges from -100 to +100. This rating is influenced by your dialogue choices, actions, and decisions throughout the game. High approval is essential for unlocking romance options. For example, Shadowheart appreciates acts of kindness and diplomacy, while Astarion favors cunning and self-serving decisions. Gale, on the other hand, values intellectual curiosity and a willingness to help others. Understanding these preferences is key to gaining their approval.

To start a romance, you need to build a strong rapport with the companion early in the game. This involves engaging in conversations at camp, choosing dialogue options that align with their values, and supporting them in their personal quests. For instance, ShadowheartÔÇÖs romance can be initiated by showing interest in her mysterious past and respecting her privacy. AstarionÔÇÖs romance requires you to indulge his darker tendencies, such as allowing him to feed on you or supporting his schemes. GaleÔÇÖs romance involves showing intellectual curiosity and helping him with his magical affliction.

One common mistake is neglecting to talk to companions at camp. Camp is where most of the relationship-building happens. After major story events or long rests, make sure to speak with your companions to trigger new dialogue options and deepen your bond. Missing these opportunities can slow down or even halt romance progression. Additionally, avoid making choices that drastically lower a companionÔÇÖs approval. For example, being overly altruistic might please Gale but could alienate Astarion.

Another important aspect is completing their personal quests. Each companion has a unique storyline that, when resolved, can significantly boost your relationship. For Shadowheart, this involves helping her uncover the truth about her past and her connection to Shar. For Astarion, itÔÇÖs about aiding him in dealing with his vampiric master, Cazador. GaleÔÇÖs quest revolves around managing the magical artifact in his chest. Completing these quests not only increases approval but also unlocks deeper romance options.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition to align with your chosen companionÔÇÖs preferences. For example, if youÔÇÖre pursuing Shadowheart, playing a character with high Wisdom and Charisma can make it easier to pass dialogue checks that she approves of. Similarly, if youÔÇÖre romancing Astarion, a character with high Dexterity and Intelligence can help you navigate the stealth and deception-based choices he favors.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the approval system in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a simplified version of the relationship mechanics found in tabletop Dungeons & Dragons. In the tabletop game, relationships are often roleplayed and developed through interactions, but BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 quantifies this with the approval rating. This makes it easier to track your progress but also requires you to be mindful of how your actions affect your companions.

Specific examples can help illustrate these strategies. LetÔÇÖs say youÔÇÖre trying to romance Shadowheart. Early in the game, you might encounter a situation where you can choose to help a group of refugees or prioritize your own survival. Choosing to help the refugees will likely gain ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval, as she values acts of kindness. Later, when she confides in you about her past, choosing dialogue options that show empathy and respect for her privacy will further increase her approval. By the time you reach Act 2, completing her personal quest and making choices that align with her values will unlock her romance ending.

In conclusion, unlocking all romance endings in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a combination of understanding the approval system, making the right dialogue choices, and completing personal quests. By paying attention to each companionÔÇÖs preferences, optimizing your character build, and avoiding common mistakes, you can build meaningful relationships and unlock their romance endings. Remember to engage with your companions at camp, support them in their quests, and make choices that align with their values to maximize your chances of success.