What triggers all companion, romance, and story endings in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, companion relationships, romance, and story endings are deeply intertwined with the choices you make throughout the game. These elements are influenced by a combination of dialogue choices, approval ratings, personal quests, and story decisions. Understanding the mechanics behind these systems is crucial for achieving the outcomes you desire.

First, let's discuss the approval system. Each companion has an approval rating that reflects their opinion of you. This rating is influenced by your actions, dialogue choices, and decisions during key moments in the story. For example, helping a companion with their personal quest or making choices that align with their values will increase their approval. Conversely, acting against their interests or making decisions they disapprove of will lower their approval. High approval is essential for unlocking romance options and ensuring companions remain loyal to you.

To build approval, pay close attention to each companion's personality and backstory. For instance, Astarion, a rogue with a dark past, appreciates cunning and self-serving decisions, while Shadowheart, a cleric of Shar, values secrecy and pragmatism. Gale, a wizard, tends to favor intellectual and altruistic choices. Understanding these nuances will help you make decisions that align with their preferences.

Romance in Baldur's Gate 3 is tied to high approval and specific story triggers. To initiate a romance, you must first build a strong rapport with the companion. This involves engaging in meaningful conversations, supporting them in their personal quests, and making choices that resonate with their values. Once their approval is high enough, you will have the opportunity to express romantic interest during key moments in the story. For example, during a camp scene, you might have the option to share a private moment with a companion, which can lead to a romantic relationship.

Personal quests play a significant role in deepening your relationship with companions. Each companion has a unique questline that explores their backstory and motivations. Completing these quests not only strengthens your bond but also unlocks additional dialogue options and story outcomes. For instance, helping Shadowheart uncover the truth about her past or aiding Astarion in confronting his former master can lead to significant developments in their character arcs.

Story endings are influenced by the choices you make throughout the game, including how you handle major plot points and the fates of your companions. The final act of the game presents critical decisions that will determine the outcome of the story and the fate of your party. For example, deciding whether to side with certain factions or how to resolve the conflict with the Mind Flayers will have lasting consequences. The endings you achieve will reflect the relationships you've built and the choices you've made along the way.

One common mistake is neglecting to engage with companions regularly. It's important to check in with them at camp and during downtime to maintain and grow your relationships. Additionally, failing to complete personal quests can result in missed opportunities for character development and story progression.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition and dialogue choices to maximize approval. For example, bringing along companions whose values align with the decisions you plan to make can help ensure their approval remains high. Additionally, using skills like Persuasion, Deception, and Insight during conversations can open up new dialogue options and influence outcomes in your favor.

In terms of D&D rules, Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the 5th Edition mechanics, particularly in how skills and abilities are used during interactions. Understanding these rules can help you navigate conversations and combat more effectively. For instance, using Charisma-based skills can improve your chances of success in dialogue, while Intelligence and Wisdom-based skills can provide valuable insights and information.

Specific examples include the decision to spare or kill the goblin leaders in Act 1. Sparing them might align with Astarion's preferences, while killing them could earn Shadowheart's approval. Another example is the choice to trust or distrust the Dream Visitor, which can significantly impact your relationships and the story's direction.

In conclusion, achieving desired companion, romance, and story endings in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful attention to approval ratings, personal quests, and story decisions. By understanding each companion's preferences, engaging with them regularly, and making thoughtful choices, you can build strong relationships and shape the story to your liking. Avoiding common mistakes and utilizing advanced techniques will further enhance your experience and help you achieve the outcomes you desire.