What are the best ways to gain approval from Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3?

Gaining approval from Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3 requires understanding her personality, values, and the mechanics of the approval system. Lae'zel is a Githyanki warrior, and her personality is shaped by her culture, which values strength, discipline, and a no-nonsense approach to problem-solving. She respects decisiveness, combat prowess, and a focus on the mission at hand. To gain her approval, you need to align your actions and dialogue choices with these traits.

The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on how your decisions and actions resonate with each companion. When you make choices that align with a companion's values, their approval of you increases. Conversely, making choices that conflict with their values will decrease their approval. Approval is tracked on a hidden scale, and significant changes in approval can trigger new dialogue options, personal quests, and even romance opportunities.

To gain Lae'zel's approval, you should focus on making decisions that reflect strength, pragmatism, and a commitment to the mission. For example, during dialogue, choose options that emphasize action over deliberation, and prioritize the removal of threats over negotiation. Lae'zel appreciates when you take charge and make decisions quickly, especially in combat situations. She also values honesty and directness, so avoid being overly diplomatic or indecisive.

In combat, Lae'zel respects characters who demonstrate martial prowess. If you are playing a character with strong combat abilities, such as a Fighter, Barbarian, or Paladin, you can gain her approval by excelling in battle. Use her in your party during tough fights, and make sure she sees you taking down enemies efficiently. If you are playing a spellcaster, focus on using spells that deal significant damage or control the battlefield, as Lae'zel values effectiveness in combat.

During story moments, Lae'zel will often have strong opinions about how to proceed. For example, when dealing with the Mind Flayer threat, she will advocate for aggressive solutions. Agreeing with her and supporting her plans will increase her approval. In the early game, when you encounter the Tieflings who have captured Lae'zel, siding with her and helping her escape will significantly boost her approval. Similarly, when dealing with the Githyanki patrol later in the game, supporting her in her interactions with her kin will earn her favor.

One common mistake to avoid is being overly compassionate or merciful, especially when it comes to dealing with enemies. Lae'zel sees mercy as a weakness, and sparing enemies or trying to negotiate with them will often decrease her approval. For example, if you encounter the Goblin leaders in the Goblin Camp, Lae'zel will prefer that you eliminate them rather than try to talk your way out of the situation. Similarly, when dealing with the Druids and Tieflings in the Emerald Grove, Lae'zel will favor actions that prioritize the mission over the well-being of the refugees.

Advanced techniques for gaining Lae'zel's approval include leveraging her personal questline. As you progress through the game, Lae'zel will reveal more about her background and her desire to return to her people. Supporting her in these moments, such as helping her find a Githyanki creche, will significantly increase her approval. Additionally, engaging in her romance options, which become available as her approval increases, can further solidify your relationship with her.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Lae'zel's approval system is influenced by her alignment and personality traits. In D&D terms, Lae'zel is Lawful Neutral, meaning she values order and discipline but is not inherently good or evil. This alignment informs her reactions to your choices, as she will favor actions that maintain order and achieve objectives, even if they are harsh or ruthless.

Specific examples of gaining Lae'zel's approval include siding with her during the confrontation with Shadowheart over the artifact, supporting her in her interactions with the Githyanki patrol, and choosing aggressive dialogue options when dealing with threats. For instance, when you encounter the Githyanki patrol, agreeing with Lae'zel's plan to confront them head-on and supporting her in the ensuing dialogue will earn her approval. Similarly, when dealing with the Mind Flayer threat, choosing options that prioritize eliminating the threat over exploring other solutions will align with her values.

In summary, gaining Lae'zel's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires aligning your actions and dialogue choices with her values of strength, discipline, and pragmatism. Focus on making decisive, aggressive choices in both combat and story moments, and support her in her personal questline. Avoid being overly compassionate or indecisive, and leverage her alignment and personality traits to guide your interactions. By doing so, you can build a strong relationship with Lae'zel and unlock new dialogue options, personal quests, and romance opportunities.