What are the best dialogue choices to increase Shadowheart's approval in Baldur's Gate 3?
Shadowheart is one of the most intriguing companions in Baldur's Gate 3, and gaining her approval is essential if you want to build a strong relationship with her, whether for friendship or romance. Shadowheart is a cleric of Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, and her personality reflects her devotion to secrecy, pragmatism, and self-preservation. To increase her approval, you need to align your choices with her values and beliefs. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to do that.
First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of approval. Shadowheart, like all companions, 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 unlocks deeper conversations, personal quests, and potential romance options. Low approval can lead to her leaving the party or even turning hostile. ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval is particularly tied to choices that reflect her pragmatic, secretive, and Shar-aligned worldview.
To increase ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval, you should prioritize choices that demonstrate cunning, self-interest, and a willingness to keep secrets. For example, in the early game, when you encounter the dying Mind Flayer on the Nautiloid, choosing to leave it rather than helping it will earn her approval. Similarly, when you meet the Tieflings who have captured LaeÔÇÖzel, siding with ShadowheartÔÇÖs suggestion to avoid conflict and let the Tieflings handle the situation will also please her. These choices reflect her preference for avoiding unnecessary risks and valuing self-preservation.
Another key strategy is to respect her privacy and secrets. Shadowheart is deeply protective of her past and her connection to Shar. When she asks you not to pry into her background, agreeing to respect her boundaries will earn her approval. Forcing her to open up or questioning her too aggressively will have the opposite effect. This is particularly important during her personal questline, where her trust in you is tested.
In combat, Shadowheart appreciates tactical and efficient decisions. Using her abilities effectively, such as her healing spells and her Channel Divinity: Turn Undead, will show her that you value her skills. Additionally, making choices that avoid unnecessary bloodshed or that prioritize survival over heroism will align with her worldview. For example, when dealing with the Goblin leaders in Act 1, choosing to negotiate or use subterfuge rather than charging in headfirst will earn her approval.
One common mistake players make is assuming that Shadowheart will approve of outright evil actions. While she does appreciate pragmatism and self-interest, she is not inherently evil. Actions that are needlessly cruel or chaotic, such as harming innocents without reason, will lower her approval. Instead, focus on choices that reflect a balance of self-preservation and practicality.
Advanced techniques for increasing ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval include leveraging her personal questline. As you progress through the game, youÔÇÖll encounter moments where her faith in Shar is tested. Supporting her devotion to Shar, even when it conflicts with other companionsÔÇÖ beliefs, will significantly boost her approval. For example, during the Gauntlet of Shar in Act 2, siding with her decisions and helping her complete the trials will deepen your bond.
Finally, itÔÇÖs important to note that ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval is also influenced by your interactions with other companions. She has a particular rivalry with LaeÔÇÖzel, so siding with LaeÔÇÖzel in disputes or showing too much favoritism toward her can lower ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval. Balancing your relationships with all companions is key to maintaining high approval with Shadowheart.
In summary, increasing ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval requires a combination of respecting her privacy, making pragmatic and self-interested choices, and supporting her devotion to Shar. Avoid needless cruelty or chaos, and be mindful of how your interactions with other companions affect her. By following these strategies, youÔÇÖll build a strong relationship with Shadowheart and unlock her full potential as a companion.
First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of approval. Shadowheart, like all companions, 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 unlocks deeper conversations, personal quests, and potential romance options. Low approval can lead to her leaving the party or even turning hostile. ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval is particularly tied to choices that reflect her pragmatic, secretive, and Shar-aligned worldview.
To increase ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval, you should prioritize choices that demonstrate cunning, self-interest, and a willingness to keep secrets. For example, in the early game, when you encounter the dying Mind Flayer on the Nautiloid, choosing to leave it rather than helping it will earn her approval. Similarly, when you meet the Tieflings who have captured LaeÔÇÖzel, siding with ShadowheartÔÇÖs suggestion to avoid conflict and let the Tieflings handle the situation will also please her. These choices reflect her preference for avoiding unnecessary risks and valuing self-preservation.
Another key strategy is to respect her privacy and secrets. Shadowheart is deeply protective of her past and her connection to Shar. When she asks you not to pry into her background, agreeing to respect her boundaries will earn her approval. Forcing her to open up or questioning her too aggressively will have the opposite effect. This is particularly important during her personal questline, where her trust in you is tested.
In combat, Shadowheart appreciates tactical and efficient decisions. Using her abilities effectively, such as her healing spells and her Channel Divinity: Turn Undead, will show her that you value her skills. Additionally, making choices that avoid unnecessary bloodshed or that prioritize survival over heroism will align with her worldview. For example, when dealing with the Goblin leaders in Act 1, choosing to negotiate or use subterfuge rather than charging in headfirst will earn her approval.
One common mistake players make is assuming that Shadowheart will approve of outright evil actions. While she does appreciate pragmatism and self-interest, she is not inherently evil. Actions that are needlessly cruel or chaotic, such as harming innocents without reason, will lower her approval. Instead, focus on choices that reflect a balance of self-preservation and practicality.
Advanced techniques for increasing ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval include leveraging her personal questline. As you progress through the game, youÔÇÖll encounter moments where her faith in Shar is tested. Supporting her devotion to Shar, even when it conflicts with other companionsÔÇÖ beliefs, will significantly boost her approval. For example, during the Gauntlet of Shar in Act 2, siding with her decisions and helping her complete the trials will deepen your bond.
Finally, itÔÇÖs important to note that ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval is also influenced by your interactions with other companions. She has a particular rivalry with LaeÔÇÖzel, so siding with LaeÔÇÖzel in disputes or showing too much favoritism toward her can lower ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval. Balancing your relationships with all companions is key to maintaining high approval with Shadowheart.
In summary, increasing ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval requires a combination of respecting her privacy, making pragmatic and self-interested choices, and supporting her devotion to Shar. Avoid needless cruelty or chaos, and be mindful of how your interactions with other companions affect her. By following these strategies, youÔÇÖll build a strong relationship with Shadowheart and unlock her full potential as a companion.