What are the best gifts to give companions in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, building strong relationships with your companions is crucial for both story progression and gameplay benefits. One of the ways to improve your standing with companions is by giving them gifts that align with their personalities and preferences. While the game does not have a formal "gift-giving" mechanic like some other RPGs, you can still influence companion approval through thoughtful actions, dialogue choices, and item exchanges. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to effectively "gift" your companions and improve your relationships with them.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has an approval rating that reflects how they feel about your character. This rating is influenced by your actions, dialogue choices, and decisions throughout the game. High approval can lead to deeper relationships, romance options, and even unique story outcomes. While there isnÔÇÖt a direct way to give gifts in the traditional sense, you can still influence approval by offering items or making choices that resonate with each companionÔÇÖs personality.
For example, Shadowheart, a cleric of Shar, values secrecy, pragmatism, and loyalty. To gain her approval, you should avoid revealing too much about your plans to others and make decisions that prioritize survival and practicality. While you canÔÇÖt give her a physical gift, you can "gift" her trust by siding with her in conversations and respecting her privacy. Similarly, Astarion, a rogue with a dark past, appreciates cunning, mischief, and self-interest. To improve his approval, you can engage in morally ambiguous actions, such as stealing or deceiving others. Again, while you canÔÇÖt give him a physical item, you can "gift" him opportunities to indulge in his darker tendencies.
Gale, the wizard, is a bit different. He values knowledge, magic, and intellectual pursuits. While you canÔÇÖt give him a physical gift, you can "gift" him magical items that he can consume to stabilize his condition. Early in the game, Gale will ask for magical artifacts to absorb. Providing him with these items not only helps him but also increases his approval of you. This is one of the few instances where giving a physical item directly impacts a companionÔÇÖs approval.
LaeÔÇÖzel, the githyanki warrior, values strength, discipline, and loyalty to her people. To gain her approval, you should make decisions that demonstrate your combat prowess and commitment to the mission. While you canÔÇÖt give her a physical gift, you can "gift" her respect by supporting her in battles and aligning with her goals. Wyll, the warlock, values heroism and justice. To improve his approval, you should make choices that protect the innocent and uphold moral integrity. Again, while you canÔÇÖt give him a physical gift, you can "gift" him opportunities to be the hero he aspires to be.
One common mistake players make is trying to please all companions at once. This is nearly impossible, as their values and preferences often conflict. For example, gaining approval from Astarion might mean losing approval from Wyll, as their moral compasses are vastly different. Instead, focus on building strong relationships with a few companions whose values align with your playstyle. This will make it easier to maintain high approval and unlock their personal quests and romance options.
Advanced techniques involve understanding the timing and context of your actions. For example, giving Gale magical items early in the game can significantly boost his approval and make him more loyal to you. Similarly, supporting Shadowheart in her personal quests and respecting her boundaries can lead to deeper connections. Pay attention to companion dialogue and reactions to your choices, as these can provide clues about what they value.
In terms of D&D rules, the approval system in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is inspired by the relationship mechanics in tabletop Dungeons & Dragons. In D&D, building relationships with NPCs often involves role-playing and making choices that align with their personalities. BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 translates this into a more structured system, where your actions and dialogue choices directly impact companion approval. Understanding the core values of each companion, as outlined in their backstories and dialogue, can help you make decisions that improve your standing with them.
In conclusion, while BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 does not have a traditional gift-giving mechanic, you can still influence companion approval through thoughtful actions, dialogue choices, and item exchanges. Focus on understanding each companionÔÇÖs personality and values, and make decisions that align with their preferences. Avoid trying to please everyone, and instead concentrate on building strong relationships with a few key companions. By doing so, you can unlock deeper connections, romance options, and unique story outcomes that enhance your overall experience in the game.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has an approval rating that reflects how they feel about your character. This rating is influenced by your actions, dialogue choices, and decisions throughout the game. High approval can lead to deeper relationships, romance options, and even unique story outcomes. While there isnÔÇÖt a direct way to give gifts in the traditional sense, you can still influence approval by offering items or making choices that resonate with each companionÔÇÖs personality.
For example, Shadowheart, a cleric of Shar, values secrecy, pragmatism, and loyalty. To gain her approval, you should avoid revealing too much about your plans to others and make decisions that prioritize survival and practicality. While you canÔÇÖt give her a physical gift, you can "gift" her trust by siding with her in conversations and respecting her privacy. Similarly, Astarion, a rogue with a dark past, appreciates cunning, mischief, and self-interest. To improve his approval, you can engage in morally ambiguous actions, such as stealing or deceiving others. Again, while you canÔÇÖt give him a physical item, you can "gift" him opportunities to indulge in his darker tendencies.
Gale, the wizard, is a bit different. He values knowledge, magic, and intellectual pursuits. While you canÔÇÖt give him a physical gift, you can "gift" him magical items that he can consume to stabilize his condition. Early in the game, Gale will ask for magical artifacts to absorb. Providing him with these items not only helps him but also increases his approval of you. This is one of the few instances where giving a physical item directly impacts a companionÔÇÖs approval.
LaeÔÇÖzel, the githyanki warrior, values strength, discipline, and loyalty to her people. To gain her approval, you should make decisions that demonstrate your combat prowess and commitment to the mission. While you canÔÇÖt give her a physical gift, you can "gift" her respect by supporting her in battles and aligning with her goals. Wyll, the warlock, values heroism and justice. To improve his approval, you should make choices that protect the innocent and uphold moral integrity. Again, while you canÔÇÖt give him a physical gift, you can "gift" him opportunities to be the hero he aspires to be.
One common mistake players make is trying to please all companions at once. This is nearly impossible, as their values and preferences often conflict. For example, gaining approval from Astarion might mean losing approval from Wyll, as their moral compasses are vastly different. Instead, focus on building strong relationships with a few companions whose values align with your playstyle. This will make it easier to maintain high approval and unlock their personal quests and romance options.
Advanced techniques involve understanding the timing and context of your actions. For example, giving Gale magical items early in the game can significantly boost his approval and make him more loyal to you. Similarly, supporting Shadowheart in her personal quests and respecting her boundaries can lead to deeper connections. Pay attention to companion dialogue and reactions to your choices, as these can provide clues about what they value.
In terms of D&D rules, the approval system in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is inspired by the relationship mechanics in tabletop Dungeons & Dragons. In D&D, building relationships with NPCs often involves role-playing and making choices that align with their personalities. BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 translates this into a more structured system, where your actions and dialogue choices directly impact companion approval. Understanding the core values of each companion, as outlined in their backstories and dialogue, can help you make decisions that improve your standing with them.
In conclusion, while BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 does not have a traditional gift-giving mechanic, you can still influence companion approval through thoughtful actions, dialogue choices, and item exchanges. Focus on understanding each companionÔÇÖs personality and values, and make decisions that align with their preferences. Avoid trying to please everyone, and instead concentrate on building strong relationships with a few key companions. By doing so, you can unlock deeper connections, romance options, and unique story outcomes that enhance your overall experience in the game.