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

Gaining approval from Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding his personality, values, and the situations where your choices can influence his opinion of you. Halsin is a druid who values nature, balance, and the protection of the natural world. He is also deeply concerned with the well-being of others, particularly those who are oppressed or suffering. To gain his approval, you need to align your actions and dialogue choices with these principles.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of approval. Approval in Baldur's Gate 3 is a hidden numerical value that increases or decreases based on your actions and dialogue choices. Each companion has their own approval rating, and Halsin is no exception. When you make choices that align with Halsin's values, his approval will increase. Conversely, making choices that go against his values will decrease his approval. The game does not explicitly show you the approval rating, but you can infer it from the companion's reactions and dialogue.

To start gaining Halsin's approval, you need to recruit him. Halsin is first encountered in the Goblin Camp, where he is being held captive. To recruit him, you need to rescue him by defeating the goblin leaders: Priestess Gut, Minthara, and Dror Ragzlin. Once you free him, he will join your camp and become a potential companion. From this point on, your interactions with him and your choices in the game will affect his approval.

One of the most straightforward ways to gain Halsin's approval is to show respect for nature and the natural order. For example, when you encounter situations where you can choose to harm or protect nature, always choose the latter. This includes avoiding unnecessary destruction of the environment, such as cutting down trees or killing animals without cause. Halsin will also approve if you help animals in distress, such as freeing a trapped animal or healing an injured one.

Another important aspect of gaining Halsin's approval is to demonstrate compassion and a willingness to help others. Halsin is deeply concerned with the well-being of those who are suffering or oppressed. When you encounter NPCs in need, choose dialogue options that show empathy and a desire to help. For example, if you come across refugees or people in danger, offering assistance or showing concern will earn Halsin's approval. Conversely, being callous or indifferent to the suffering of others will decrease his approval.

Halsin also values balance and harmony. This means that he appreciates when you seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts rather than resorting to violence. Whenever possible, try to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation rather than combat. For example, if you encounter a situation where you can talk your way out of a fight, Halsin will approve of your diplomatic approach. However, if you choose to fight unnecessarily or provoke violence, his approval will decrease.

It's also important to consider Halsin's personal quests and how they relate to his approval. Halsin has a personal quest related to the Shadow Curse that plagues the land. Helping him find a way to lift the curse and restore balance to the land will significantly increase his approval. This involves exploring the Shadow-Cursed Lands, gathering information, and making choices that align with Halsin's goals. Completing this quest successfully will not only increase his approval but also deepen your relationship with him.

One common mistake to avoid is making choices that prioritize personal gain over the well-being of others or the environment. Halsin disapproves of selfish or greedy behavior, so avoid actions that show a lack of concern for others or the natural world. For example, if you choose to exploit resources or harm others for personal gain, Halsin will disapprove. Similarly, being rude or dismissive in dialogue will also decrease his approval.

Advanced techniques for gaining Halsin's approval include paying close attention to his reactions during key story moments. Some decisions in the game have a significant impact on Halsin's approval, and these moments are often tied to major story events. For example, during the confrontation with the goblin leaders, choosing to side with the druids and protect the grove will earn Halsin's approval. On the other hand, siding with the goblins or making choices that endanger the grove will decrease his approval.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, Halsin's approval system is influenced by his alignment and class. As a druid, Halsin is likely aligned with the principles of neutrality and balance, which are central to the druid class in D&D 5E. This means that he values actions that maintain the natural order and protect the environment. Understanding these principles can help you make choices that align with Halsin's values and increase his approval.

Specific examples of gaining Halsin's approval include helping the tieflings in the grove, protecting the grove from the goblin threat, and showing compassion to those in need. For instance, if you encounter the tiefling children in the grove and choose to help them or show kindness, Halsin will approve. Similarly, if you encounter a wounded animal and choose to heal it, Halsin will appreciate your actions.

In conclusion, gaining Halsin's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires aligning your actions and dialogue choices with his values of nature, balance, and compassion. By showing respect for the environment, helping those in need, and seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts, you can increase his approval and build a strong relationship with him. Avoiding selfish or destructive behavior and paying attention to his reactions during key story moments will also help you gain his approval. Understanding the related D&D rules and mechanics can further guide your choices and ensure that you make decisions that align with Halsin's values.