How do I increase approval with Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3?

Increasing approval with Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding her personality, values, and the mechanics of the approval system. Shadowheart is a cleric of Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, which heavily influences her worldview and preferences. She tends to favor pragmatic, secretive, and sometimes ruthless decisions, while disapproving of overly altruistic or naive actions. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to increase her approval.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the approval system. Each companion in Baldur's Gate 3 has an approval rating that ranges from -100 to 100. This rating is influenced by your dialogue choices, actions, and decisions throughout the game. When you make a choice that aligns with a companionÔÇÖs values, their approval increases, and when you make a choice that contradicts their values, their approval decreases. ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval is particularly tied to decisions that reflect her devotion to Shar, her pragmatic nature, and her distrust of others.

To increase ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval, you should focus on making choices that align with her values. For example, when dealing with conflicts, she prefers solutions that prioritize survival and practicality over idealism. In the early game, during the encounter with the Tieflings and LaeÔÇÖzel, siding with Shadowheart and showing distrust toward LaeÔÇÖzel will earn her approval. Similarly, when you encounter the dying Mind Flayer on the Nautiloid, choosing to kill it rather than show mercy will please her.

Another key strategy is to support her secrecy and devotion to Shar. Shadowheart is protective of her faith and her mysterious artifact, so avoid prying too much into her past or questioning her motives. When she asks you to trust her, do so without hesitation. For instance, during the scene where she reveals her connection to Shar, agreeing to keep her secret and not pressuring her for more information will increase her approval.

In terms of combat tactics, Shadowheart appreciates efficiency and decisiveness. Using her abilities effectively in battle, such as her healing spells and her ability to manipulate shadows, will earn her respect. Additionally, making strategic decisions in combat that prioritize survival over unnecessary risks will align with her values.

One common mistake to avoid is being overly altruistic or naive in your decisions. Shadowheart disapproves of actions that she perceives as foolish or overly trusting. For example, if you choose to help the Tieflings without considering the potential risks, she may disapprove. Similarly, showing too much trust in strangers or making decisions based on emotion rather than logic can lower her approval.

Advanced techniques for increasing ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval include leveraging her personal questline. As you progress through the game, youÔÇÖll encounter opportunities to help her with her mission related to Shar. Supporting her in these quests and making choices that align with her goals will significantly boost her approval. Additionally, engaging in conversations with her at camp and choosing dialogue options that reflect your understanding and respect for her beliefs will further strengthen your relationship.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval system is influenced by her alignment and class. As a cleric of Shar, she is likely neutral or neutral evil, which means she values pragmatism and self-interest over altruism. Understanding these alignment traits can help you predict her reactions to various decisions.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can increase ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval include the encounter with the Goblins at the Druid Grove. Choosing to side with the Goblins or making deals with them for mutual benefit will earn her approval. Similarly, during the confrontation with the Hag in the swamp, making a deal with the Hag rather than trying to save the captive will align with ShadowheartÔÇÖs pragmatic nature.

In summary, increasing ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval requires a combination of understanding her values, making pragmatic and secretive decisions, and supporting her personal questline. By aligning your actions with her devotion to Shar and her pragmatic worldview, you can build a strong relationship with her and unlock deeper interactions and potential romance options.