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

Gaining Gale's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding his personality, preferences, and the mechanics of the approval system. Gale is a wizard with a deep love for magic, knowledge, and intellectual pursuits. He appreciates curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to help others, but he also has a sense of humor and enjoys witty banter. To gain his approval, you need to make choices in dialogue and actions that align with his values and interests.

The approval system in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on how your decisions and actions resonate with each companion. When you make a choice that a companion likes, you gain approval points, and when you make a choice they dislike, you lose approval points. These points are not visible to the player, but they influence the companion's attitude toward you, their willingness to share personal information, and their potential for romance. Gale's approval can be gained by engaging in conversations and making decisions that reflect his love for magic, his intellectual curiosity, and his moral compass.

One of the best ways to gain Gale's approval is to show interest in magic and knowledge. When you encounter magical items, books, or artifacts, take the time to examine them and discuss them with Gale. For example, in the early game, you can find a book called "The Necromancy of Thay." If you show interest in the book and discuss its contents with Gale, he will appreciate your curiosity and intellectual approach. Similarly, when you find magical items or scrolls, consider giving them to Gale to use, as this shows that you value his expertise and trust him with powerful tools.

Another effective strategy is to make kind and altruistic choices. Gale admires characters who are willing to help others, even at personal cost. For instance, when you encounter the tiefling refugees in the Druid Grove, offering to help them or showing compassion for their plight will earn Gale's approval. He also appreciates when you stand up for the underdog or make decisions that prioritize the greater good over personal gain. For example, if you choose to spare the goblin Sazza in the Druid Grove, Gale will approve of your mercy and willingness to give her a second chance.

Gale also enjoys witty and humorous dialogue. Engaging in light-hearted banter with him or making clever remarks during conversations can boost his approval. For example, when you first meet Gale and he introduces himself as a wizard, you can respond with a playful comment about his magical abilities, which he will find amusing. However, it's important to balance humor with sincerity, as Gale also values genuine connections and meaningful conversations.

One common mistake to avoid is making choices that prioritize violence or cruelty. Gale disapproves of unnecessary brutality and selfish actions. For example, if you choose to attack the tieflings in the Druid Grove or side with the goblins in the conflict, Gale will strongly disapprove and may even leave your party. Similarly, if you make decisions that show a lack of respect for magic or knowledge, such as destroying magical items or dismissing the importance of learning, Gale will be disappointed.

Advanced techniques for gaining Gale's approval include leveraging his personal quest and backstory. As you progress through the game, you will learn more about Gale's condition and his need for magical artifacts to stabilize his magic. By supporting him in his quest and helping him find the artifacts he needs, you can earn significant approval points. Additionally, engaging in deep conversations with Gale about his past, his ambitions, and his fears will strengthen your bond and increase his approval.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Gale's approval system is influenced by his alignment and class. As a wizard, Gale is likely to be aligned with the principles of knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of magical power. This means that actions and decisions that align with these principles will earn his approval. Additionally, as a wizard, Gale benefits from having access to a wide range of spells and magical items, so supporting his magical development by providing him with scrolls, spellbooks, and magical artifacts will also increase his approval.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain Gale's approval include the encounter with the owlbear in the cave. If you choose to spare the owlbear and show compassion for the creature, Gale will approve of your kindness. Another example is the interaction with the hag in the swamp. If you choose to confront the hag and protect the innocent, Gale will appreciate your bravery and moral stance. Additionally, during the party at the Druid Grove, engaging in a meaningful conversation with Gale and showing interest in his thoughts and feelings will earn his approval.

In conclusion, gaining Gale's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of intellectual curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to engage with his personal quest and backstory. By making choices that align with his values and interests, you can build a strong relationship with Gale and unlock the potential for romance and deeper companionship. Avoiding violent or selfish actions, supporting his magical development, and engaging in meaningful conversations are key strategies for earning his approval.