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 key ways to improve your standing with companions is by giving them gifts that align with their personalities, preferences, and backstories. While the game does not have a formal "gift-giving" mechanic like some RPGs, you can influence companion approval through dialogue choices, actions, and by offering items that resonate with them. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to effectively "gift" companions and improve your relationships with them.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has an approval rating that increases or decreases based on your actions, dialogue choices, and decisions in the game. This rating is hidden but can be inferred through their reactions and dialogue. High approval can lead to deeper relationships, romance options, and even unique story outcomes. To maximize approval, you need to pay attention to each companionÔÇÖs personality and preferences.
For example, Shadowheart, a cleric of Shar, values secrecy, pragmatism, and a certain level of ruthlessness. She approves of decisions that prioritize survival and practicality over idealism. Giving her items related to her faith, such as Sharran artifacts or items that enhance her stealth and trickery, can be seen as a form of "gift" that aligns with her values. Similarly, Astarion, a vampire spawn, appreciates cruelty, manipulation, and self-interest. Offering him items that enhance his rogue abilities, like daggers or lockpicks, or making decisions that favor cunning over morality will increase his approval.
Gale, a wizard, values knowledge, intellect, and magical power. He appreciates items related to magic, such as scrolls, spellbooks, or magical artifacts. Giving him these items or making decisions that prioritize the pursuit of knowledge will improve your relationship with him. LaeÔÇÖzel, a githyanki warrior, values strength, discipline, and loyalty to her people. She approves of decisions that demonstrate martial prowess and a willingness to fight for survival. Offering her weapons or armor that enhance her combat abilities will resonate with her.
Wyll, the Blade of Frontiers, values heroism, justice, and protecting the innocent. He approves of decisions that align with these ideals. Giving him items that enhance his combat abilities or making choices that prioritize helping others will improve his approval. Karlach, a tiefling barbarian, values freedom, loyalty, and standing up for the oppressed. She appreciates items that enhance her strength and combat abilities, as well as decisions that align with her values.
To effectively "gift" companions, you should focus on their personal quests and backstories. Completing these quests often involves making decisions that align with their values, which can significantly boost their approval. For example, helping Shadowheart recover her memories or supporting Astarion in his quest for freedom from his master will greatly improve your relationship with them. Additionally, paying attention to their reactions during key story moments and adjusting your choices accordingly can help you gain their favor.
One common mistake is making decisions that align with your own characterÔÇÖs values without considering how they will affect your companions. For example, if you consistently make altruistic choices, Astarion may disapprove, while Wyll will likely approve. ItÔÇÖs important to balance your decisions to maintain a good relationship with all companions, especially if you want to explore multiple romance options or keep your party cohesive.
Advanced techniques involve using the gameÔÇÖs dialogue system to your advantage. Pay attention to the tone and content of your responses, as companions will react differently based on how you phrase your choices. For example, a sarcastic or humorous response may amuse Astarion but irritate LaeÔÇÖzel. Additionally, using the "Speak with Dead" spell or other abilities to uncover hidden information can provide opportunities to make decisions that align with your companionsÔÇÖ values.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the approval system in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a simplified version of the relationship mechanics found in tabletop Dungeons & Dragons. In the tabletop game, relationships with NPCs are often managed through role-playing and DM discretion, with players earning favor or disfavor based on their actions. BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 translates this into a more structured system, with clear approval triggers based on specific actions and dialogue choices.
In conclusion, while BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 does not have a formal gift-giving mechanic, you can effectively "gift" companions by offering items and making decisions that align with their values and preferences. Paying attention to their personalities, completing their personal quests, and balancing your decisions will help you build strong relationships with your companions. By understanding the approval system and using advanced techniques, you can optimize your interactions and unlock unique story outcomes.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval system. Each companion has an approval rating that increases or decreases based on your actions, dialogue choices, and decisions in the game. This rating is hidden but can be inferred through their reactions and dialogue. High approval can lead to deeper relationships, romance options, and even unique story outcomes. To maximize approval, you need to pay attention to each companionÔÇÖs personality and preferences.
For example, Shadowheart, a cleric of Shar, values secrecy, pragmatism, and a certain level of ruthlessness. She approves of decisions that prioritize survival and practicality over idealism. Giving her items related to her faith, such as Sharran artifacts or items that enhance her stealth and trickery, can be seen as a form of "gift" that aligns with her values. Similarly, Astarion, a vampire spawn, appreciates cruelty, manipulation, and self-interest. Offering him items that enhance his rogue abilities, like daggers or lockpicks, or making decisions that favor cunning over morality will increase his approval.
Gale, a wizard, values knowledge, intellect, and magical power. He appreciates items related to magic, such as scrolls, spellbooks, or magical artifacts. Giving him these items or making decisions that prioritize the pursuit of knowledge will improve your relationship with him. LaeÔÇÖzel, a githyanki warrior, values strength, discipline, and loyalty to her people. She approves of decisions that demonstrate martial prowess and a willingness to fight for survival. Offering her weapons or armor that enhance her combat abilities will resonate with her.
Wyll, the Blade of Frontiers, values heroism, justice, and protecting the innocent. He approves of decisions that align with these ideals. Giving him items that enhance his combat abilities or making choices that prioritize helping others will improve his approval. Karlach, a tiefling barbarian, values freedom, loyalty, and standing up for the oppressed. She appreciates items that enhance her strength and combat abilities, as well as decisions that align with her values.
To effectively "gift" companions, you should focus on their personal quests and backstories. Completing these quests often involves making decisions that align with their values, which can significantly boost their approval. For example, helping Shadowheart recover her memories or supporting Astarion in his quest for freedom from his master will greatly improve your relationship with them. Additionally, paying attention to their reactions during key story moments and adjusting your choices accordingly can help you gain their favor.
One common mistake is making decisions that align with your own characterÔÇÖs values without considering how they will affect your companions. For example, if you consistently make altruistic choices, Astarion may disapprove, while Wyll will likely approve. ItÔÇÖs important to balance your decisions to maintain a good relationship with all companions, especially if you want to explore multiple romance options or keep your party cohesive.
Advanced techniques involve using the gameÔÇÖs dialogue system to your advantage. Pay attention to the tone and content of your responses, as companions will react differently based on how you phrase your choices. For example, a sarcastic or humorous response may amuse Astarion but irritate LaeÔÇÖzel. Additionally, using the "Speak with Dead" spell or other abilities to uncover hidden information can provide opportunities to make decisions that align with your companionsÔÇÖ values.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the approval system in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a simplified version of the relationship mechanics found in tabletop Dungeons & Dragons. In the tabletop game, relationships with NPCs are often managed through role-playing and DM discretion, with players earning favor or disfavor based on their actions. BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 translates this into a more structured system, with clear approval triggers based on specific actions and dialogue choices.
In conclusion, while BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 does not have a formal gift-giving mechanic, you can effectively "gift" companions by offering items and making decisions that align with their values and preferences. Paying attention to their personalities, completing their personal quests, and balancing your decisions will help you build strong relationships with your companions. By understanding the approval system and using advanced techniques, you can optimize your interactions and unlock unique story outcomes.