How do I increase approval with Lae'zel without losing other companions in Baldur's Gate 3?

Increasing approval with Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3 without losing approval from other companions requires a careful balance of dialogue choices, actions, and party management. Lae'zel is a Githyanki warrior who values strength, decisiveness, and loyalty to her people. However, her straightforward and often harsh demeanor can clash with the more morally flexible or compassionate companions like Shadowheart, Gale, or Wyll. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to navigate this dynamic.

First, understand the approval mechanics. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your choices. Lae'zel approves of actions that demonstrate strength, pragmatism, and a focus on the mission. She dislikes indecision, weakness, or prioritizing others over the groupÔÇÖs goals. To gain her approval, you need to make choices that align with her values, but you must also avoid alienating other companions who may disapprove of those same choices.

One effective strategy is to focus on dialogue and story choices that Lae'zel approves of but that are neutral or less impactful for other companions. For example, during the early interactions with the Tieflings and the Goblins, Lae'zel often approves of aggressive or decisive actions. However, Shadowheart and Wyll may disapprove if you act too harshly. To balance this, choose options that show strength without unnecessary cruelty. For instance, when dealing with the Tieflings who have captured Lae'zel, you can demand her release firmly but avoid threatening or attacking them outright. This approach earns Lae'zelÔÇÖs approval while minimizing disapproval from others.

Another key strategy is to involve Lae'zel in combat situations where her skills shine. She is a Fighter, so she excels in melee combat. Bringing her along for battles and letting her take the lead in fights can increase her approval, as she respects strength and competence. Additionally, during combat, use her abilities strategically to protect the party or deal significant damage, which can earn her approval without affecting other companions.

When it comes to story choices, Lae'zel often approves of decisions that prioritize the mission to remove the tadpole. For example, during the encounter with the Githyanki patrol, siding with Lae'zel and supporting her peopleÔÇÖs methods will earn her approval. However, this can be tricky because Shadowheart and Gale may disapprove of such actions. To mitigate this, ensure that you balance these moments with other choices that align with the values of your other companions. For instance, after siding with Lae'zel in a Githyanki-related decision, you can later make a compassionate choice in a different scenario to regain approval from Shadowheart or Gale.

ItÔÇÖs also important to manage your party composition. If you know a particular decision will heavily favor Lae'zel but displease others, consider leaving those companions at camp temporarily. This way, their disapproval wonÔÇÖt affect their overall approval rating. For example, if youÔÇÖre about to engage in a conversation or event where Lae'zelÔÇÖs approval is at stake, swap out Shadowheart or Wyll for a companion who is less likely to disapprove, such as Astarion, who often shares LaeÔÇÖzelÔÇÖs pragmatic outlook.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging the gameÔÇÖs mechanics to maximize approval gains. For instance, during dialogue, you can sometimes use skill checks to navigate tricky situations. If you have high Charisma or Persuasion, you can often find a middle ground that satisfies multiple companions. Additionally, paying attention to companion-specific triggers can help. For example, Lae'zel has unique dialogue options during her personal quests, and making choices that align with her goals during these moments can significantly boost her approval without affecting others.

Common mistakes to avoid include being overly aggressive or dismissive in dialogue, which can alienate other companions. Also, neglecting to balance your choices can lead to a situation where one companionÔÇÖs approval skyrockets while others plummet. Always consider the broader impact of your decisions and try to find a middle ground when possible.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3ÔÇÖs approval system is a simplified version of the relationship mechanics found in tabletop Dungeons & Dragons. In tabletop, relationships are often roleplayed and managed by the Dungeon Master, but in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, the system is more structured, with clear approval triggers based on dialogue and actions.

Specific examples include the early game interaction with the Tieflings and Lae'zel. If you choose to free her without violence, you can gain her approval while keeping Shadowheart and Wyll neutral. Later, during the Githyanki patrol encounter, siding with Lae'zel but using Persuasion to avoid conflict can earn her approval without alienating others. Another example is during the Goblin Camp, where Lae'zel approves of decisive actions but other companions may disapprove of unnecessary violence. Choosing to intimidate or persuade rather than attack outright can help balance approval gains.

In summary, increasing Lae'zelÔÇÖs approval without losing other companions requires a strategic approach to dialogue, combat, and party management. Focus on choices that align with her values but are neutral or less impactful for others, manage your party composition to minimize disapproval, and use skill checks to navigate tricky situations. By balancing these elements, you can build a strong relationship with Lae'zel while maintaining good standing with your other companions.