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

Increasing approval with Wyll in Baldur's Gate 3 without losing approval from other companions requires a careful balance of dialogue choices, story decisions, and party management. Wyll is a morally upright character who values heroism, justice, and protecting the innocent. However, some of his ideals may clash with the preferences of other companions, such as Astarion or Lae'zel, who often favor self-interest or pragmatism. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to navigating this dynamic.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval mechanics. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your actions and dialogue choices. Wyll approves of selfless acts, such as helping others, standing up to bullies, and making decisions that prioritize the greater good. However, some of these choices might upset companions like Astarion, who often prefers cunning or self-serving actions. To avoid losing approval with others, youÔÇÖll need to make choices that align with WyllÔÇÖs values while minimizing conflict with the rest of the party.

One effective strategy is to focus on story moments where WyllÔÇÖs approval can be gained without directly opposing other companions. For example, during the Goblin Camp storyline, siding with the Tieflings and Druids will earn WyllÔÇÖs approval, as he values protecting the innocent. While this might slightly lower AstarionÔÇÖs approval, you can mitigate this by avoiding overly altruistic dialogue options in other situations. Similarly, when dealing with the Zhentarim or other morally ambiguous factions, try to take a neutral stance rather than outright opposing them, as this can satisfy Wyll without alienating others.

Another key tip is to bring Wyll along for specific quests where his approval is easier to gain. For instance, during the Save the Refugees quest, Wyll will approve of helping the Tieflings and Druids, while other companions like Lae'zel or Astarion may not care as much. By selectively choosing which companions to bring on certain missions, you can focus on gaining WyllÔÇÖs approval without worrying about the reactions of others. This requires careful party management, as youÔÇÖll need to swap out companions based on the situation.

Dialogue choices are another critical factor. Wyll appreciates honesty, bravery, and a willingness to stand up for whatÔÇÖs right. When speaking with him, choose options that reflect these values. For example, during his personal quest involving Mizora, supporting his desire to break free from his pact will earn his approval. However, be cautious about how you handle this quest, as some choices might upset other companions. To avoid this, try to keep the conversation focused on WyllÔÇÖs personal growth rather than making sweeping moral statements that could alienate others.

ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid common mistakes, such as making overly aggressive or selfish decisions in front of Wyll. For example, siding with the Goblins or making deals with morally dubious characters like Raphael will lower his approval. Similarly, avoid actions that directly harm innocents, as Wyll will disapprove. While these choices might please companions like Astarion, they will create a conflict with Wyll. Instead, aim for a balanced approach that prioritizes WyllÔÇÖs values without completely disregarding the preferences of others.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging the gameÔÇÖs mechanics to maximize approval gains. For example, you can use the ÔÇ£Partial RestÔÇØ feature to trigger companion conversations and approval changes without advancing the story. This allows you to test different dialogue options and see how they affect approval ratings. Additionally, you can use the ÔÇ£Long RestÔÇØ feature to reset certain events and gain multiple approval boosts from the same action. This requires careful timing and planning, but it can be a powerful tool for managing relationships.

In terms of D&D rules, WyllÔÇÖs approval system is based on his alignment and personality traits. As a Warlock with a strong sense of justice, he aligns closely with the ÔÇ£Lawful GoodÔÇØ archetype. This means he values order, fairness, and protecting the weak. Understanding this alignment can help you predict his reactions to various choices. For example, he will disapprove of chaotic or evil actions, such as stealing or betraying allies, while approving of lawful or good actions, such as upholding promises and helping others.

Specific examples of gaining WyllÔÇÖs approval include helping the Tieflings in the Druid Grove, standing up to the Goblins, and supporting his personal quest to break free from Mizora. In contrast, actions like siding with the Goblins, making deals with Raphael, or harming innocents will lower his approval. By focusing on these key moments and making thoughtful choices, you can build a strong relationship with Wyll while maintaining harmony with the rest of your party.

In summary, increasing WyllÔÇÖs approval without losing other companions requires a balanced approach that prioritizes his values while minimizing conflict with others. Focus on story moments where his approval is easier to gain, bring him along for specific quests, and make dialogue choices that align with his ideals. Avoid common mistakes like making overly selfish or aggressive decisions, and use advanced techniques like Partial Rest to manage approval gains. By understanding WyllÔÇÖs alignment and personality, you can navigate the complex social dynamics of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 and build meaningful relationships with all your companions.