How do I recruit Minthara without losing other companions in Baldur's Gate 3?

Recruiting Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 without losing other companions is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. Minthara is a drow paladin of the Absolute, and aligning with her typically involves siding with the goblins against the tieflings and druids at the Emerald Grove. This choice usually results in losing companions like Wyll, Karlach, and potentially others who disapprove of such actions. However, there are ways to recruit Minthara while minimizing the loss of other companions. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics involved. Companions in Baldur's Gate 3 have approval ratings that are influenced by your choices and actions. Siding with the goblins and attacking the Emerald Grove will drastically lower the approval of companions like Wyll and Karlach, often leading them to leave your party. To avoid this, you need to find a way to recruit Minthara without directly engaging in the massacre of the tieflings and druids.

One strategy involves exploiting the gameÔÇÖs mechanics to bypass the negative consequences. Start by progressing through the story until you reach the goblin camp. Engage with Minthara and agree to help her attack the Emerald Grove. However, instead of following through with the attack, you can use a combination of stealth and deception to avoid triggering the event. For example, you can tell Minthara that you will lead the attack, but then avoid going to the grove altogether. This way, Minthara will still be recruitable later in the game without the need to harm the tieflings and druids.

Another approach is to use the gameÔÇÖs dialogue options to manipulate the situation. When speaking with Minthara, choose dialogue options that suggest you are on her side but avoid making any concrete promises. This can keep her interested in joining your party without committing to actions that would alienate other companions. Additionally, you can use the ÔÇ£Knock OutÔÇØ mechanic to temporarily incapacitate Minthara during the goblin camp encounter. This allows you to avoid killing her while still progressing the story in a way that keeps other companions happy.

Important tips and considerations include saving frequently and experimenting with different dialogue options and actions. The gameÔÇÖs branching narrative means that small changes in your approach can lead to different outcomes. ItÔÇÖs also crucial to manage your party composition carefully. Bringing along companions who are more neutral or pragmatic, like Astarion or LaeÔÇÖzel, can help mitigate the negative impact of your choices.

Common mistakes to avoid include making irreversible decisions without fully understanding the consequences. For example, attacking the Emerald Grove directly will almost certainly result in losing Wyll and Karlach. Additionally, failing to explore all dialogue options with Minthara can lead to missed opportunities to recruit her without alienating others.

Advanced techniques involve using the gameÔÇÖs mechanics to your advantage. For instance, you can use the ÔÇ£Disguise SelfÔÇØ spell to impersonate a goblin and gain access to areas without triggering hostility. This can allow you to interact with Minthara and other goblin leaders without committing to their cause. Additionally, using stealth and invisibility can help you navigate the goblin camp without engaging in combat, reducing the risk of negative consequences.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of deception and persuasion skills. High charisma and proficiency in these skills can open up dialogue options that allow you to manipulate NPCs and avoid conflict. The gameÔÇÖs implementation of these rules means that building a character with high charisma and social skills can be beneficial for navigating complex situations like recruiting Minthara.

Specific examples and scenarios include the moment when Minthara asks you to lead the attack on the Emerald Grove. Instead of agreeing outright, you can suggest that you need more time to prepare or that you have other tasks to complete. This can delay the attack and give you more opportunities to find a way to recruit her without harming the grove. Another scenario involves using the ÔÇ£Knock OutÔÇØ mechanic during the goblin camp encounter. By knocking out Minthara instead of killing her, you can keep her alive for later recruitment while avoiding the negative consequences of siding with the goblins.

In conclusion, recruiting Minthara without losing other companions in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic use of game mechanics, and a deep understanding of the narrative consequences. By exploiting dialogue options, using stealth and deception, and managing your party composition, you can achieve this challenging goal and enjoy the unique dynamics that Minthara brings to your party.